Great elk once roamed the region of the Great Smokies and much of North Carolina, but were hunted to extinction in the late 1700s. In 2001, an experimental release of 25 Kentucky elk was made in this remote section of Western North Carolina, the Cataloochee Valley, about a 90 minute drive from Brevard.
The valley is definitely off the beaten track and requires a 10-mile drive on a winding, narrow (often one laned), mostly gravel road that seems much longer than it is. The valley was once the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now the park with a population of 1,200 residents. Once known for its farms and orchards, today it's famous for its dense wildlife. The elk herd was grown to 106, all tagged but free to roam with no fences.
We were fortunate to visit today because it is the middle of the rutting season. The big bulls were constantly busy herding their cows and fending off bachelor intruders. The "season" for an elk cow is a matter of minutes, although it repeats several times during the rut. Consequently, the bull has to be constantly monitoring the condition of his cows so that he can be "Johnny on the spot" when the time arrives. We watched as two bulls were fighting and another bull attempted to move in while the other guys were pushing each other around the valley. It didn't work....timing is everything! So, enjoy these shots and make plans to visit the valley if you visit this region...and especially during September and October.
Brevard NC in October may not have the Elk, but the fall colors are spectacular, and the waterfalls are nearly everywhere. Photo's by Tom Getz who have been faithful friends and customers that purchased some of the finest lots available in our area with Long Range View in Sylvan Heights, Brevard NC.
Comments (2)Subscribe to CommentsComment