The Only Place in America Where You Can See Wild Elk East of the Mississippi

You might not know it by driving through Pigeon Forge, but there are Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

They’re only in a few areas, so we recommend taking the drive about an hour southeast from Gatlinburg for the best chance to see them.

Did you know that Eastern elk were completely extinct in the Great Smoky Mountains for over 150 years before their successful reintroduction in 2001? From a small group of just 52 elk, the population has now grown into a thriving herd of approximately 240 animals, with about 200 residing within the national park boundaries.

Best Places and Times for Elk Viewing

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is at the entrance to the national park just outside Cherokee, North Carolina.

The fields around the visitor center are an excellent place to see elk, and the driving time is only about an hour from Gatlinburg.

Normally morning and afternoon are the best time to see them, and you’ve got a pretty high chance of seeing them by showing up then.

On this cloudy and rainy day in April, there was plenty around even mid-day.

If you’re entering the national park for the first time here, it’s a good place to grab a parking pass, which is required for parking more than 15min inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There’s more to see than Elk at Oconaluftee, such as the Mountain Farm Museum.

Tip: If you’re visiting Oconaluftee to see Elk, Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg will take you past a couple other must-see stops like Clingmans Dome (a bit of a detour) and Newfound Gap’s overlook (right on the road).

Smokemont Campground

Just down the road from the visitor center is a Smokemount Campground, where you’ve also got a great chance of seeing Elk.

Cataloochee Valley

Another great place to see Elk is the Cataloochee Valley area, in the park’s southeastern section.

It’s valleys and surrounding mountains make a great backdrop for photos.

Cataloochee Valley is especially significant as it was the original release site where 25 elk were reintroduced in 2001, followed by 27 more in 2002. These elk came from Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Elk Island National Park in Canada. Today, you can observe approximately 150 free-roaming elk throughout the valley, making it one of the prime viewing locations in the park.

Cherokee, North Carolina

Just south of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the town of Cherokee, North Carolina.

This is one of the best areas to see Elk that’s not inside the national park.

We saw several large Elk (including the one below) there next to a convience station, close to the road and not minding the cars or people nearby.

Viewing Times

Elk are most active and visible during early mornings and late evenings. They’re also more likely to be seen cloudy summer days and around storms.

During the mid-day sun, your chances of finding them are pretty low.

Fall’s mating season (September-November) offers increased activity and is particularly exciting for visitors, as bulls can be heard bugling and seen competing for dominance. Winter afternoons are also great for seeing females and calves gathering in the fields.

Elk Reintroduction

Elk were native to the area, but eliminated by hunting in area by the 1800s. The reintroduction of elk into the park in the early 2000s was a successful effort to restore Elk.

Before European settlers arrived, Eastern elk dominated the Appalachian landscape in impressive numbers, with some weighing up to 1,000 pounds. These magnificent creatures were deeply woven into the region’s ecological system and cultural heritage. Native Americans and early settlers relied on elk for food and materials, considering their meat superior to other wild game.

Sadly, by the late 1700s, overhunting began taking its toll. The last elk in North Carolina disappeared shortly after, and by 1880, the Eastern elk was officially extinct. The elk you see today are actually Manitoban elk, a different subspecies that has adapted well to the Smoky Mountains environment.

The reintroduction program faced significant challenges in its early years. Black bears preyed on elk calves, and brain worm from white-tailed deer posed a health threat. Park rangers used monitoring techniques like radio and GPS collars to track the herd’s progress daily, and set up special study areas to understand how elk affected local vegetation.

Viewing Safety Tips

Elk are not only large—females weigh about 500 pounds and males up to 700 pounds—but can also become aggressive, especially when protecting calves or during the rut season (fall).

Bulls can actually grow even larger, reaching weights of up to 800 pounds at maturity.

Never try to touch or feed them. If an elk’s behavior changes because you’re too close, it means you’re too close.

For wildlife viewing etiquette, always maintain at least 150 feet (about 50 yards) from the elk. For photography, bring telephoto lenses and binoculars instead of trying to get closer for a better shot.

Staying by the roadside close to your car is the safest way to see them.

Ecological Impact

Since their reintroduction, elk have become essential contributors to the local ecosystem’s health and diversity. Their grazing patterns help maintain open fields, making movement easier for smaller animals and improving hunting conditions for birds of prey by keeping grasses shorter.

These large herbivores are adapting well to the forest resources, showing impressive gains in body mass and antler size over time. Their presence creates a beneficial balance – they help maintain natural conditions while supporting vegetation regeneration in the park.

Beyond ecological benefits, elk viewing opportunities have boosted local economies by attracting visitors to less-traveled areas of the park, helping support tourism in the region year-round.

Next time you visit the Smokies, consider taking the scenic drive to see these magnificent creatures that have made such a remarkable comeback in the region. Their story represents one of America’s great conservation successes, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.