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Cherokee

Welcome to Cherokee, a lively town in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains! Embrace the rich Native American culture through captivating museums and the mesmerizing outdoor drama "Unto These Hills". Delve into nature's embrace with hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing spots galore. Don't forget to try your luck at Harrah's Cherokee Casino and savor mouthwatering Southern cuisine. Get ready for adventure and a dose of charm in Cherokee!

From the Community

Recommendations

Culture4.6/5

Museum of the Cherokee People

Cherokee's museum traces the history of the Cherokee people through full-size displays and murals. The painted scenes carry that story across the walls.

Landmark4.7/5

Unto These Hills, Outdoor Drama

Cherokee history unfolds in this outdoor drama, with actors, singers and scene changes bringing the story to the stage.

Landmark4.9/5

Mingo Falls

Cherokee's 120-foot waterfall drops through a forested gorge, breaking over dark rock. A steep stairway of 160 steps brings you close enough to hear the water hit below.

Culture4.6/5

Oconaluftee Indian Village

Cherokee language and dancing are part of the tour at this living-history village, which you explore on foot.

Landmark4.8/5

Oconaluftee Island Park

Calling all nature lovers and adventure seekers! Get ready to explore Oconaluftee Island Park, located at US-441 in Cherokee, NC. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of the stunning Oconaluftee River and a chance to relax or picnic on the island. With walking trails, fishing spots, and a playground for the kiddos, this park is the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. Get your camera ready for some Insta-worthy moments!

Culture4.8/5

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Welcome to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover interactive exhibits, stunning views, and knowledgeable rangers ready to answer all your burning questions. With its prime location on Newfound Gap Road, this is the perfect spot to start your adventure in this wild wonderland!

Culture4.7/5

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op in Cherokee, NC is a vibrant haven for art enthusiasts and culture seekers. Bursting with traditional Cherokee artwork, jewelry, and pottery, this co-op combines creativity and craftsmanship in a playful way. Located at 645 Tsali Blvd, it's a must-visit attraction where you can take home a piece of Native American heritage while supporting local artists. Fun and culture collide here!

Landmark3.8/5

Cherokee Bear Zoo

This small zoo has bears, lemurs, foxes, and goats. You can feed the bears from trays.

Culture4.8/5

Mountain Farm Museum

Nestled amidst the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee, NC is a delightful time capsule that takes you back to the bygone era of traditional Appalachian farming. With historic log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and farm animals, this living museum lets you experience the rustic charm and rugged lifestyle of early settlers. It's a picture-perfect journey into the region's rich history!

Eat$$4.6/5

Peter's Pancakes & Waffles

Pancake-and-waffle breakfast spot in Cherokee, with a counter where locals eat.

Eat$$$3.6/5

Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen + Bar

Burger-and-bar restaurant with sandwiches, burgers, Cajun pasta and lobster lollipops.

Eat$$$4.2/5

Brio Italian Grille

Buckle up for a mouthwatering trip to Brio Italian Grille at 777 Casino Dr in Cherokee, NC! This vibrant eatery offers a delightful fusion of Italian classics and modern flavors, guaranteeing a taste adventure like no other. From their indulgent pasta dishes to their crispy pizzas, Brio transports your taste buds to bella Italia. Mangia, savor, and grab a slice of la dolce vita at Brio Italian Grille!

Eat$$$4.2/5

Granny's Kitchen

This Cherokee buffet serves Southern cooking, with a salad bar and fried chicken.

Cafe$$4.7/5

Ol Smoky Coffee Shop and County Store

Cherokee coffee shop and county store with coffee, cider and elderberry jam.

Eat$$$4.5/5

Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Cafe Food Truck

Sandwich-and-wrap food truck with vegetarian options and oversized cookies. Outdoor tables look toward the mountains.

Stays

Stay$$$4.6/5

River's Edge Motel

Rivers Edge Motel is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, 2.7 km from Harrah's Casino. All rooms feature panoramic views of the Oconaluftee River. Complimentary WiFi is provided for all guests. Rooms feature a TV with satellite channels. A refrigerator and coffee maker are provided as well. A private balcony with a river view is offered in all rooms. Staff on site can arrange a shuttle service. The nearest airport is Asheville Regional Airport, 70 km from Rivers Edge Motel.

Stay$$$4.3/5

Quality Inn Cherokee Riverside

This Cherokee Quality Inn Cherokee Riverside is located off Interstate 441 in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Features include an adjacent river walkway, free hot breakfast, and an outdoor pool with a sun terrace. Free WiFi and a balcony are standard in all rooms as well as a small refrigerator and a coffee machine. A stone fireplace, fresh coffee, and newspaper can be enjoyed in the hotel lobby by all guests thorough their stay. Free parking is offered on site. Harrah's Cherokee Casino is 4 minutes’ drive away. The hotel is also 2.7 km from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and 19.5 km from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Stay$$4.2/5

Econo Lodge Cherokee Near Island Park

This Cherokee Econo Lodge Cherokee Near Island Park is in the heart of the Cherokee Indian Reservation and 2.4 km from Harrah's Cherokee Casino and 7 minutes' drive from the Great Smoky Mountains. Features include a free continental breakfast and free WiFi. All rooms are non-smoking rooms and include a refrigerator, coffee machine, and flat-screen cable television. Guests of this hotel are invited to enjoy free fresh coffee in the lobby and free local calls. Free parking is provided on site. Cherokee Phoenix Theatre is across the street 600 meters away. Activities include tubing, world-class trout fishing, bonfires and picnicking on the river. Oconaluftee River is 190 metres from the property.

Stay$$$$4.05/5

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cherokee/Casino by IHG

Located opposite the Harrah's Cherokee Casino entrance, this Cherokee Holiday Inn Express Hotel features an outdoor pool and free WiFi. A complimentary breakfast is provided. Guests will also be 5 km from Great Smoky National Park. Rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave are provided as well. Select rooms feature a furnished seating area. The fitness centre is complimentary and includes a stair stepper, treadmill, and elliptical machines. Guests can relax and recharge in the outdoor courtyard, and free parking is provided on site. Cherokee Indian Hospital is 450 m away, while Cherokee Indian Museum is 20.8 km from the hotel. Oconaluftee Indian Village living-history museum is 6 minutes' drive by car.

Stay4.3/5

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort - A Caesars Rewards Destination

Casino resort with pools, an arcade, restaurants and a casino floor.

Stay4.2/5

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Cherokee

Welcome to Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cherokee, Casino District! Located at 568 Paint Town Rd in Cherokee, NC, our hotel offers a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for travelers. With easy access to the nearby casino and plenty of outdoor adventures, our cozy rooms, complimentary breakfast, and friendly staff ensure your stay is a winning experience from start to finish!

Stay4.2/5

Cherokee Grand Hotel

Welcome to the Cherokee Grand Hotel, where adventure awaits! Nestled in the heart of Cherokee, North Carolina, our hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities. With its prime location, guests can easily explore the Smoky Mountains, visit the Harrah's Cherokee Casino, or discover the rich Native American history at the nearby Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Prepare for a wild and unforgettable experience at Cherokee Grand Hotel!

Stay4.2/5

Baymont by Wyndham Cherokee Smoky Mountains

Welcome to Bay Mountain Inn, nestled in the heart of the stunning Cherokee Smoky Mountains! Our charming inn offers comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and breathtaking views. Just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, and outdoor adventures. Enjoy a relaxing stay and experience the best of nature, gaming, and relaxation. Come join the fun!

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

3 h

The "Classic" National Park Tour

This trip begins as we pickup at our location in Gatlinburg, TN. We travel in comfortable and eco-friendly vans to our first stop at the remains of a long-gone resort town dating back more than 100 years. We'll learn about the history of logging in the Smokies, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. From here we'll travel up the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the southeast. Along the way we'll stop at scenic overlooks for pictures, questions, and interpretation of the area. Finally we arrive at Newfound Gap and the 5,000 foot-high boarder between Tennessee and North Carolina. Here we will learn about the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail and the the site where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the park dedication in 1940.

$85.00

4.9/5

3 h

High Points Driving Tour

Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.

$85.00

4.9/5

5 h

Over the Top Tour in Oconaluftee

This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers. While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.

$150.00

4.7/5

3 h

Smoky Mountains Newfound Gap Jeep Tour

This jeep tour will combine stunning views and a fun 3-hour experience. Starting in Pigeon Forge, you will head up one-mile above sea level to Newfound Gap. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the Appalachian Trail and the Rockefeller Memorial which has great historic significance. Then hang on for an exhilarating, seat clenching ride at the back half of this tour. Your guide has been expertly prepared to give you an encounter completely different than others in the Great Smoky Mountains!

$124.59

4.7/5

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains

Don't miss a thing as GuideAlong's Great Smoky Mountains Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible journey through the most visited US national park. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the park's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the lowest drivable pass, historic Cades Cove buildings and the park's highest point. Download discover more on your Smokies road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that plays automatically along the drive. With GyPSy Guide you have the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, bypass any that don’t. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries & tips for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive

$16.99

4.3/5

Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours

Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together! Get the full Smoky Mountain experience with this ultimate bundle tour! Explore these picturesque mountains, uncover the rich history of the Cherokee and early settlers, and find out why this is the most-visited national park in the entire country. You’ll discover beautiful overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls on one tour, then dive into the pioneer and Civil War history of Cades Cove with the next! If you don’t want to miss a thing, this is the deal for you. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

$21.24

4.1/5

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Tour these famous mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and much more. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome (Kuwohi), Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls. Plus, enjoy a free bonus tour of Roaring Forks Motor Trail! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

$14.44

4.1/5

24 h

Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket

General admission includes: Main Exhibit: We are a museum in transition! Take a step behind the scenes as we consider how to update our 27-year-old main exhibit to authentically share Cherokee history, culture, and stories from a Cherokee perspective. sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians illuminates the complexities of tribal sovereignty and the EBCI’s continuing legacy of resilience. ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop: Enjoy an exhibition of work by students in the Museum’s annual community learning pottery workshop. Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall: Meet heroes of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs.

$15.00

2/5

Great Smoky Mountains Self-Guided Scenic Drive and Audio Tour

Explore America’s most visited national park at your own pace with this self-guided scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains. Journey along Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg's lush valleys to the stunning ridges along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. Includes optional side trips to Kuwohi, Cades Cove, and Roaring Fork, where you can expand the adventure for big views, wildlife sightings, and historic cabins. Listen to captivating audio stories about the park's history, from ancient mountain formations to the impact of settlers and conservationists. Whether seeking vibrant fall colors or breathtaking mountain views, this tour unveils the natural and cultural heritage of this biodiverse region. — Self-guided audio tour for flexible exploration — Drive along Newfound Gap Road with scenic detours — Learn about the Smokies' rich history and ecology — Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike

$14.99

5/5

2 h

Sharing Nature with Children: Hands-On Smoky Mountain Discovery

Designed for curious kids and families, Exploring Nature with Children turns the forest into a living classroom. This hands-on guided nature walk helps children slow down, look closely, ask questions, and connect with the natural world in a meaningful way through nature games, stories and fun activities. Depending on the season and trail conditions, children may explore streams, plants, salamanders, animal signs, textures, forest sounds, leaves, insects, and small wonders along the trail. The goal is not to rush or cover big miles, but to help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Caution: Side effects may include dirty knees, happy faces, deep curiosity, and stories they’ll still be telling at dinner. Best for: Families with children, homeschool groups, young explorers, first-time hikers, and kids who enjoy hands-on discovery.

$55.00

5/5

Sevierville & County-Pigeon Forge-Smoky Mtns Dolly Backroads tour

Travel the only tour that goes to the site of Dolly's childhood cabin and explore Dolly's Sevier County from Locust Ridge Rd., to beautiful Wears Valley, The Foothills Parkway and back to a walking tour of Sevierville, and the Dolly Statue. Enjoy a full factual narration about Dolly along with her music playing in the background throughout the tour. A sweet ending awaits the tour with a final stop at Red's Ice Cream Fountain and Soda Shop, one of Dolly's favorite hangouts.

$135.00

5/5

8 h

Best of the Smokies: Full-Day Private Guided Adventure

Spend a full day exploring the Smokies your way. Best of the Smokies: Full-Day Private Guided Adventure is customized around your group’s interests, pace, and sense of adventure, making it one of the most flexible ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your day may include waterfalls, mountain views, historic sites, scenic drives, quiet trails, wildflowers, wildlife stories, old-growth forest, or a custom mix of the park’s best experiences. Because this is a private tour, your guide can adapt the day to your group and help you make the most of your time in the Smokies. Transportation and lunches are included. Best for: Private groups, families, couples, photographers, first-time visitors, mixed-interest groups, and guests who want a full-day custom Smoky Mountain experience. Duration: 7-8 Hours | Difficulty: Your Choice | Ages: Your Choice Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center or Pick-up from Downtown Gatlinburg Location

$325.00

5/5

3 h

Great Smoky Mountains Rare Synchronous Firefly Waterfalls Walk

Discover the enchanting world of rare synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains during a guided night hike. As twilight descends, witness the mesmerizing light show of these unique creatures as they synchronize their flashes in a pulsating rhythm. Along the way, enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of rivers and rapids and learn from a certified Wilderness First Responder with over a decade of experience. Settle in with provided chairs and headlamps for an unforgettable evening under the stars, where you have the opportunity to see rare synchronous fireflies and capture stunning time-lapse photos. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature.

$70.00

5/5

Private Boutique Blue Ridge Parkway Full Day Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina on this full-day private adventure along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Departing Asheville, we’ll head south into some of the highest scenery in the eastern United States, stopping at overlooks including Mount Pisgah, Looking Glass Rock, Cold Mountain, Graveyard Fields, Devil’s Courthouse, and Richland Balsam—the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guests wanting adventure can choose the short optional hike to Devil’s Courthouse for panoramic views. Descending into Cherokee, we’ll visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where elk are often spotted, and continue to beautiful Mingo Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. We’ll also make scenic photo stops, including a charming mountain suspension bridge, before returning to Asheville through stunning mountain landscapes. As this is a private tour, the day is flexible and tailored to your group while we handle the driving.

$280.50

5/5

3 h

The River Remembers: A Smoky Mountain History Walk

The River Remembers is an easy guided walk in the more quiet section of the Smokies, along a cascading mountain stream where nature and history meet. This relaxed Smoky Mountain tour follows an old roadbed through forest beauty, seasonal wildflowers, historic cabins, old rock walls, a springhouse, and the traces of families who once lived in these mountains. This is more than a history walk. It is a gentle riverside hike with moving water, forest sounds, mountain plants, and meaningful stories woven together by an experienced guide. It’s a strong introduction to the Smokies for guests who want scenery, interpretation, and a relaxed pace. Best for: History lovers, families, seniors, beginners, wildflower lovers, and guests who want an easy Smoky Mountain walk with pristine streams, nature and cultural history. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 347' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

$95.00

5/5

4 h 30 mins

Blue Creek Cascades: Waterfalls, Whitewater & Wild Forest

Step away from the busiest park corridors and into a wilder side of the Smokies. Blue Creek Cascades follows brilliant mountain water, whitewater cascades, forested trail, and a beautiful waterfall while revealing the quieter beauty of the Big Creek area. This guided hike combines water, forest scenery, natural history, and traces of the region’s past. It is a strong choice for guests who want cascades and waterfalls but also want to explore beyond the most crowded destinations. Best for: Waterfall lovers, moderate hikers, photographers, Big Creek visitors, and guests looking for a quieter Smoky Mountain hike. Duration: 4.5 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 4.5 | Elevation Change: 500' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Big Creek Ranger Station

$125.00

5/5

6 h

Full Day Hike to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

On this hike a knowledgeable guide will take you down the famous Appalachian Trail to one of the best views in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way guests will learn about the history of the early settlors in the mountains, the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, and the founding of the most visited national park in the country.

$400.00

5/5

7 h

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Smoky Mountains Tour

Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people and is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland. Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors per year. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

$160.50

5/5

8 h

Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure

This is a powerful Smoky Mountain hike for guests who want the real thing: ancient trees, rhododendron tunnels, moss-covered boulders, rushing cascades, mountain streams, and a destination waterfall deep in one of the park’s most beautiful old-growth forests. Into the Ancient Forest is a more strenuous guided adventure that rewards effort with a rich, immersive landscape. Along the way, your guide will help interpret the old-growth ecosystem, stream life, forest layers, and the natural forces that shape this lush mountain environment. Best for: Strong hikers, waterfall lovers, old-growth forest enthusiasts, active travelers, and guests who want a more challenging Smoky Mountain adventure. Duration: 8 Hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Mileage: 7.8 | Elevation Change: 2200' | Ages: 12 and up Meeting Location: Greenbrier Entrance | Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

$215.00

5/5

Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

Take your hike up Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) to the next level with this self-guided walking tour. As you make the ascent to the famous observation deck, you’ll discover fascinating facts about this area’s history, geology, and scenery. And once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the lush landscape beyond. This self-guided walking tour of Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) serves as an audio companion on this half-mile hike, with plenty of stories to keep you company along the way. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.