The Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cataloochie Valley

The nation’s most popular National Park is on the very doorstep of Maggie Valley. The Great Smoky Mountains 520,000 acres of pristine mountainous terrain are protected under a national park status.

Haywood County has its own gateway into the National Park via the Cataloochee Valley on the far eastern side of the park. Camping, hiking, trout fishing, tubing, horseback riding and mountain biking are some of the outdoor recreation opportunities the national park has to offer.

The popular and remote Cataloochee Valley (an historical section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) dips into the northeastern corner of Haywood County near Maggie Valley. The classification of Maggie Valley as the ‘Elk Capital of North Carolina’ is well deserved since the Cataloochee Valley is home to approximately 120 head of elk. This provides a favorite destination for many visitors especially at sunset and early morning.

The Cataloochee Valley gravel forestry road is well maintained and used by many visitors who enjoy getting away. This access road into the Great Smoky Mountains is not paved like the Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441) from Cherokee to Gatlinburg,TN.

Cattaloochee Valley makes a great day trip, but remember to take food and supplies into the valley. This area is not to be confused with the Cataloochee Ski resort on the other side of Maggie. To find the Valley, travel Hwy 276 North following signs to I-40. Just before you reach the I-40 entrance take a left on White Oak Road and follow signs to the Cataloochee Valley. The road is gravel for a long way so do not give up too soon.

Take only pictures – Leave only Footprints