October 19, 2023:
Cataloochee Valley Elk:
On October 10th & 11th, 2023, for the first time in two years, I returned to the Cataloochee Valley to observe and photograph the resident Elk herd during its annual rutting season.
Situated within the eastern part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this picturesque and relatively remote mountain valley is only a 3 hour drive from our Charlotte, NC home.
As on previous visits to Cataloochee, I had a great time, though I didn’t witness any sparring or fighting activity between the numerous Bull Elk present.
There was, however, plenty of impressive bugling, performed by a handful of adult Bull Elk!
Here are several of my favorite images from this Cataloochee Valley visit.
Enjoy!
Stay safe, and have a great day!
