Cataloochee Campground

An excellent and little known (so forget you read this and don't tell anyone about it) location in the Smokies. I've hiked a number of the trails over 40 years visiting - Mt. Sterling, Boogerman, Little Cataloochee, and others - and there's much to see, learn, and enjoy. Many folks come just for the elk, including lots who drive up and spend the day. Evenings in the fall include plenty of pickup trucks backed up to the fields to watch the elk emerge, graze, and engage in a hoped-for battle over breeding. Remnant and well-preserved settlements as well as 'old-growth' trees are here. Some easy to see as you ease down the road through Big Cataloochee, others you'll have to get out and walk. A beautiful and stunning memorial to the perseverance of the people who pioneered this place and to the indefatigable forces of nature which continue now. My hope is that some of the hemlocks (threatened here and everywhere by the invasive wooly-adelgid) will survive so that future generations will be able to see these magnificent trees in the natural environment.

Beautiful misty mountain evening
We had just completed a 5 day backpacking trip an decided to stay one more night in a front country site. This is a truly exquisite campground, the Elk were in full rut with multiple bulls bugling thruout the valley, this is a magical sound that will raise the hair on even a harden outdoorsman.
Great place

There were many people approaching or getting in close proximity of the elk. The elk patrol needs more help in controlling people’s impetuous actions. The elk class at the post office was wonderful!!! Be sure to check the seal on bought firewood especially at the entrance of the camp road. Just because they are near by doesn’t mean it’s been heat treated. Some of the pines are being affected by invasive beetles.

An excellent and little known (so forget you read this and don't tell anyone about it) location in the Smokies. I've hiked a number of the trails over 40 years visiting - Mt. Sterling, Boogerman, Little Cataloochee, and others - and there's much to see, learn, and enjoy. Many folks come just for the elk, including lots who drive up and spend the day. Evenings in the fall include plenty of pickup trucks backed up to the fields to watch the elk emerge, graze, and engage in a hoped-for battle over breeding. Remnant and well-preserved settlements as well as 'old-growth' trees are here. Some easy to see as you ease down the road through Big Cataloochee, others you'll have to get out and walk. A beautiful and stunning memorial to the perseverance of the people who pioneered this place and to the indefatigable forces of nature which continue now. My hope is that some of the hemlocks (threatened here and everywhere by the invasive wooly-adelgid) will survive so that future generations will be able to see these magnificent trees in the natural environment.

Beautiful misty mountain evening
We had just completed a 5 day backpacking trip an decided to stay one more night in a front country site. This is a truly exquisite campground, the Elk were in full rut with multiple bulls bugling thruout the valley, this is a magical sound that will raise the hair on even a harden outdoorsman.
Great place

There were many people approaching or getting in close proximity of the elk. The elk patrol needs more help in controlling people’s impetuous actions. The elk class at the post office was wonderful!!! Be sure to check the seal on bought firewood especially at the entrance of the camp road. Just because they are near by doesn’t mean it’s been heat treated. Some of the pines are being affected by invasive beetles.

Totally wonderful all kinds of wildlife ,hiking,biking my stay just wasn't long enough . Already looking for dates for this year

Totally wonderful all kinds of wildlife ,hiking,biking my stay just wasn't long enough . Already looking for dates for this year

We love coming here for hiking, history, and getting away from it all with the family. Great trails are everywhere ranging in difficulty. Little Cataloochee Trail and Rough Fork have great sites to see along the way. If going for the elk, please follow the rules for viewing to not spoil the expfor others.

We love coming here for hiking, history, and getting away from it all with the family. Great trails are everywhere ranging in difficulty. Little Cataloochee Trail and Rough Fork have great sites to see along the way. If going for the elk, please follow the rules for viewing to not spoil the expfor others.