Discover the Serenity of Cataloochee Valley
Explore the enchanting Cataloochee Valley, a picturesque haven in the Great Smoky Mountains, rich in history and teeming with wildlife.
Nestled within the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, Cataloochee Valley is a hidden gem that offers stunning vistas, rich history, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the valley is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the mountains. Explore historic buildings, enjoy picnicking by the creek, and witness the majestic elk roaming freely in their natural habitat. This tranquil escape is a must-visit for tourists looking to connect with nature.
A brief summary to Cataloochee Valley
- Cataloochee Creek Rd, Waynesville, North Carolina, 28785, US
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chances to see elk and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by Cataloochee Creek, where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan on hiking, as some trails can be rugged and uneven.
- Don’t forget your camera; the valley offers breathtaking views and abundant photo opportunities.
- Check for any ranger-led programs or events during your visit for an enhanced experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Gatlinburg, TN, take US-441 N (Newfound Gap Rd) and head towards the Smoky Mountains National Park. After about 18 miles, turn left onto NC-284 S. Continue for about 15 miles until you reach the intersection with Cataloochee Creek Rd. Turn right onto Cataloochee Creek Rd. The road is narrow and winding, so take care while driving. After about 5 miles, you will arrive at Cataloochee Valley.
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Car
From Asheville, NC, take I-40 W to exit 27 for US-276 N. Follow US-276 for about 12 miles, then turn left onto NC-284 N. Continue for about 3 miles and turn left onto Cataloochee Creek Rd. Drive approximately 5 miles into Cataloochee Valley. Be prepared for a scenic but narrow road.
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Public Transportation + Car
Take a Greyhound or local bus service to Waynesville, NC. From the Waynesville bus station, you will need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach Cataloochee Valley. The distance is approximately 20 miles. Follow Cataloochee Creek Rd for about 5 miles once you’re on the road to reach your destination.
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Hiking
If you are already in the Great Smoky Mountains and looking for a more adventurous route, consider hiking from nearby trails. However, this requires advanced planning and knowledge of the park's trail system. Ensure you have a map and enough supplies for the hike. Note that this option is for experienced hikers and may require overnight camping.
Discover more about Cataloochee Valley
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jarvis Palmer House
0.1 km
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of the Jarvis Palmer House, a must-see destination in the heart of North Carolina's Smoky Mountains.
Beech Grove School
3.5 km
Explore Beech Grove School, a stunning historical site in Waynesville, NC, where the echoes of the past meet breathtaking natural beauty.
Big Creek Trailhead
12.6 km
Discover the scenic trails and natural beauty at Big Creek Trailhead in the Great Smoky Mountains, a perfect escape for adventure seekers and families.
Bunches Bald Overlook
17.4 km
Explore the stunning Bunches Bald Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views and unforgettable nature experiences.
Lickstone Overlook
17.7 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage at Lickstone Overlook, a scenic gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Old Black
17.9 km
Discover the breathtaking views and vibrant biodiversity of Old Black Mountain Peak, a hidden gem in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains.
Woolyback Overlook
20.1 km
Discover the breathtaking views at Woolyback Overlook, the scenic gem of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Cranberry Ridge Overlook
20.3 km
Discover the stunning vistas and tranquil beauty of Cranberry Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
The Orchards Overlook
22.2 km
Experience the stunning vistas of The Orchards Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Ballhoot Scar Overlook
23.1 km
Discover the stunning panoramic views at Ballhoot Scar Overlook, a breathtaking spot along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway, perfect for nature lovers.
Village of Saunook Overlook
23.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Mountains at the Village of Saunook Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Great Smoky Mountains
26.0 km
Explore the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, a natural wonder filled with diverse wildlife, breathtaking views, and endless outdoor adventures.
Cherokee North Carolina
28.4 km
Discover the enchanting blend of nature and Native American culture in Cherokee, North Carolina, a must-visit destination in the Smoky Mountains.
Messer Cabin
29.4 km
Experience the allure of the 1800s at Messer Cabin, a historical treasure on Porters Creek Trail in Gatlinburg, surrounded by the stunning Great Smoky Mountains.
Charles A Webb Overlook
30.1 km
Experience the breathtaking views and serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains at Charles A Webb Overlook, a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cataloochee Valley - Elk Watching
3.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cataloochee Valley, a premier destination for elk watching in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains.
Bigfoot Statue
3.3 km
Discover the charm of Waynesville's Bigfoot Statue, a captivating tourist attraction steeped in local legend and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Tube World
13.7 km
Tube World in Maggie Valley offers thrilling snow tubing adventures for the whole family amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Mt Cammerer
15.5 km
Discover the breathtaking heights of Mt. Cammerer, a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers in North Carolina's stunning landscapes.
Soco Falls
18.4 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Soco Falls in Maggie Valley, NC, with stunning waterfalls and picturesque hiking trails in a serene natural setting.
Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook
18.6 km
Discover the breathtaking vistas and serene beauty of Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook, a must-visit destination along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway.
Raft Outdoor Adventures
19.7 km
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting surrounded by the scenic beauty of Hartford, Tennessee, at Raft Outdoor Adventures.
Thomas Divide Overlook
20.3 km
Experience the stunning beauty of the Appalachian Mountains at Thomas Divide Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Fork Ridge Overlook
20.5 km
Experience breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty at Fork Ridge Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Max Patch
20.5 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Max Patch, a majestic mountain peak in North Carolina, offering stunning views and serene hiking trails.
Yellow Face Overlook
20.8 km
Experience the stunning vistas of Yellow Face Overlook in Sylva, North Carolina, where breathtaking mountain views await every visitor.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting
20.8 km
Explore the exhilarating waters of the Smoky Mountains with Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting, where adventure and natural beauty collide.
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
20.9 km
Explore the stunning vistas and rich biodiversity at Waterrock Knob Visitor Center along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Waterrock Knob
21.0 km
Explore Waterrock Knob, a breathtaking peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and memorable hiking experiences in North Carolina.
Ramsey Cascades
21.3 km
Discover the breathtaking Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a must-see for every nature lover.
Essential places to dine
Granny's Kitchen
27.1 km
Discover delicious comfort food at Granny's Kitchen in Cherokee – a must-visit buffet restaurant offering hearty American dishes for all appetites.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
27.6 km
Experience the ultimate fine dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Cherokee with sizzling steaks and exquisite seafood amidst elegant surroundings.
All Fried Up
28.5 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at All Fried Up in Cherokee, NC - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
The Rivers and Rails Tavern
33.9 km
Discover Southern hospitality at The Rivers and Rails Tavern in Dillsboro – where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Delauder's BBQ
34.4 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Delauder's BBQ in Gatlinburg – where flavor meets tradition!
Wild Plum Tea Room
34.5 km
Discover the charm of Wild Plum Tea Room in Gatlinburg - where delightful American cuisine meets vegan-friendly options amidst scenic beauty.
Crystelle Creek Restaurant
35.5 km
Experience culinary excellence at Crystelle Creek Restaurant in Gatlinburg - where delicious steak meets breathtaking mountain views.
Split Rail Eats
35.6 km
Experience delectable American cuisine at Split Rail Eats in Gatlinburg - where flavor meets hospitality amidst breathtaking mountain views.
Smoky Mountain Diner
35.8 km
Discover comfort food at its best in Hot Springs at Smoky Mountain Diner—where hearty breakfasts meet warm Southern hospitality.
Red Oak Bistro
36.0 km
Discover Red Oak Bistro in Gatlinburg - where exquisite flavors meet a cozy ambiance in the heart of Tennessee's mountain paradise.
Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant
36.2 km
Experience Southern comfort food at its finest at Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant in Gatlinburg - where every meal feels like home.
Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery
36.6 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery in Gatlinburg – where every meal is an unforgettable experience.
Gatlinburg
36.7 km
Discover Gatlinburg: A charming mountain town famous for gourmet hamburgers and breathtaking views in the heart of Tennessee.
Mama's Chicken Kitchen
37.3 km
Discover Southern comfort at Mama's Chicken Kitchen in Gatlinburg—where every bite of fried chicken feels like home.
The Greenbrier Restaurant
37.8 km
Experience fine dining at The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg - where exceptional steaks and an extensive wine selection await you.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cabbage Rose
13.9 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Cabbage Rose, a charming gift shop in Maggie Valley, perfect for all your souvenir needs.
Jelly Belly's Mountain Gift
13.9 km
Experience the sweetest adventure at Jelly Belly's Mountain Gift, where delightful candies and creamy ice cream await in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Tanglewood Village and Shops
14.0 km
Discover Tanglewood Village and Shops in Maggie Valley, NC, where antiques meet artistry in a charming setting filled with history.
Saunooke's Mill & Shop
25.9 km
Explore Saunooke's Mill & Shop in Cherokee, NC – a treasure trove of local crafts and gifts celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
Great Smokies Gifts
25.9 km
Explore the charm of Great Smokies Gifts, offering unique local crafts and souvenirs in Cherokee, NC - a must-visit for every traveler.
Twisted Sister
27.3 km
Explore Twisted Sister, the enchanting gift shop in Cherokee, NC, where local crafts and unique souvenirs await every visitor.
SPIRIT BEAR Gift shop & souvenirs
28.3 km
Explore SPIRIT BEAR Gift Shop & Souvenirs in Cherokee, NC for unique crafts and authentic gifts that celebrate Cherokee culture.
Traditional Hands Native American Jewelry
28.4 km
Discover the beauty and authenticity of Native American craftsmanship at Traditional Hands Jewelry in Cherokee, NC.
The What's Hot Shop
28.4 km
Discover the essence of Cherokee at The What's Hot Shop, where unique gifts and local crafts await every traveler seeking a piece of the Smoky Mountains.
Smokies Edge
34.5 km
Explore Smokies Edge for unique gifts and local crafts that celebrate the spirit of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Shack @Glades
36.1 km
Discover unique gifts, handcrafted Amish furniture, and charming antiques at The Shack @Glades in Gatlinburg, a must-visit treasure for tourists.
Perfect Essentials
36.2 km
Explore Perfect Essentials in Gatlinburg, TN, for unique handmade gifts, local art, and charming home goods that capture the essence of local craftsmanship.
Kountry Antics
36.2 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures at Kountry Antics, a charming gift shop in Gatlinburg, TN.
Simply Savory Gifts & Gourmet
36.4 km
Discover a gourmet paradise at Simply Savory Gifts & Gourmet in Gatlinburg, where local flavors meet unique gifts for every palate.
The Smoky Mountain Mercantile
36.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at The Smoky Mountain Mercantile, your one-stop shop for souvenirs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Legends Sports Bar And Grill
13.8 km
Discover the ultimate sports bar experience at Legends Sports Bar And Grill in Maggie Valley, where great food meets exciting games in a lively atmosphere.
Native Brews Tap & Grill
25.8 km
Experience the best of Cherokee dining at Native Brews Tap & Grill, where local flavors and a relaxed atmosphere come together.
Creekside Oyster House and Grill
32.2 km
Discover the flavors of the Smokies at Creekside Oyster House and Grill, where fresh seafood meets a cozy atmosphere in Sylva, North Carolina.
The Cut Cocktail Lounge
32.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails at The Cut Cocktail Lounge in Sylva, NC - a must-visit bar for travelers.
Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
32.4 km
Discover Balsam Falls Brewing Co. in Sylva, NC, where craft beer and community spirit combine to create an unforgettable experience.
The Rampant Lion
36.1 km
Experience a slice of Britain in Gatlinburg at The Rampant Lion, where traditional cuisine meets a cozy pub atmosphere.
Sugarland s
39.8 km
Discover the lively spirit of Gatlinburg at Sugarlands, where great drinks and live music create unforgettable memories in the Smoky Mountains.
Tower Bar at Anakeesta
39.8 km
Discover Tower Bar at Anakeesta - a charming bar in Gatlinburg offering breathtaking views, exquisite drinks, and the essence of Southern hospitality.
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
39.8 km
Discover the heart of craft brewing at Gatlinburg Brewing Company, where unique flavors and a cozy atmosphere await every beer lover.
Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville
39.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine and refreshing cocktails at Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville in Gatlinburg.
SHINE SHACK
39.9 km
Experience vibrant nightlife at SHINE SHACK in Gatlinburg, where local brews and creative cocktails create memorable moments.
License to Chill Bar
39.9 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxed ambiance of License to Chill Bar in Gatlinburg, where every meal feels like a mini-vacation.
The Bar At The Top Of The World
39.9 km
Discover breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere at The Bar At The Top Of The World in Gatlinburg, a perfect retreat for tourists.
Boudicca's Celtic Pub
40.1 km
Discover the heart of Celtic culture at Boudicca's Celtic Pub, where traditional dishes and live music create an unforgettable experience in Gatlinburg.
Old smokey barrelhouse
40.2 km
Discover the heart of Gatlinburg at Old Smokey Barrelhouse, where local spirits and Southern hospitality come together in a vibrant atmosphere.
