Cataloochee
Area
Cataloochee
| Campsite 39 | Campsite
40
Photos
| Cataloochee Information
First settled
in the early 1830's Cataloochee is still a quiet valley on the fringes
of the Smokies. This is where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the
Great Smoky Mountains. Many of the first settlers came here in search
of peace and the freedom that wilderness has to offer. Coincidentally,
that is the same reason that I like to hike there. The road to the
Cataloochee area is dirt, narrow and full of pot holes. The rugged
qualities of the road are the source of many visitor's complaints.
The positive side of that is that it helps to keep the crowds away
from this beautiful, remote valley. Large campers have great difficulty
negotiating the winding road, so you wont see many of them. Not
hearing the gasoline generators that these campers bring with them
is a big plus.
 Most
of the houses of this once thriving mountain settlement are gone,
however, a few remain for park visitors enjoy. A small guide book
is available at the entrance to the park and is recommended if you
want to tour these houses. It is interesting to see how the people
of Cataloochee combined "modern" construction techniques
and materials with mountain "engineering" and local materials.
This area was occupied until the Park took procession of this land
in the early 1930's.
TRAILS
There are several
good hikes around this area. One favorite is the Boogerman Trail.
This is a great day hike that features wildflowers and old growth
trees. "Booger" Palmer the former owner of this tract
of land, would not allow the trees to be logged. The result is a
delight for hikers! Huge hemlocks and yellow poplar can be viewed
on this 7 mile, hikers only, loop. This is one of the Hiking the
Carolinas top ten day hikes.
Read More About
the Boogerman Trail>>>
Campsite 39
and 40 are short hikes from the trailhead. Either campsite is perfect
for an easy backing trip for beginners or a relaxing trip for the
more experienced.
CAMPING
REGULATIONS
Campsite
39 is 1.2 miles from its' trailhead on Cataloochee Road.
It is on the Pretty Hollow Trail and situated next to the creek
of the same name. There are many places to pitch a tent here and
water is convenient to all campsites. Located in a grove of hemlocks,
there is frequent bear activity at this site. Fortunately the Park
Service has installed cable devices to hang your pack from.
 Campsite
40 is only a mile from the end of Cataloochee Road.
The space at this site is limited to just a few tents. Located next
to Rough Fork Creek and in a group of very old
Eastern Hemlocks, this is the preferred site of the two. Old Growth
trees, a beautiful creek, wildlife and pioneer history make this
a great overnight hike.
Cataloochee
| Campsite 39 | Campsite
40
Photos
| Cataloochee Information
|
