Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cataloochee (U.S. National Park Service)

Robert Crootof Photo

Palmer Chapel was the only church in Cataloochee Valley.

Highlights: historic buildings, wildlife viewing (including elk)

Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once known for its farms and orchards, today Cataloochee is one of the most picturesque areas of the park.

The challenge is getting there. From most places it requires a fairly long trip on winding, gravel roads. However, the roads are well-maintained and fine for passenger cars.

Directions: The most direct route is to take Cove Creek Road (partially graveled). From interstate I-40, exit at North Carolina exit #20 and travel 0.2 miles on route 276. Turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow the signs 11 miles into the Cataloochee Valley.

A more scenic route (not recommended for RVs) is to take a long winding road, route 32, from Cosby, TN to the Tennessee-North Carolina state border. Here the road becomes gravel. It twists and winds into Cataloochee. (This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness.)

Mileage to Cataloochee:
from Gatlinburg – 65
from Cherokee – 39

Things to do in Cataloochee:

Wildlife Watching: In 2001, elk were released in Cataloochee Valley as part of an experimental program to reintroduce elk to the park. The herd can be seen regularly in the fields of the valley, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Other wildlife commonly spotted include bear, deer, and turkeys.
Self-guiding Auto Tour: Learn about the history of the area, including the Little Cataloochee Trail. The inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet is available in a roadside box near the entrance to the valley.
Historic Structures: You can tour a school, churches, a barn, and several homes in the valley. Five historic buildings are located along the road in the valley. An additional 4 buildings can be reached if you're willing to walk a couple miles down the nearby Little Cataloochee Trail. The Self-guiding Auto Tour booklet provides brief histories of each structure.
Fishing: Pick up fishing regulations at a park visitor center. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish within park boundaries. A fishing license may be purchased in nearby communities or online from the states of North Carolina or Tennessee.
Camping: A primitive campground with 27 first-come, first-serve sites. Open mid-March through October. Tent or RVs up to 31 feet. Group camping is also available.
Hiking: There are many enjoyable trails to hike in Cataloochee. Designated backcountry campsites (camping by permit only) are located along many of these trails.
Horse Camp: Site reservations are required and can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting http://www.recreation.gov

	Cataloochee (9 Photos) Cataloochee Valley offers opportunities for touring historic homesites and for viewing wildlife, including elk. View Album \| View Slideshow

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Cataloochee (9 Photos)