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High Country: Elk in Cataloochee Valley

  • September 19, 2026
  • 7:00 AM
  • Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina

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Join the High Country Region for an outing to photograph Elk in the Cataloochee Valley near Cherokee, NC. We will be visiting during the start of the rut season when antlered bulls (males) bugle and fight for domination and the right to breed with the cows. We'll meet at 7am at the parking area near the Chapel. Bring a long lens for closer views of the action (park regulations require keeping a distance of 50 yards of Elk). A second camera or wider lens  is also recommended for capturing dramatic environmental images of the Elk in their surroundings. 

We are grateful to High Country Region photographer Lisa Wilmoth for leading this outing!

Be advised that portions of the road leading to the Valley are unpaved and winding, so plan for some extra driving time for safety. 

Here's a Google Map link showing the route from a waypoint near Waynesville.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQhWKUwv1zyRET7K7

For those wishing to stay overnight before and/or after the outing, Waynesville and Maggie Valley are good options. 

Questions? Email high-country-coordinator@cnpa.org

Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association


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