Hope this helps
Viewing Elk
The best times to view elk are usually early morning and late evening. Elk may also be active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms. Enjoy elk at a distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for close-up views. Approaching wildlife too closely causes them to expend crucial energy unnecessarily and can result in real harm. If you approach an animal so closely that it stops feeding, changes direction of travel, or otherwise alters its behavior, you are too close!
Most of the elk are located in the Cataloochee area in the southeastern section of the park. The easiest way to reach Cataloochee is from Interstate highway I-40. Exit I-40 at North Carolina exit #20. After 0.2 mile, turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow signs 11 miles into Cataloochee valley. Allow at least 45 minutes to reach the valley once you exit I-40.
http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gifhttp://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif
Last year a bull Elk turned mt KLR over trying to get in the tank bag for something ( it was empty ) so watch where you park. It's off hwy 276 it's the first right off I-40 or last left going toward I-40. We have Elk here at WindRock OHV Park.