Smoky Mountains Cherokee Elk Safari by Open-Air Jeep: Blue Ridge Views, Waterfalls, and Wildlife

Maggie Valley•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–3.5 hours

Fitness Level

Comfortable sitting for several hours with brief, optional short walks to overlooks or boardwalks.

Overview

Ride an open-air Jeep through the Smokies, the Cherokee reservation, and the Blue Ridge Parkway in search of elk, waterfalls, and big mountain views. This small-group safari blends wildlife spotting with cultural history and practical fieldcraft—high on scenery, low on hassle.

Smoky Mountains Cherokee Elk Safari by Open-Air Jeep: Blue Ridge Views, Waterfalls, and Wildlife

Jeep

Other

Wildlife

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The Jeep rolls out of Maggie Valley with the morning air leaning in, cool and pine-scented, as the Smokies lift their blue shoulders into the sky. An elk bugle threads the valley—thin at first, then sure—while the river hurries you forward, daring you to keep pace. In an open-air Jeep, the ridgeline feels close enough to touch, the wind flipping through your layers as the guide points you toward meadows where antlers rise like brushstrokes above the grass.

Adventure Photos

Smoky Mountains Cherokee Elk Safari by Open-Air Jeep: Blue Ridge Views, Waterfalls, and Wildlife photo 1

Adventure Tips

Aim for dawn or dusk

Elk are most active at first and last light; early or late departures increase your odds. In summer, evening rides can be cooler and clearer at the overlooks.

Layer for ridgeline wind

Temperatures can drop 10–20°F at higher elevations and the Jeep’s airflow amplifies the chill—pack a windproof mid-layer and a light beanie.

Respect wildlife distance

Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) from elk and bears; your guide will position the vehicle safely—use binoculars for close-up views.

Secure cameras and phones

Bumpy gravel and sudden stops happen; use wrist straps or a sling and keep small items zipped when moving.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Rocky Mountain elk (reintroduced)
Black bear

History

Elk were reintroduced to the Smokies in 2001 on the North Carolina side, where they now thrive in Cataloochee and Oconaluftee valleys. The route also passes 19th-century churches and homesteads that mirror early Appalachian settlement.

Conservation

Observe BearWise principles, pack out all trash, and maintain legal viewing distances. Staying on designated roads reduces erosion and protects stream habitats crucial for native trout.