We have some great news for visitors of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Cataloochee, a popular area on the North Carolina side of the park is starting to reopen after suffering significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Read on to find out everything you need to know about part of the Cataloochee Valley reopening:
Is Cataloochee Valley open?
Cataloochee Valley suffered significant damage when Hurricane Helene hit the area in September 2024. The aftermath made the area unsafe for visitors. Fortunately, the National Park Service has been working tirelessly to restore the area to its full glory, and part of the repairs have been completed. Many of the roads, hiking trails, and picnic areas are ready for visitors to enjoy! Because the repairs are ongoing, stay up-to-date on sudden openings and closings during your visit to the park. Keep an eye on the @GreatSmokyNPS page on X (formerly Twitter) or the NPS website for this important information. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case areas temporarily close due to construction or weather. There is no wrong place to go in the beautiful Smokies!
Which hiking trails are open in Cataloochee?
One of the most popular activities in Cataloochee Valley is hiking, and while some trails are still being repaired, there are great options to choose from that have reopened, including Balsam Mountain, Big Fork Ridge, Palmer Creek, Rough Fork, and Hemphill Bald. Big Fork Ridge Trail is a 3.2-mile one-way hike through the forest before reaching the trail’s namesake. Take a moment to admire the views before continuing on! Another hiking trail in the Cataloochee Valley to check out is the Palmer Creek Trail. It is a strenuous out-and-back trail with a roundtrip distance of 6.6 miles. You’ll see lots of rhododendron trees along the way to Palmer Creek. One of the two footbridges was destroyed, so you’ll have to cross over some wet rocks. Use caution and wear boots with good traction! When you’re finished with your hike, stick around the area for a little longer. Enjoy a meal with your hiking group at one of the scenic picnic areas!
History of Cataloochee Valley
Before Cataloochee Valley was a beloved tourist destination, it was a thriving settlement. Cataloochee's history begins with the first ever inhabitants- the Cherokee Indians. Later, Henry Caldwell settled in the area with his family in 1834. The settlement continued to grow and became the biggest in the Smoky Mountains. It was divided into Big and Little Cataloochee, with Norland Mountain as the divider. There were a total of 1,251 people living in the entire area by 1910. People lived off the land and grew many different crops to eat and sell. The most popular was apples! There used to be many varieties of the fruit grown here in the 1900s. Unfortunately, the trees no longer grow today. However, hikers can still admire lots of pretty wildflowers in the springtime!
Now you know all about the reopening of Cataloochee on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains! Want to learn more about the area’s history and places to explore? Check out these historical structures in Cataloochee Valley!
