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GUNNERS_MOM's avatar
GUNNERS_MOM
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015

Great Smoky Mtn-Cataloochee

We are planning on a trip to Cataloochee in Oct. Of course, we are interested in "elk watching", however, we like to hike. Suggestions for "moderate" hikes would be appreciated. In looking online, I saw a pic of a waterfall, but it has no name or info. Anyone know of a waterfall close to Cataloochee? Any ideas for other interesting things to do while camping there? We don't have an interest in leaving the Cataloochee are as it is a LONG way back to civilization from there. Thanks in advance for any info you may have.

7 Replies

  • Skylark's avatar
    Skylark
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2015
    I do not think you would be happy taking a 28' Fifth wheel in there. I was there this past spring and the entrance road has several switchbacks that have your hair sticking up. The NPS says about 20' is the max. Check it out.
    When we were there, we saw about 25 to 30 elk.
    The entrance is about 1000 ft south of I 40 on Cove Creek Road.

    Looking on the URL, they say 31 ft length.

    Link
  • GUNNERS_MOM's avatar
    GUNNERS_MOM
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    Thanks Coolmom. I actually got reservtions several months ago. After our one day visit a couple years ago and seeing how small the campground was, I decided reservations were a must! Now to decide whether to tent camp or pull the wheelhouse (28 ft 5th wheel). Have to check on the nps website. Not sure what the limits are. I vote tent. I've seen that road! But not sure what DH wants to do. Looking forward to it.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jun 30, 2015
    FYI--Catalooche REQUIRES reservations.

    Check out the GRSM park website for reservation info. Go ahead and do it now!

    Lots of good hiking info on this site, including "by location."

    HIKING IN THE SMOKYS
  • GUNNERS_MOM's avatar
    GUNNERS_MOM
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    Thanks everyone. Roy B, I will let you know after our trip what we find. We visited only once on a day trip to see the Elk but have never actually camped there.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jun 30, 2015
    We too have been to the SMOKY MTNS many many times since the 60s but never too really have camped on that side of the the NATL PARK.

    Our favorite BASE CAMP place is ELKMONT...

    I was just looking at how to gain access to Cataloochee and both directions is really in very unknown territory for us haha...

    Will have to branch out on one of these trips and do some sightseeing in that direction.

    Roy Ken
  • Klueck's avatar
    Klueck
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    There are waterfall hikes all over that area. Once you get there, you will be able to find a lot of literature giving you suggestions for hikes. I don't remember any places in particular, but that area is loaded with great hiking and many have waterfalls of some sort.

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