Elk Alert On Blue Ridge Parkway. The vista at Elk Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is excellent though I wish some of the trees blocking the lower position of the valley could be removed. Cherokee NC The most easily accessible area to find elk is in and around the town of Cherokee at the entrance to the park on Highway 441. Weve never been there and have about a week to enjoy the area. An animal that was extinct in the North Carolina mountains for more than 200 years has reemerged as a potential threat to drivers on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Notice Regarding Visiting the Parkway. Fifty-two elk were reintroduced to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001 and 2002. Posted by Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday October 4 2019 According to the National Park Service elk were decimated in North Carolina by over-hunting and loss of habitat in the late 1700s. Roads and facilities may be closed for a variety of reasons including inclement weather and maintenance. There are two large herds of elk in the Smokies. Beavers elk peregrine falcons and river otters not long ago gone from the Southern Appalachians can now be found along the parkway.
Notice Regarding Visiting the Parkway.
Were planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains from NJ in July. Others that were reduced to low numbers such as wild turkeys and black bears are making a strong comeback. Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together these animals help to restore the biological health of the Blue Ridge Parkway. As part of your planning visit this page to get special alerts and information. One things for sure except for a sunrise dont visit early in the morning if you want to take a photo because the sun will be.