Terry W
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
It's truely a awesome, one of a kind place to visit. The 10 or so mile ride getting back to it is a little scary with a lot of sharp turns on a narrow gravel road so drive like you expect a to meet a camper coming around the next bend as you just might. After getting there for me there was nothing not to like. I tent camped but there were other types of campers there as well. Everyone there was friendly and the host lady was very knowledgable and went out of her way to be helpful. I went there to see the Elk and saw lots of them and there were a lot of Wild Turkeys to see as well which suprised me. In the evening and early morning there are lots of Elk to see as they come into the wide open pastures and do their thing even with many onlookers. I went in the fall and the the bulls were frequently bugling. I took lots of pictures of them. There was always several rangers and volunteers around when the Elk were in the fields who were available to answer questions and to protect the public as some visiters seem to think the elk are completly tame but they are not so is best to keep a little distance between yourself and the elk or keep on the opposite side of a vehicle when filming them. Be especially cautious filming bears too as they can cover ground extreamly fast. I didn't see any bear while there but they are certainly in the area. There was a Creek that runs past the campground and if you like the sound of a babbling brook there are several sites close to the creek. If you like to hike there are numerous trails to explore and I believe at least one of them connects to the Appalachian Trail. I would love to go back there again and take some kids as I belive they would love it.
I do plan to go back for sure. Also I should mention Maggie Valley is nearby and worth exploring in your vehicle for it's food, crafts and entertainment.
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