Love at Cataloochee
Sometimes people may fail to remember that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches over both Tennessee and North Carolina. It is unfortunate because there are some gorgeous locations on the North Carolina side that often get overlooked. One such spot is Cataloochee Valley. And that is where Colby chose to propose to his love, Emily.
Cataloochee Valley is known for the elk herd that resides in it. Back in 2000, the National Park Service decided to reintroduce elk to the Smokies and it was a success! Each year, the herd grows. Cataloochee Valley is not a large area - it is narrow and is about two miles long. That means if you visit towards the dawn hours or towards dusk, youa re almost guaranteed to see the elk grazing (that is their prime grazing time and during warm weather they bed down in the surrounding forest as relief from the heat). There are old buildings and a chapel to explore and yes, you can spot a black bear passing through.
But it takes some courage to get to Cataloochee. From Exit 20 along I-40 in North Carolina, it is a 10 mile road trip of hairpin turns, blind curves, and a good portion of the way is unpaved, with ruts and a sheer drop off on one side (and no guard rails). An adventure, to be sure, but not one that is impossible even for a standard passenger car. But the pay off - you get to experience a pristine valley without the crowds that visit Cades Cove on the Tennessee side of the park.
So, why not have a marriage proposal there?
Colby asked for a scenic view of the mountains as a back drop. Given the time of day and the weather, a vantage point behind the Hiram Caldwell barn looking towards Middle Ridge provided a great setting. The sun was darting in between clouds and the wind was gusting, but the temperatures for early Spring were warm. It was time . . .
And, of course, Emily said yes!
After the proposal, it was time for a photoshoot, incorporating even the old Caldwell homestead nearby. In fact, as we stood on its porch, we joked that surely it was haunted - at which point a door slammed inside. Come now, it was a windy day so surely that was the cause . . . right?
While the elk cannot be guaranteed to be in a decent location to have them photobomb the proposal, they are there to allow you to see nature up close.
Thinking about proposing away from any crowds? then think about Cataloochee Valley. An adventure filled ride up, majestic elk, and even a Bigfoot statue along the way (no, really!).