The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 800 miles of hiking trails ranging from rugged back-country trails to relatively easy walks in the woods.
       The closest trail to Cherokee is the Oconaluftee River Trail, a short 1.5 mile trail connecting the GSMNP Visitor Center with Cherokee, near the Saunooke Village area. It is not a loop, so you can begin your walk from either end of the trail. It's an easy walk, and the only area trail where dogs and bicycles are allowed.
       Drive out Big Cove Road 5.1 miles from Saunooke Village and take a short uphill trail to the beautiful Mingo Falls. Difficulty: moderate. 600 yards round trip.
       Both the Oconaluftee River Trail and Mingo Falls are on the Cherokee map on this site.
       Of course there are many more Smoky Mountain hiking trails, including the easy 2-mile round-trip walk to Indian Creek Falls in nearby Bryson City.
       The rangers at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center can help you plan the perfect hike. If you want some information on hiking before you travel this way, you may wish to check out The National Park Service web site for Park info and gorp.com, another valuable online resource.