Cataloochee Group Camp is located in the Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A few historic homes are preserved in the area, which is one of the more remote sections of the national park. The Cataloochee Valley, which lies on the North Carolina side of the park, is populated by an elk herd in spring and fall. An EarthSky visitor explained why Cataloochee Campground is excellent for stargazing: “No artificial light. It’s quiet. There is a large field to lay in to view the stars. At dusk you may even see an elk wander through the field.”
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.