Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee Valley captivates visitors as a peaceful, less-crowded corner of the Smokies where elk sightings are the main draw—especially spectacular during the fall rut. The scenic beauty of this historic cove, particularly with morning fog, creates an unforgettable experience. The narrow, winding gravel access road is consistently mentioned as challenging but manageable for most vehicles, though it gives some drivers pause when meeting oncoming traffic.