Experience the finest among North Carolina Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC at The Lakehouse on Lake Glenville in Cashiers

Ten years ago, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation embarked on a high profile project to reintroduce elk to the Cataloochee Valley area of the GSMNP. After years of studies, the first group of 25 elk was transported to the park in February  of 2000. In April of 2000 they were released into the wild. The elk have flourished and after this year’s 25 calves were born, the population should be about 135 animals. Park officials hope that eventually the herd will number several hundred animals.

Fall is a particularly good time for elk gazing as the elk are in rut. The bulls bugle – a loud, mournful sound that begins deep and resonant, becomes a high pitched squeal, and ends with several grunts as it resounds off the surrounding forest walls – as a means of challenging other bulls and to attract cows. The best time to see the elk is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The easiest way to reach Cataloochee from the Lakehouse at Katie Camp is from Interstate highway I-40. Exit I-40 at North Carolina exit #20. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow signs 11 miles into Cataloochee Valley. Allow at least 45 minutes to reach the valley once you exit I-40.

Cove Creek Road was the original road used by Cataloochee residents. The road will not be paved or widened as it twists and bumps to the valley floor. Even the valley is like a museum piece, little changed since the residents left to make way for the park.

There are no services in the valley. Travel to Cataloochee prepared with food, water, and gas. Some visitors who plan an entire day of elk gazing bring their folding chairs with their picnics and binoculars spending the whole afternoon, waiting for dusk and the elk to come out of the forest.

If you make the day trip from our mountain lake lodge to Cataloochee and spot some of the herd, you’ll notice that most are numbered with a tag dangling from their ear. Elk are big animals. Male elk can weigh up to 700 pounds, a female up to 500 pounds. They’re bigger and faster than bears – their only predators in the park.

For the last two weeks, we’ve been lamenting how slowly leaf colors were changing near our mountain lake lodge. Well, forget that! Over the past five days, colors have, according to Dr. Howard Neufeld, exploded, popped, erupted – whatever word you want to use!

The most vibrant displays are coming from sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), which is a deep, rich red, as are most of the flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida). Red maples (Acer rubrum) are also turning a rich, burgundy color. Other species with notable color include beech (Fagus americana) which is turning yellow but will eventually end up tan and striped maple (Acer pennsylvanicum), a common understory tree with large leaves that are now a bright yellow.

Kathy Matthews, from Western Carolina University (Cullowhee), reports that the sourwoods and dogwoods are well along, while the maples are just starting to show color. The oaks haven’t really kicked in yet. Beverly Collins, from Franklin, and Jonathan Horton, from UNC-Asheville, also report the same for their areas, but add that some of the hickories (Carya sp.) are yellowing up. However, reports from the Highlands area indicate that the colors have really blossomed there in the last few days and they say the peak will be this week through the weekend.

Hard to believe that it snowed 3 inches a week ago at the top of Mt. Leconte in the Smokies! However, these sunny days and cold nights are helping the colors come out. Lower afternoon high temperatures will maximize the display. For the majority of the mountains, intense color is expected in the coming weeks.

Run for women’s health care in one of three races supporting the Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation and its efforts to fund free mammogram screenings in the county. The morning starts with The Pink Relay, an all-women race in which five team members cover a combined 20-mile stretch through the Haywood Community College campus. The Pink 4-miler, which is open to men and women, and the family-friendly Bubble Gum Fun Run/Walk take participants through the campus of the Haywood Regional health & Fitness Center. Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our mountain lake lodge on Lake Glenville.

Saturday, October 30, 8:00 am – noon. Registration 6:00 am; $200 relay; $30 Pink 4-miler, $25 before October 22; $10 fun run. Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center, 75 Leroy George Dr., Clyde, NC. (828) 400-5868

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the fall foliage during a three-hour canoe trip down the French Broad River. Guides lead participants on a relaxing paddle suitable for all ages, offering information on the landscape and beauty that surrounds the third oldest river in the world. Then enjoy a quiet evening at our mountain lake lodge on beautiful Lake Glenville.

Saturdays, October 16, 23, 30, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, $50. Headwaters Outfitters, 25 Parkway Road, Rosman. (828) 877-3106

It’s a new year and a new decade, and you’ve got a nice new set of vacation days. In fact, you’re probably already dreaming up ways to use those days and we’ve got an idea to help you plan a North Carolina high country getaway this year. Majestic snow capped peaks, rugged trails winding through forests with early spring buds, lush foliage bursting with brilliant color; these are the North Carolina Mountains, timeless and serene. Isn’t it about time you made your escape? Make our luxury mountain lake lodge your “home base” for exploring the mountains in 2010.