Elk rutting, or the elk mating season, has become a rather popular event to behold in the Smoky’s. It’s a time of year when you can see the large bull elk fight one another for the right to mate. Over the past few years, we have watched crowd sizes grow throughout sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky’s is already a bustling park; however, it can be a bit overwhelming during the fall. Mid-September through October is the best time to visit the park. You can see elk at Cades Cove, along Newfound Gap Road (at times), and at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on the Cherokee, NC, side of the park. In addition to those places, our favorite section to catch the elk is the Cataloochee section. Cataloochee is a miniature Cades Cove, just without the crazy crowds. Cataloochee also has homesteads, a church, and even a schoolhouse.
You can never predict when and where elk will be as they roam and do their own thing. However, we have had excellent luck at Cataloochee. The best times are early morning to late evening, especially on hot days, because if it’s hot, they will be in the shade. They like to graze during the more excellent times.
You must be careful if you plan a trip to the Smoky’s for the elk rut! Though elk resemble deer, they are much larger. Some of the bull elk we have seen in the Smoky’s are as big as our cars. They are huge animals, so please keep your distance. ALWAYS, obey park rules; trust us, you don’t want to be the person they throw up on social media as an example of what not to do. Plus, you would not want to get gored by an elk; that would be very painful.
As you venture into the Smoky's to witness the elk rut, remember to savor the experience while respecting the wildlife and your fellow visitors. The sights and sounds of this season offer a unique glimpse into the untamed beauty of nature, making it an unforgettable part of any visit to the park. Whether you're watching from the quiet corners of Cataloochee or amidst the more bustling areas like Cades Cove, take in the magic of fall in the Smoky's—just be sure to keep a safe distance and let the elk rule their domain undisturbed.
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