Sighting map
Elk sightings in Great Smoky Mountains
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Where Elk has been reported, from 900 sightings. Not a live tracker: animals move, and an empty area doesn’t mean there are none. Locations are adjusted to protect the animals, so the pattern is approximate.
Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf appTiming
When to look
| Hour | Share of busiest hour |
|---|---|
| 12 AM | 5% |
| 1 AM | 3% |
| 2 AM | 2% |
| 3 AM | 3% |
| 4 AM | 8% |
| 5 AM | 35% |
| 6 AM | 85% |
| 7 AM | 100% |
| 8 AM | 90% |
| 9 AM | 60% |
| 10 AM | 40% |
| 11 AM | 30% |
| Noon | 25% |
| 1 PM | 20% |
| 2 PM | 25% |
| 3 PM | 35% |
| 4 PM | 55% |
| 5 PM | 75% |
| 6 PM | 95% |
| 7 PM | 100% |
| 8 PM | 85% |
| 9 PM | 40% |
| 10 PM | 15% |
| 11 PM | 8% |
2 more about Elk in the app
- A New Rack Every Year
- Cataloochee Valley Overlook
Where to look
Great Smoky Mountains spots that mention Elk
Places and trails whose Parkwolf guides talk about Elk. A good start, never a guarantee.
Places
Visitor centerOconaluftee Visitor CenterHistory indoors, elk country and an easy river walk outside.
CampgroundCataloochee CampgroundCamp in a remote valley of old homesteads and elk country.
SightMountain Farm MuseumA short walk through farm buildings gathered from across the Smokies.
SightAndrews BaldAn open mountain meadow with a 3.6-mile hike and a steep return.
SightGregory BaldAn open summit of flame azaleas, earned by a long Smokies hike.
SightCaldwell PlaceOld newspaper still lines the walls of this mountain home.
SightPalmer ChapelA small valley church with a big role in Cataloochee's story.
SightJarvis Palmer HouseTwo log cabins under one roof became a Cataloochee homestead.Trails
ChallengingGregory Ridge Trail11.4 mi · 7 hrA steady climb to a grassy bald with wide mountain views.
EasyOconaluftee River Trail3.3 mi · 1.5 hrA gentle river stroll starts beside an open-air farm museum.
ModerateBig Fork Ridge Loop Trail9.3 mi · 5.5 hrRugged 9.3-mile loop with creek crossings and a Balsam Mountain view.
Find Wildlife in Parkwolf
Every sighting map, in your pocket.
- 16 sighting mapsfor Great Smoky Mountains, on the same park map as your route
- Works offlineout where the animals are and the signal isn’t
- 200 audio storiesplay as you drive Great Smoky Mountains, wildlife included
Wildlife
More wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains
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26 sightingsBobcatLynx rufusMost seen 6 AM & 7–9 PMSighting map
42 sightingsRiver OtterLontra canadensisMost seen 7 AM & 6–8 PMSighting map
177 sightingsCoyoteCanis latransMost seen 6–8 AM & 4–7 PMSighting map
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18 sightingsBeaverCastor canadensisMost seen 7 AM & 7 PMSighting map