Elk Viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Observe These Majestic Animals

The elk of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spend most of their day browsing on grasses and fords in open meadows such as Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum, as well as the Cataloochee Valley. Visit at dawn or dusk to catch them at their most active. Target early summer to see the newly born calves and in September to October for the rut (mating season) when bulls gather cows into large herds and you can hear the elk bugle.

Where to Find Elk in the Smokies

Elk Watching at Oconaluftee

Elk Watching at Oconaluftee

Elk Viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk were once native to the Smoky Mountains but were extirpated from the region over 200 years ago due to overhunting and habitat loss. In 2001, the National Park Service initiated a…

Elk Watching at Cataloochee

Elk Watching at Cataloochee

Elk Viewing in Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk were once native to the Smoky Mountains but were extirpated from the region over 200 years ago due to overhunting and habitat loss. In 2001, the National Park…

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