13 Prettiest Places to Take Engagement Photos in the U.S. Attractions & Entertainment Appalachian Farm Weddings Qualla Road, Waynesville 828-400-9800 B & C Winery The course is 68 par, with incredible views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and community. From downtown Cherokee, Soco Falls is 10 miles on your right.You will see a small blue sign on US 19 just before the parking area. The stretch of U.S. Route 19 that passes through the small town of Maggie Valley offers access to charming accommodations, live entertainment venues, skiing and tubing, a museum, and a brewery. If youre looking for a relaxing, peaceful destination to unwind, book a stay at a Maggie Valley vacation rental. Maggie Valley Festival Grounds might be some of the most beautiful festival grounds with the Great Smoky Mountains as the backdrop. Great Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley. How this article was written: Our team, Come along with me as I introduce you to some of the best restaurants this in Jackson, Michigan - I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Carvers seems to hold the town together with their group holiday dinners, and warming breakfasts. There are so many fun things to do in Maggie Valley NC. Get in on the action as audience participation in line dances is encouraged. 1. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You will love fishing with these guys. Most folks come to western North Carolina in hopes of seeing a few bears. But Maggie the mascot is modeled after resident Jennie Reninger who used to surreptitiously pick up trash on the ground in the early morning or evening hours. If you find it hard to choose, the owners are friendly enough to suggest you the best. It is rich in natural diversity, mountain peaks, and wildlife. Popular items include their bath and body products, jewelry, clothing, and home decor. The pier extends 40 feet out into the water. Unaged corn whiskey is code for moonshine made last week, and its one of the delicacies North Carolina is famous for. Start Summer with 50% Off Outside+, Ends June 1. It is an engaging and family-friendly game zone. Read on for our guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC, including Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, Stompin' Ground, Soco Falls, and more! Rubies and Sapphires are commonly found along with other local gems. Then every July, the famous festival showcases global talent with events all around Maggie Valley, and nearby Waynesville. 3 chair lifts can bring you to the top, and there are also 2 carpet lifts. Address: 4309 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. One of the most popular activities with resident and locals is walking or running on the walking trails. The Wheels Through Time Museum is a quirky place to be. Visitors are welcome to bring their own boats, but Lake Junaluska also provides canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals. For those who enjoy old-fashioned ice cream in a warm waffle corn, make time in your plans for a stop by Jack the Dipper in Waynesville. It is interesting to have a conversation with them over a glass of wine. No matter where you go or what you do in Maggie Valley, you're guaranteed to experience the true definition of Southern hospitality. Chris and Friends Antiques and Uniques. Weekly pool passes can be purchased at the recreation hut for $25/person. Snowboarders are welcome here and might enjoy the Cat Cage, a fully equipped terrain park. Known for its old-fashioned vibe, motorcycle rallies, bluegrass and clogging, and plenty of mountains to hike, there truly are so many things to do in Maggie Valley. "The point", as it's often called, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, maintained by volunteers. Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms is an indoor adventure spot in the town. 17+ Fun NoDa Breweries in Charlotte NC & Craft Beer Nearby, Hiking Near Charlotte NC 33+ Amazing Options for 2023, 59+ Fun Things to do in Charlotte NC in 2023 | Events & More, 2 Fun Lake Norman Beach Options + Maps & Boat Ramps. Maggie Valley's Rock Shop & Gem Mine feature Blue Earth Traders gems and minerals. Since Maggie Valley is a mountain vacation destination, this means there must be some beautiful and authentic lodges and cabin rentals to enjoy in the area. Linville Caverns Address: 19929 US 221 North, Marion, NC 28752 Phone: 828-756-4171 Hours: Thurs - Mon, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Entry Fee: $12.00 per adult, $10.00 per child (5-12), $11.00 for age 62+ Official Website Tube World offers snow tubing for everyone, from mid-December to March, depending on weather conditions. If youre in town for a business retreat, this site also rents space for seminars and corporate events. The road is long and is lined with greenery. Through places like the antique shop, the Soco Tower, or the motorcycle museum, you can learn so much about the history of the area along with the people who have lived here for so long. If you visit in early summer, you can see calves taking their first steps while early fall offers you the opportunity to see mating season. Larry has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and journalist, and has established himself as a leading voice and expert for Blue Ridge Mountains. Youll find all kinds of things like pottery, paintings, photography, handmade clothing, soaps, and seasonal items. The city indeed is alluring, but this park has a magic of its own. Address: 3253 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. The entire trail is paved, and for the most part flat. It is one of the recommended activities you must enjoy while in Maggie Valley. From 1-40: Take exit 20 towards Maggie Valley. Innovation Brewing in Sylva. Address: 4352 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. For one day the festival includes the annual fundraiser, raffles, music vendors, and of course, award-winning bluegrass musicians playing live all day long. For more information, visit Haywood Countys website visitncsmokies.com. Address: 91 North Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. Many of these festivals have made quite the name for themselves over the years, and continue to thrive year after year. Stopped in at the visitor center in Maggie Valley where the staff provided me with a map. During the 80s and 90s, the elk population was rapidly declining and dying off, so 52 elk were released into this area in 2001 in hopes that they would grow and thrive, and they certainly did! Maggie Valley offers independent and locally owned shops, specialty boutiques, antiques, and handmade crafts. Admission is free. There is a full-service club house, WiFi, and and pro-shop. Carver's Maggie Valley Restaurant And Rv Park 4.3 (53 Votes) Soco Falls 4.7 (51 Votes) US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA. Smoky Mountain Jumphouse is an inflatable play center filled with several inflatable bouncers' for children to jump and play on. Be prepared for a wait. 0.1 Miles 93% 258 votes 2 Soco Falls The Assembly, refers to these as "places of meditation and reflection", and they really are. You can even rent a refurbished caboose train car for your accommodations. A double waterfall featured on the Cherokee Nation, Soco Falls is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. For stunning and unique rooms, the historic Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast in Waynesville provides cozy accommodations and is close to many attractions. After your hike, pile the kids into the car to take a ride down the turnpike toward one of Maggie Valleys great natural jackpots: Soco Falls. It is a vintage town with an aesthetic vibe to it. With hiking trails near Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Clyde, a great hike in the Smoky Mountains is simply a few short steps away. It is a quaint town with a cheerful aura. This is the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family and enjoy some old mountain music. The first item on most visitors to-do lists, after settling into their vacation rentals in Maggie Valley and maybe taking a nap, is to get out and enjoy the natural grandeur of the towns surroundings. In the center of Maggie Valley, Parham Memorial Park serves as a great resting place, or a fine place to stop and have a picnic. You can sit back and relax; meditate if you like. Just above the cross, and adjacent to the Lambuth Inn, is the most scenic view in Lake Junaluska, Inspiration Point. Both walking trails will take you lakeside, all around the lake, and past many of the popular things to do and see at Lake Junaluska. Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. 1. Up to 42% Off Festivities at Western N.C. BBQ Festival, Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum. Located on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Maggie Valley is a short drive to the gorgeous Cataloochee Valley section of the park and the quaint town of Waynesville, North Carolina. It is the most scenic spot in Maggie Valley. It is one of the largest bike rallies in the Smoky Mountains featuring bike tours, prize-winning bike games, and bike shows. Cities near Maggie Valley. If youve ever wished you could have attended a real barn dance, but you didnt grow up on a farm and you never learned how square dancing works, Stompin Grounds is ready to take you in and show you the path to righteousness. The guides are knowledgeable and offer accurate insights. The area is nice and the tubing area is not too big but just enough for kids to have some fun! There are so many fun things to do in Maggie Valley NC. Admission is free to lodging guests and Junaluska membership holders. The hike is considered moderate for the rapid elevation change, however, the views are unlike any other and worth the hike. Keep reading if you're ready to plan your next visit to Maggie Valley! Maggie Valley Wellness Center has a stunning natural location to help you rest and unwind. Ceramics for use, display, and fine art are all available in a wide variety of glaze combinations. more. Dont miss Maggie Valley Carpet Golf and Dales Wheels Through Time Museum. Cataloochee Cataloochee Palmer Chapel was the only church in Cataloochee Valley. Robert Crootof Photo A variety of historic buildings have been preserved in the valley, including two churches, a school, and several homes and outbuildings. For most of the year, Carpet Rose is a fine, perfectly normal local gift shop. The oldest and largest rally in the Great Smoky Mountains takes place on three separate weekends throughout the year. You may learn something new about the town, or find something you like. The Soco craft store is the base of the Soco Tower which reaches 9 stories up into the air for one of the most photographed views in the Smokies. Prefer to Camp? 1. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cataloochee Valley is an excellent place to enjoy winter activities. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK. You can also head over to the Cataloochee Valley area of the park and see the elk, which have been successfully reintroduced into the park. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Blue Ridge Mountains Discover the Beauty, Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible Waterfalls. Ski rental included. Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip from Naples all inclusive, Self-Guided Full Day Round-trip From Bergen, Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour. For just 50 cents you are allowed to walk up the stairs to reach the top and take in the panoramic views. 10 guests For breakfast and lunch, visitors and locals come to Pops. This is the best place in the park to see historic frame buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 1. Slinging in the Smokies is the only location in Maggie Valley where you can rent a slingshot. It is a beautiful store with intriguing items to shop for. Pop himself is often found bussing tables and greeting customers. The town has done an excellent job of preserving its flora and fauna. The restaurants in Maggie Valley are just what you might think when you think of a small, close-knit mountain town. The trail starts right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420, making it very accessible. With huge, mountain-man-sized portions and an almost steampunk-level dedication to brass and steam boilers as decor, this updated, fully-modern restaurant manages to capture the look and feel of an old mountain camp from Maggie Valleys early days. Lake Junaluska Overlook in Cherokee. At Tube World, youll find 12 professionally groomed and maintained tubing lanes. The Labyrinth at Lake Junaluska, is of course a great place to meditate, pray, enjoy the view, or just to let the kids follow the path. Read more about us here. Near your vacation rental in Maggie Valley, the Elevated Mountain Distilling Company keeps the local tradition alive with a fully modern facility, daily tours, and if you brought your ID samples of authentic mountain popskull for the over-21s in your group. The pool is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day, each year. They have trainers appointed who will guide you the best they can. Park. The owner is really friendly and a wealth of knowledge about the history and story behind each piece. The hike is moderate, with slight elevation gain and some rock scrambling, but it is an excellent hike to do all year round. It was a similar experience for Caden, who worked in IT project management for ten years before following his father's lead and joining him behind the wheel. Live bands fuel the night, as couples dressed in frilly skirts and country garb gather together. Chimney Rock State Park is located in the area of Hickory Nut Gorge, just east of Lake Lure in the corner of Rutherford County. Elevated Mountain Distilling Company is the best place to satisfy your liquor cravings. There are VIP parties, prize competitions, food trucks, drinks, auctions, and more. Mingo Falls is one of the waterfalls inside the park. For two days in July, the Hillbilly Jam brings loads of entertainment, bluegrass music, and shows to the area. The historic Lambuth Inn and The Terrace hotel both offers spectacular views and high end service. After a day full of excursions, you will love this route's calm ambiance. Visitors are welcome to watch the potters at work in the throwing room. 1. The first item on most visitors' to-do lists, after settling into their vacation rentals in Maggie Valley and maybe taking a nap, is to get out and enjoy the natural grandeur of the town's surroundings. Maggie Valley is one of those small towns. It is a suitable place to get away from the noise of the bustling city. Ready for a great breakfast, make sure to stop by for some creative pancakes and comfort food at Joeys Pancake house, which is a circa-1966 daytime diner. At the Cataloochee Guest Ranch sign up for a ridge top tour that winds through forest trails, rhododendron tunnels, and creeks. On nice spring day on Monday in May, the course is busy but overall the pace of play is very good. Each trip includes plenty of time for photography. Address: 2843 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. Antique Shops. Whether you are looking for a laid-back ski day, or youre looking for ski lessons for the kids, there is no better way to spend a snowy winter day than riding down the mountain. In the Western North Carolina mountains, you will find unique small towns, interesting attractions, and all kinds of history. Clothes-shopping may not be the first item on a tourists itinerary, but visitors to Maggie Valley all have to make the pilgrimage to Seven Silver Seas to at least browse the quirky, whimsical collections they keep on the rack. Here are a few of those festivals that have become staples in the community. There are several flavors you can experiment with and take home your favorite one. so really not worth it . Two couples shared an adequate but not elegant condo overlooking the course, for two nights, which included golf. Here, you'll find a wide range of healing services from massages to yoga to acupuncture to medical massages and mani-pedis. 9 guests All machines can only be rented by those at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. The Lake is gorgeous, and full of wildlife, including fish, turtles, and plenty of birds. Square dancing and line dancing are also popular here. There are so many fun thingsto do in Maggie Valley NC. For three weekends during the summer and fall, the festival grounds hold Maggie Valleys largest gathering of artisans and crafters to sell their handmade items. They will suggest items that resonate with your style. The area has a calm and relaxed feel to it. Barbeque fans will enjoy Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ of Waynesville along with the legacy of their famous Firehouse sauce. As always there is local food and drink available. Enjoy this Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour HERE. For everyone else, it provides stunning views, and a great place to sit, relax, reflect, meditate or pray. It provides an unparalleled view of the cross, lake, nearby mountains, and sky. Harrah's Casino, I lost a big fish but it was my fault. Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC Guide Dale's Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum At Elevated Mountain Distilling Co., you can tour the distillery that produces small-batch spirits and then enjoy the full-service bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Located amid the city, it is a serene spot. Resting on the porch with a hot toddy is relaxing, but sooner or later everybody needs a little intellectual stimulation. You'll be in awe of it the moment you see it. Joey doesn't share food but tosses a perfect pancake! Located in Haywood County, Maggie Valley is just 45 minutes from Asheville, so it makes for the perfect getaway or day trip. For all kinds of handmade goods, luxury items, and unique gift ideas, you will want to stop at Cabbage Rose. He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. Smoky Mountain also features an 18 foot slide and an inflatable obstacle course. Whitewater rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City. This quirky but fantastic location is a great place to visit with kids. Allow the Lake Junaluska staff to service you, while you relax and enjoy the gorgeous lake views. Residents of Maggie Valley do not let the snow stop them from getting out and having fun. After your ride, swing by The Wheels of Time Museum to see a collection of rare American vintage motorcycles. Up Highway 19 from Maggie Valley, just off of exit 20, Different Drummer Pottery offers visitors a unique look behind the curtain of an authentic artisans shop. A few rules before you visit: Bow to your partner, promenade and bow again; swing her high, swing her low, then do-si-do in through the door. 3 bedrooms, House The museum is dedicated to vintage motorcycles, accessories and paraphenalia. Its a nice place to go fishing or take a small walk. The attraction is mainly known for providing skiing, snowboarding, and tubing opportunities. For those looking for local goods head to Downtown Waynesville for a plethora of art galleries, wonderful people, and unique shopping experiences like Mast General Store. While you are visiting this area you must stop by, take a picture, and grab a souvenir. Elevated Mountain Distilling Co. brings traditional whiskey spirits to the area but also offers full bar with beer and wine options as well. You will never see anything like what they have here at the museum in the mountains. There are over 150 official trails in the 500,000 acres that make up the park. You can learn more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping here. It also includes other memorabilia, artifacts, and classic cars to peruse. My husband drove the 4 seat Maverick and loved every mile of the drive. Maggie Valley is named after the daughter of Jack Setzer who successfully requested in 1890 that a post office be built closer to town. Contact Cataloochee Valley Tours for an unforgettable nature hike. There are over 300 motorcycles in the institution's permanent collection. Dates/Times: July 21-22, 2023 from 10 am to 10 pmWebsite. Search for clues to solve the mystery that unlocks each room, and see if you can beat the timer to win a coveted spot on the public leaderboards. Gas powered boats are not allowed, but trolling motors are. The parkway is a long and famous road that stretches for 469 miles and takes 12-13 hours to drive in its entirety but simply driving short sections of it is wholly worthwhile. Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum 1,440 Speciality Museums By RTEjr This is a living, breathing, kick-start into American motorcycle history. The top is a great place to hang out for a bit and have a picnic. The Puzzle Room is a place of 5 themed escape rooms, ranging in all different challenge levels. He knew the different trees and plants and knew the land. Following are some of the locals favorites. The Lake Junaluska course is open to the public, and family-friendly. You will be blown away by the museums' display and presentation. Have fun on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a slingshot ride for a few hours! For something different, try the Lightning Bug Lemonade, a hard seltzer with natural lemon juice and cane sugar. The Hillside Lodge provides a mote-style experience, and the Sunnyside and Mountainview Lodges provide dormitory-style rooms with private baths. The Knob is perched at the apex of a 1.2-mile walking trail, and offers unparalleled views of the entire Maggie Valley. This 120-foot waterfall is one of the taller, and what many consider to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. You may stay here for a night or two and experience the natural beauty of this place. Two-day music festival features a variety of festivities including BBQ,live entertainment, crafts fair, and chainsaw art demonstrations. Corundum (ruby and sapphire) gems from the surrounding areas are mixed with other exotic gemstones from across the world. With the honey-toned voice of birds and the comforting sound of the water, you will feel at peace. You can book a stay at the historic hotel that sits right at the waters edges, and you can also look into vacation rentals that are on the property. Bank fishing is also allowed in various areas, that are clearly marked. After a day in the park, relax on the wooden deck overlooking the creek at Bearwaters Brewing Creeksideand enjoy a J Creek Blonde Ale, the house beer, or the Stiff Paddle IPA. A game arcade is also available, featuring games like air hockey, racing simulators, and jackpot games. This will be an event for the whole family and you can spend the weekend relaxing, playing games and having fun. 1 Waterrock Knob Hiking Trails MP 451 Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, NC Maggie Valley has many beautiful hiking locations, and Waterrock Knob is among the most beautiful. Another very popular activity for both guests and visitors is swimming in the popular outdoor, large, and lakeside swimming pool. It is close to the city, and you can take a taxi to get here. Asheville, North Carolina is nestled on the edge of the gorgeous Nantahala National Forest. It is an excellent place to learn interactively. It has everything from home decor, body care, and clothing to decoration items. Today, the town brings nature lovers with its access to enchanting waterfalls, scenic hikes, mountain views, and ski areas. THE BEST Maggie Valley Parks & Nature Attractions Nature & Parks in Maggie Valley Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Sights & Landmarks It is crowded in the tourist season, and you will perhaps have to grab the items before they are sold out. Steering toward family-friendly fare, the venue hosts regular country, bluegrass, and western music festivals, as well as comedy shows and the occasional variety act. They have a mini-golf course and other gaming widgets. They are not contained behind a fence and they will become aggressive if they feel threatened. If you're looking for specific things to do in Maggie Valley, here's how we've organized things: 14 guests They also offer many healthy options, which you'll appreciate if you are on a diet. Decent Southern Skiing in a Convenient Location. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties! . In autumn, however, as the Christmas season approaches, the store comes alive with decorations, supplies, gifts, and pretty much everything you need to turn your Maggie Valley vacation rental into a blazing tribute to the best holiday ever. The sounds of the Smoky Mountains are rooted in old-time mountain music. Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands. Activities in the Valley include miniature golf, golf at the Maggie Valley Club, summer and winter tubing, fishing in our Heritage Trout Waters, antiquing, museums, skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Its instructors have invested a lot of time and effort in their education and practice to serve their students better. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719. The easiest way to reach Cataloochee Valley is to take 276 North (Jonathan Creek Road) off Highway 19 in Maggie Valley, NC. The Knob is perched at the apex of a 1.2-mile walking trail, and offers unparalleled views of the entire Maggie Valley. Located next to the Memorial Chapel, the Labyrinth was first built in built in 2001, and refurbished and upgraded with concrete in 2018. Additionally, kayaks and canoes offer relaxing fishing options. After the hike up, you can visit the Soco craft store which is full of souvenirs, gadgets, trinkets, and other small gifts. This fun family club is the real deal: a sawdust joint where country, bluegrass, and no-kidding square dance callers play for hours every night. You don't want to miss out on the fantastic pancakes. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. While exploring the Valley youll also find multiple historic home-sites, churches, and a barn open to the public for self-guided tours. There are like horseback riding, skiing, tubing, hiking to natural attractions such as Soco Falls or the popular Elk Tours and Firefly tours through Cataloochee Valley Tours, Inc. Take in the panoramic beauty of the Smoky Mountains on horseback. How this article was written: Our team first analyzed the scores and feedback across major platforms like Google Maps, Yelp, and Trip Advisor, considering not. One of the most noticeable things to see at Lake Junaluska, especially at night, is the Junaluska Cross. Black Balsam Knob Trail is a popular hiking trail in the Black Balsam area in the Pisgah National Forest. Though the town is small, there is a quaint downtown strip with a few shops and trinket stores. It makes for a truly wonderful and unique road trip experience. Cabbage Rose is one of the town's prominent gift shops. While the entire Community is full of flowers and gardens, but here are they larger and dedicated garden spaces: Photo courtesy of Lake Junaluska Junaluska. You will find your visit to Cabbage Rose both fulfilling and entertaining. Address:3116 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. B & C Winery tops the list of the best wineries in town. Maggie Mountaineer Crafts is your stop to buy anything related to decor and lifestyle. Remember that nature is not necessarily ADA-compliant, and so its a good idea to contact the Park Service before you go if anybody in your party needs help with the steep hike down to the falls basin. Lake Junaluska is a beautiful lake and community, located just outside of Waynesville NC and near Maggie Valley NC. . The park isnt large, but it has a dozen picnic tables right next to the creek, and public bathrooms. You can visit Waterrock Knob and find it for yourself. The state deserves praise as it has preserved the destination well. Address: 1861 State Rd 1307, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. Inspiration Point overlooks the Junaluska Cross, and the Lake itself. Looking for Fun Things to do in Maggie Valley NC? Also, they ask for your preferences first so you can have the perfect wine to suit your taste. The gallery also features furniture. 14 guests Regardless of which way you're traveling from, there is limited parking, so make sure to get there early! Waterfalls Ride HWY 19 Waterfalls Ride is definitely one of the best things to do in Maggie Valley because it's such a unique trip to make! and when you combine excellent instruction of superior. Lake Junaluska offers more than 400 lodging rooms, and a campground. The shop, which does business out of a converted house front, has something for everyone: light summer clothes, warm winter wear, and plenty of darling sterling silver charms, bracelets, earrings, and other assorted bangles, baubles, and dongles. It is this special section in the southeastern part of the Great Smoky Mountain national park that elk have made their home.