As part of their popular Eco Tour Outreach Program, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust hold two elk tours in Cataloochee Valley with a Smokies elk specialist will on Thursday, Sept. 22, and Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The event includes a picnic dinner; the Sept. 22 trip includes a “seated” presentation of the elk, the Sept. 28 trip features a walking tour.

This is “rut” season, when the male elk, or bull, competes for dominance and the right to mate with particular female elks, or cows. An important, and quite enchanting, part of the process is the bull warning call to other males, known as the “bugle.” The call, which has been described by many as eerie or haunting, provides an audible cue that fall has arrived at Cataloochee Valley.  

The cost is $10 for HCLT members and $35 for new participants, which includes an HCLT membership. Space is limited.

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