CATALOOCHEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Access to one of North Carolina’s most popular wildlife destinations remains limited a year after Tropical Storm Helene devastated parts of the Cataloochee area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The area partially reopened in April, offering the first public access since the storm tore through the valley in September 2024, washing out roads and damaging several historic structures. While visitors can once again reach key spots to see elk and explore the valley’s cultural landmarks, some of the area remains off-limits to vehicles.
Drivers can access Cataloochee via Cove Creek Road, a curvy two-lane route that turns to gravel after just a few miles. Follow the road to the park’s Cataloochee entrance gate and Divide Trailhead. After the gate, travelers go about 2 miles before turning onto the paved Cataloochee Entrance Road.
That section remains open until the parking area and gate at Pretty Hollow Gap Trailhead near Beech Grove School. Along the way, visitors can stop at popular destinations including the Cataloochee Valley Overlook, Beech Grove School and Palmer Chapel — where descendants of former residents gather for a homecoming each summer.
Beyond Pretty Hollow Gap Trailhead, however, the road is closed — washed away by Helene’s floodwaters. The storm washed away culverts, filled the road with boulders and left ruts several feet deep.
There essentially is no road between Beech Grove School and Caldwell Place. Visitors are allowed to walk in the area but should use extreme caution.
And many were doing so Saturday, taking advantage of a warm fall day. They wandered around the old chapel and schoolhouse, took photos at the historic Caldwell Barn and Hiram Caldwell House before setting off on foot toward the parking area at Rough Fork Trailhead.
The open pastures once ideal for elk viewing have grown up over the past year, making sightings more difficult.
“I’ve been here since early this morning and haven’t seen anything,” a man carrying his photography gear late Saturday afternoon said. “I could hear them, but couldn’t see them.”
Pedestrian access is permitted in the area, but the National Park Service warns of unstable terrain and urges visitors to maintain a safe distance from elk and other wildlife.
Several kids appeared to enjoy scrambling across the rocks, while adults in their group made their way more carefully.
People stopped to talk with each other, sharing tidbits they learned from others along the way.
“I heard that they (the elk) were crossing over to the Chrokee side, that you could see them real good over there,” one woman said to a group she met in front of the Caldwell Place.
During rut season — which runs from mid-September through the end of October — male elk are active and vocal, filling the valley with their haunting bugle calls as they compete for mates.
Park officials remind visitors to stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from the animals, keep pets leashed and use binoculars or telephoto lenses instead of approaching wildlife.
A lone female was out in one of the fields on Saturday, though others were likely in the area.
After leaving the area, visitors may also take Cataloochee Creek Road to reach the Jarvis Palmer House, which features museum exhibits on the history of Cataloochee, a large barn and a public restroom across the road.
Visitors planning a trip to Cataloochee should check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the latest road and weather updates.
