Cataloochee Valley Tours is a nature-based Eco-Tour Company located in Waynesville, North Carolina at the eastern most boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We are officially authorized by the National Park Service to operate hiking and guide services throughout the entire park under a Commercial Use Authorization Permit.

The company owner is a University of Florida Certified Master Naturalist.  She is also   a certified interpretive presenter and member of the Elk Bugle Corps for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Our goal is to provide you with an in depth personal experience that is sure to be the highlight of your trip to the Smokies.  Our tours are small, no more that five persons, so we can keep a small footprint on the park, while practicing and promoting responsible and ethical wildlife viewing practices.

March through August, male bull elk are growing their impressive antlers.  They can grown up to 1" a day, and weigh as much as 40 lbs.

June is typically the month elk calves are born.  Making July and August excellent viewing times of the calves nursing and frolicking in the meadows.

September & October are an exciting time in the Valley with the beauty of fall foliage and the elk rut which is their breeding season.  This is when you can hear the bull's haunting bugle call and see them sparring for mating rites.

Please carefully review our Waiver & Release Agreement prior to your tour and be ready to sign it prior to tour departure.