It's a beautiful day and rain is expected tomorrow
so we do a drive to Cataloochee valley. Originally a path by the Indians across the mountains used by early settlers.
It is now part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
To say it is a winding road would be an understatement. It’s a difficult road, with uncountable turns and twists. The road is the main entrance road to Cataloochee Valley. With the single lane blind curves, drivers may be required to stop or back up their vehicles to allow oncoming motorists to pass. The road was built by hand in the 1800’s and called it Cataloochee Turnpike.
I find my dream house though
Maybe we could purchase some land
A bit pricey for a summer home spot
We finally reach the entrance
and keep going down
Almost there!
We stop at an overlook up a small trail
A cedar waxwing
The Valley is breathtaking. Elk hang out here in the early morning hours and late afternoon/evening. We hope to get back in September to hear the bugling
Time to stretch the legs
Speaking of legs, this wolf spider was hanging out by the creek
A quick tour inside
Utilizing trails created by the Cherokees, farmers made their way to areas previously hunted and farmed by the Indians after the Cherokees were forced to Oklahoma, and built homes here. In it's heyday, Cataloochee Valley was home to more than 200 homes, barns, mills, stores, etc.
As loggers stripped the mountains of trees, the natural habitat disappeared. Deforestation led to the death of much of the indigenous wildlife. When possible, many wild animals fled to new areas. John D. Rockefeller Jr. stepped in and contributed $5 million to fund a new park. The U.S. Congress allocated an additional $2 million. The pioneer families that settled in the Smoky Mountains soon were required to vacate the land they worked so hard to develop. Years before, the government forced the Indians off the land, and now they forced the homesteaders out.
The end result however is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
When the community outgrew its small schoolhouse, they petitioned the government for a new, larger school. The request, was denied saying the residents of Cataloochee Valley did not pay enough taxes.
The men removed all the desks and furniture from the school and set it on fire. They re-submitted their request stating the school had burned down. The new school was built.
Butterflies are everywhere in the Smoky Mountains
The Palmer Chapel
Last stop the Palmer House is our last stop
A small museum
with history of the area such as the first census
The house is in need of some work
That's all she wrote - time to head back
Footbridges across the creek
Will definitely get back here in September to check out the Elk
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