Smokies Plans Prescribed Burn in Cataloochee

Smokies Plans Prescribed Burn in Cataloochee

Friday, October 25, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park fire management officials are planning two 200-acre prescribed burns in the Canadian Top unit adjacent to Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Weather permitting, burn operations could begin as early as Monday, October 28th, and may continue intermittently through early November.

The two burn units are located on Bald Top adjacent to Mathews Branch near the Cataloochee Ranger Station. The units are part of the larger Canadian Top multi-year prescribed fire project where fire managers have been conducting a series of low-intensity, controlled burns to restore the composition and open structure of the oak woodlands that occur on upper slopes and ridges within the site. These fire and drought-tolerant natural communities are important to wildlife and overall ecosystem health which are in decline throughout the Southern Appalachian region.

"One of the goals of the prescribed burn is to improve elk forage and habitat," said Great Smoky Mountain Wildland Fire Module Leader Shane Paxton. “This series of burns will reduce the number of fire-sensitive trees and shrubs while increasing the regeneration of oak and yellow pines along with increasing the cover and diversity of native grasses and wildflowers. Over time, this increase in herbaceous vegetation on the forest floor will improve forage for elk which graze the nearby meadows.”

Roads and trails will remain open to the public throughout the burn operations, although Little Cataloochee Trail may be temporarily closed if fire activity warrants. Visitors should expect to see smoke in the area.

The burn operations will be conducted by park staff and are being funded by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. For more information on the use of prescribed burns in Great Smoky Mountains NP, visit our website at www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/fire-regime.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Volunteers Needed for Bike Patrol in Cataloochee Valley

Volunteers Needed for Bike Patrol in Cataloochee Valley

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers during the increased fall visitation period in Cataloochee Valley, N.C. from mid-September until October 31st. Volunteers will work as a part of a bike patrol program within the Valley and will assist the park by providing traffic control, and visitor information and other assistance as needed.

Cataloochee Valley is a remote mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Park where remnants of early settlements are preserved. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains and natural beauty, and is a popular destination during the fall season due to the beautiful array of tree color and ability to view elk in rut. The increased vehicle traffic to this area makes bike travel an ideal way for park volunteers to assist visitors during this time.

The bike patrol volunteers will rove along the floor of the Valley which is mostly flat with very little change in elevation. The surface of the road is a mix of chip-and-seal and dirt sections. Volunteers will be required to bring their own bicycle and protective riding gear. Interested individuals need to have a reasonable level of fitness and riding experience, and may be offered an opportunity to be trained in CPR/First Aid.

Rovers are needed during the hours of highest visitation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for 4 hour shifts. Typical hours will be from 4:00 pm until just before dark.

If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information about the program, please contact Park Ranger Pete Walker, at (828) 506-1739.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Exploring the Cataloochee Valley

Exploring the Cataloochee Valley

Friday, July 13, 2012

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Cataloochee is a beautiful, fairly remote valley nestled on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known today for the elk reintroduction program, Cataloochee was once a farming community complete with a school, church, post office, and store. Of the nearly 200 structures that once stood in Cataloochee, only a handful remain. This is the park's best remaining example of historic frame construction.

Explore this relatively little visited part of the park with the Great Smoky Mountains Association. Hattie Caldwell Davis was born in Cataloochee and shares some of her memories and knowledge of its history in this video:


© GSMA 2012. All rights reserved.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Closures in the Smokies during elk calving season

Closures in the Smokies during elk calving season

Thursday, April 26, 2012

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The latest edition of the Cub Report from the Great Smoky Mountains Association is reporting that all fields in the Cataloochee Valley, and the field east of US Hwy. 441 between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the fields at Couch's Creek and along Tow String Road, are closed to pedestrian and horse traffic during the months of May and June as a result of this being the elk calving season.

During calving season, newborn calves are often bedded down in the tall grass area of the fields. Closing the fields prevents inadvertent contact between visitors and calves, which could lead to disturbance of the calf and or an attack by the mother elk.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Viewing the Elk Rut

Viewing the Elk Rut

Friday, September 9, 2011

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The elk mating season, better known as "the rut", has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, which means that the best time to view elk in the park is between now and the next couple of weeks (usually from September to early October).

In 2001 and 2002, 52 elk were reintroduced as part of an experiment to determine whether they could re-populate the lands within the Smokies after a nearly 200-year absence. These original elk populations were transfers from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

Since then, the elk population in the park has grown to an estimated 125 animals.

The best places to see elk in the Smokies during the rut are in the Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The best times for viewing are early in the morning and just before sunset.

The elk rut is characterized by the loud bugling noise made by adult males. The typical bugle call of a bull elk is a distinctive sound that begins deep and resonant, and becomes a high pitched squeal before ending in a succession of grunts. Elk males use a combination of bugling and aggressive behavior in an attempt to establish dominance over other males in order to attract females. Their calls can be heard from more than a mile away.

With hormones raging during this time period, gigantic battles among competing males are common. Large bulls use their antlers to intimidate and spar with other males. Most encounters are ritualistic and involve little physical contact; only occasionally do conflicts result in serious injuries to one or more combatants.

If you plan on viewing this incredible spectacle, be sure to bring binoculars. Also, stay a safe distance away from all elk. Males are extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

To get an idea of what the typical behavior of elk is during the rut season, including the distinctive bugle call, check out the video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association:


© GSMA 2010. All rights reserved.













Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Elk in the Smokies Program

Elk in the Smokies Program

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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The Smoky Mountain Field School will be offering a program next month that will provide visitors with the chance to learn about the experimental elk release in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Attendees will view elk and their behaviors during the mating season, hear bugling, and learn how researchers track and monitor elk in the Smokies.

The course instructor will be Joe Yarkovich, a Wildlife Management/Elk Research Coordinator for the National Park Service. Joe has spent time working on wildlife projects in Sequoia National Park, Santa Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, various Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, and has played an instrumental part with the Smoky Mountains elk program as well.

The program will take place in the Cataloochee Valley, and will run from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Saturday, September 24, 2011. The cost will be $49. For more information, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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The Cataloochee Valley

The Cataloochee Valley

Friday, July 15, 2011

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Interesting (artistic?) video of the Cataloochee Valley by Matt Brass. Apparently he and his buddies recently spent a few days camping in the southeastern portion of the Smokies when they shot this:

Cataloochee (GSMNP) from Matt Brass on Vimeo.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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The rut is on in the Great Smoky Mountains

The rut is on in the Great Smoky Mountains

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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The elk mating season, better known as "the rut", has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means that the best time to view elk in the park is between now and the next couple of weeks (usually from September to early October).

In 2001 and 2002, 52 elk were reintroduced as part of an experiment to determine whether they could re-populate the lands within the Smokies after a nearly 200-year absence. These original elk populations were transfers from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

Since then, the elk population in the park has grown to an estimated 125 animals.

The best places to see elk in the Smokies during the rut are in the Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center; and the best times for viewing are early in the morning and just before sunset.

The elk rut is characterized by the loud bugling noise made by adult males. The typical bugle call of a bull elk is a distinctive sound that begins deep and resonant, and becomes a high pitched squeal before ending in a succession of grunts. Elk males use a combination of bugling and aggressive behavior in an attempt to establish dominance over other males in order to attract females. Their calls can be heard from more than a mile away.

With hormones raging during this time period, gigantic battles among competing males are common. Large bulls use their antlers to intimidate and spar with other males. Most encounters are ritualistic and involve little physical contact; only occasionally do conflicts result in serious injuries to one or more combatants.

If you plan on viewing this incredible spectacle, be sure to bring binoculars. Also, stay a safe distance away from all elk. Males are extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

To get an idea of the typical behavior of elk is during the rut season, including the distinctive bugle call, check out the video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association:



© GSMA 2010. All rights reserved.













Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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The Cataloochee Valley

The Cataloochee Valley

Monday, June 14, 2010

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As mentioned last week, my wife and I recently made are first foray into the Cataloochee Valley on the far eastern end of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you've never been there, it might be because it's a little difficult getting to. For one, not being near any of the major tourists centers, Cataloochee is in a fairly isolated location. Secondly, you have to drive at least 3 miles (9 if coming from Big Creek) on a winding, dirt/gravel road. Although it's a little rough with washboard in places, it's still passable for two-wheeled passenger cars if you take it easy.

There are a lot of similarities between Cataloochee and Cades Cove. The most striking similarity are the large grassy meadows:


Another similarity between the two areas of the Park are the historical structures, such as the Palmer Chapel:


..... or the Caldwell House, built in 1906 by Hiram Caldwell, a descendant of the first settlers in Cataloochee who came to the valley in 1834:


Cataloochee is also home to some of the largest trees in the Park. According to the Volume 2 #1 issue of Smokies Life Magazine, the Cataloochee Valley is home to three Eastern Hemlocks that stand more than 170 feet in height. Below is a photo of two very large trees we found on the Boogerman Trail. Although the picture doesn't quite do it justice, the tree on the left requires at least two adult males to stretch their arms in order to reach completely around it:


If you hit the trail in Cataloochee you'll find even more history. We "discovered" these very impressive stone walls on the old Carson Messer homestead, located on the Boogerman Trail just east of the (second) Caldwell Fork Trail junction:


Cataloochee is perhaps most famous for the elk that now roam the valley after being reintroduced to the Park in 2001. A great time of year to visit is in the fall during the rut season when mature bulls bellow out loud calls, also known as bugling, that can be heard for miles.

We were only able to spend a few hours in the valley on this latest visit, however, I hope to return soon and spend a lot more time exploring the area in more depth.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Little Cataloochee Trail expected to be closed today

Little Cataloochee Trail expected to be closed today

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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Last week park managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to conduct a series of controlled burns in the Cataloochee Valley area near Maggie Valley.

The first burn is scheduled to begin today. As a result, the Little Cataloochee Trail may be closed today and tomorrow. Weather conditions will determine if the fire can be conducted. If you plan to hike in this area, you should plan an alternative hike in the event that the trail is closed when you arrive.

If wishing to hike in that area of the park today or tomorrow, check with the park website for the latest information.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Noted Author to Present History of Cataloochee

Noted Author to Present History of Cataloochee

Saturday, April 10, 2010

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host author Hattie Caldwell Davis on Saturday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Ms. Davis was born in Cataloochee Valley and attended the Beech Grove School. She has written four books about life in Cataloochee: Reflections of Cataloochee Valley and its Vanished People in the Great Smoky Mountains; Step Back in Time to See Historic Cataloochee Valley of the Elk; Historic Cataloochee Tour Guide; and Civil War Letters and Memories from the Great Smoky Mountains. She will be available to sign books, which can be purchased at the center’s bookstore, and talk with visitors about her life in Cataloochee and the history of the people in the valley.

Ms. Davis’ written works detail life in Cataloochee Valley from 1834-1934. She tells family stories of how her ancestors settled in the valley, how they lived, and of the heartbreak of having to leave Cataloochee for the establishment of the park. She also describes the scenery when Cataloochee was a farming settlement, the virgin forests and the animals that once roamed the area, but later vanished, such as the panther and wolf. Her books include a number of historic photographs that help tell the stories of the people of Cataloochee Valley.

Contact the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828-497-1904 for additional information.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Smokies recruiting for "Elk Bugle Corps"

Smokies recruiting for "Elk Bugle Corps"

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteers-in-Parks program once again is enlisting volunteers to assist with managing people and elk in Cataloochee Valley, N.C.

The "Elk Bugle Corps" program assists park rangers with providing visitor information on responsible elk viewing practices and elk behavior and to help with parking and traffic management. Last year, the group of volunteers totaled some 80 persons from around the area. They donated over 7,000 hours of service and spoke with over 85,000 visitors. Many of these volunteers are returning, but there is a need to replace a number of volunteers who are moving on to other opportunities this summer. The Park’s goal is to recruit and train new volunteers who can commit to assisting on a recurring basis.

Each volunteer is asked to work at least two scheduled, four hour shifts per month starting the second week in May and continuing through November. This target period is during high visitor use from late spring during the elk calving season through the end of the fall color and elk mating seasons. The program’s greatest need is for volunteers to work the afternoon shifts which will run from approximately 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer. Although elk are not as active at this time of day, Cataloochee Valley is still relatively busy and the volunteers have the opportunity to spend more time with individual visitors.

Cataloochee Area Park Ranger Mark LaShell commented, "We feel the program is a win-win situation. We continue to receive positive feedback from the Cataloochee volunteers who enjoy working in such a beautiful mountain valley and from visitors who receive a better experience having these volunteers to interact with in an otherwise remote area with no personal services."

For persons interested, two informational meetings and new volunteer orientation sessions will be held in Cataloochee Valley at the ranger station on April 15 and 17, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All potential volunteers will be required to attend one of the orientation sessions as well as one full day of training during the last week of April and the first week of May. Anyone who is interested in volunteering and attending one of the orientation sessions is asked to email Ranger Mark LaShell or phone (828) 269-3161 (email is preferred).


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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The rut has arrived in the Smokies

The rut has arrived in the Smokies

Monday, September 22, 2008

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The elk mating season, better known as the rut, has arrived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This means that the best time to view elk in the park is between now and the next couple of weeks.

The best places to see elk in the Smoky Mountains are in the Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and the best times for viewing are early in the morning and just before sunset.

The elk rut is characterized by the loud bugling noise made by adult males. The typical bugle call of a male bull elk is a distinctive sound that begins deep and resonant, and becomes a high pitched squeal before ending in a succession of grunts. Elk males use a combination of bugling and aggressive behavior in an attempt to establish dominance over other males in order to attract females.

With hormones raging during this time period, gigantic battles among competing males are common.

If you plan on viewing this incredible spectacle, be sure to bring binoculars. Also, stay a safe distance away from all elk, as males are extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

This is a key time period for elk in the Smoky Mountains. The introduction of the elk back in 2001 is still considered to be an experiment, which will be expiring later this year. At that time, the University of Tennessee will provide the park with research information to help determine whether the experiment failed or succeeded. Ultimately, this will decide whether the elk stay or go. Please click here for information.

Below is an excellent 2 minute video highlighting the typical behavior of elk during the rut, including the distinctive bugle call. This footage was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2006.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Smokies elk population continues to grow

Smokies elk population continues to grow

Friday, September 12, 2008

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I just received my copy of the fall issue of the Smokies Guide in the mail yesterday. One of the lead stories was a report on the elk population in the park. The article stated that the elk population has grown to 95, and the animals have spread from the Cataloochee Valley. There are now reports of individuals or groups of elk in Oconaluftee, Cosby, Balsam Mountain, White Oak, the Cherokee Indian Reservation and up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Elk were reintroduced to the park in February of 2001. Originally, 25 were transplanted to the Cataloochee Valley from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Another 27 were added in 2002 from Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada.

The program was originally set-up as a five year experiment to ensure that elk could survive in the area on their own. Because the elk population failed to grow during the original five-year period, the experiment was extended another three years. Researchers didn’t have enough data on elk movements, mortality and human interaction to support a long-term decision at that point.

The extended experiment will expire later this year. At that time, the University of Tennessee will provide the park with research information to help determine whether the experiment failed or succeeded. Ultimately, this will decide whether the elk stay or go.

However, at a public meeting earlier in the year, Great Smoky Mountain National Park Wildlife Manager Joe Yarkovich said "I will say unofficially that it's a success. We're looking pretty good. We've finally got the number of animals we wanted. We’ve got a ton of public support. Calves are hitting the ground and surviving. We're in pretty good shape for the future."

Keeping elk in the park is important on many levels. Not only are they a draw for visitors, but they help to complete the natural ecosystem in the Smoky Mountains.

There was one other piece of news that I thought was pretty interesting. Over the next couple of years, the Cades Cove Loop Road will be repaved. The article didn’t give a specific timeframe, but this is great news. This will make bicycling on road bikes much more enjoyable.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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