The Cataloochee Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataloochee is a tucked-away destination and its special beauty offers an appeal to all interests and ages. Bring blankets or folding chairs and a picnic, and set up camp for a long afternoon along the large meadow of Cataloochee Valley to watch for the appearance of the elk herd.

Lace up those hiking boots and venture down some of the interesting trails located within the park boundaries.  Campers will be awed after sundown by the multitude of stars that are visible in the low light of this remote valley. Anglers are sure to enjoy searching out the perfect spot along a rushing creek to land an elusive trout. The equestrian set will appreciate the horse camp and the many trails available.

  • Fishing: Cataloochee Creek and all its tributaries feature an abundant wild trout population. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required within park boundaries and may be acquired at nearby communities or online from North Carolina at ncwildlife.org or in Tennessee at tn.wildlifelicense.com.
  • Camping: a 27-site primitive campground is located in the valley and is open mid-March through October for tents or RVs up to 31 feet. Group camping is available through advanced reservations. Back country camping requires  a permit. For more info, go to recreation.gov.
  • Horse Camp: reservations are required and maybe obtained by calling 877-444-677 or logging onto recreation.gov.
  • Hiking: One of the more popular trails in Cataloochee is the seven-mile loop Boogerman Trail that winds through towering old-growth forests. The Little Cataloochee Trail meanders down an old road that leads past several historical structures.

Getting There
The easiest way to reach Cataloochee is from Interstate 40. Take the North Carolina exit #20 (Maggie Valley) and turn right into Cove Creek Road.

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Smoky Mountain Harvest Moon

Smoky Mountain Harvest Moon is on the rise!

The Harvest Moon will appear in the evening of Thursday, October 1, 2020 reaching peak illumination at 5:05 P.M. EDT.

The Harvest Moon is different from other full Moons because it is not associated with a specific month, as the others are. Instead, the Harvest Moon relates to the timing of the autumnal equinox (September 22, 2020). The Harvest Moon is the Moon that occurs nearest to the equinox. This means that the Harvest Moon can occur in either September or October, depending on how the lunar cycles line up with the Gregorian calendar.

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Bearly 5K Virtual Race Scheduled.

Bearly 5K Virtual Race Scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Each year on the last Saturday in October, bear lovers everywhere come to the Appalachian Bear Rescue headquarters in the Trillium Cove Visitor Center in Townsend Tennessee to set their paws in motion. This year things are a little different and this awesome event will be virtual. We hope everyone will join in the fun keeping the Bearly 5K tradition alive! 

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