Frequently Asked Questions:
What is included with the elk eco-tour?
- Round-trip transportation to/from Cataloochee Valley
- Use of binoculars
- Snack and drink; Sunrise tours include coffee & pastries
- Yes, ALL of our tours are private. There is no mixing of guests.
- We time our tours around when the elk are most active, which is at sunrise and before sunset.
- July and August are good times to see elk calves.
- Late August, September and October are good for witnessing the elk breeding season, called the rut.
- camera
- video camera
- comfortable closed-toe shoes
- long sleeve shirt
- long pants
- appropriate jacket/sweater for current weather conditions
- dress in layers
- Yes, advance reservations are required. Our tours are small and private and we book up quickly.
- We book 4 months in advance of requested tour dates.
- We operate out of Waynesville, Lake Junaluska and Maggie Valley North Carolina and try to make the pick up location convenient for all guests.
- We do not have a store front. Pick up locations are determined upon tour reservations.
- If you are staying at a local Inn or Lodge, we may be able to pick you up there.
- We Do Not pick up at private residences or Air B&B's, etc.
- Closest airport is in Asheville, North Carolina, Asheville Regional Airport
- Elk tours are suitable for ages 8 and up.
- Firefly tours are suitable for ages 13 and up.
- Child safety seats are required for children under age 8.
- Reservations canceled more than 24 hours in advance of the tour time will be issued a full 100% refund.
- Reservations canceled less than 24 hours in advance of the tour time will receive a full refund less a $200.00 processing fee.
- Tours that we cancel due to weather conditions will be given a full refund.
- Our tours typically operate rain or shine. However, it is a challenge to get to Cataloochee on a good day, and in the event of severe weather that we would deem hazardous, tours may be canceled. We monitor the weather carefully and would much rather disappoint you by cancelling your tour than taking you on a disappointing tour. Transporting our guests safely to and from Cataloochee Valley is our number one priority.
- All Major Credit Cards/Debit Cards are accepted.
- Electronic payments are made using Square.
- Gratuities are optional, and always greatly appreciated.
- sweet & salty snacks are provided and coffee & pastries on morning tours
- bottled water provided
- you may bring additional food & beverages of your own that are portable, space is limited
- Yes, on our elk tours we usually stop twice, once as we enter the Valley and once on the way out of the Valley.
- Yes, on our firefly tours we stop once, generally around 11:00 PM.
- We operate 2 Eco-friendly Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Sport Utility Vehicles, Black or similar SUV: Seating configuration: 1 person up front, 3 persons in middle row and 2 persons in third row. Please be advised that the third row space is somewhat limited and does require a little extra ability to climb in/out of the vehicle. We generally ask for volunteers to sit in the back.
- We normally do not take more than 4 persons on tour with the exception of our Firefly Tours. We will take larger parties if they are all together in one group or family.
- All tours are non-smoking, non-vaping.
- No pets allowed.
- Our tours are not handicapped accessible.