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.

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.

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

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