Photos From WNC Elk Rut Season 2025

A bull elk bugles for a mate during the elk rut in Cataloochee valley, NC. September 21, 2025.

Cataloochee Valley Elk Rut

Sadie and I took a trip out to WNC for our anniversary this year with the hopes of being lucky enough to photograph some elk action. Every year during the end of summer/beginning of fall the elk in Cataloochee Valley start looking for a mate.

This particular location took heavy damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024 and we weren’t sure what it would look like or if we would even be able to visit. Heavy flooding damaged roads, bridges, businesses, homes, and even entire highways out in Western North Carolina. Even a year later, some areas are still heavily damaged or inaccessible.

Fortunately, Cataloochee Valley is now mostly open. While there was still some damage, we were able to access the some elk rut locations and even hike into the inaccessible. In addition to Cataloochee Valley, we also visited the fields just east of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Big Cove Rd, but we did not see any elk at the visitor center itself during our visit. We did meet some new people and make a couple new friends along the way.

For our accommodations, we tent camped at the Deep Creek Campground near Bryson City, NC. The river flowing through the campground was beautiful and provided a serene setting. I fell asleep to the sound of a babbling creek both nights we stayed there.

Photo Haul

While we had a great trip spending some time together and just taking it easy, the photo opportunities this trip were merely average. Part of that was due to our “vacation” schedule and unwillingness to wake up at dawn, and part was likely due to being there a tad early in rut season.

There was one opportunity when a bull elk began bugling with some slight fog behind him. Another opportunity came when he began wallowing in an attempt to attract a mate. During his wallow, he picked up a nice crown of grass and flowers in his rack which made for some humorous photos.

Outside those moments, we didn’t encounter many more superior photo ops. However, I’ll admit, I also wasn’t trying too hard. In the end, we were just there to enjoy some peace ant quite and time together without the kids or dogs.

I hope you enjoy the photo haul posted below.

The slight fog made for a majestic background for this image. Though, I wish there was slightly more fog.

After a wallow, this bull elk picked up a crown of wildflowers, which he wore proudly.

You should always stay 150 ft away from elk during rut. In this case, the bull approached the crowd moving between vehicles. If this happens, you should make an attempt to slowly back away.