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Cherokee North Carolina is an ideal Smoky Mountain vacation destination for those who love the outdoors. Whether you want a leisurely stroll by a sparkling river, a drive to a magnificent view, or an adventurous afternoon on a horseback ride; you'll find it all in Cherokee.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

The main North Carolina entrance into the National Park is on US 441 just north of Cherokee. At the Oconaluftee Visitors Center you'll find displays, maps, dozens of helpful publications and a staff of knowledgeable, helpful park rangers.
     Mountain Farm Museum — In a field behind the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, the Park Service has recreated a late 19th century mountain farm with authentic log structures moved from their original locations throughout the National Park. One of the buildings, the John E. Davis farmhouse, originally stood in the Indian Creek/Thomas Divide area north of Bryson City.
     Mingus Mill — A large water-powered mill for grinding corn can be seen in operation from mid-April through October. One-half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on US 441.
       At the peak of the Smokies, just above Cherokee. you can hike along the Appalachian Trail, and admire the vista Charlie's Bunion, one of the most popular overlooks in the Smokies.
      Clingmans Dome — At 6642 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies and the second highest east of the Mississippi (North Carolina's Mount Mitchell is 42 feet higher). From the parking lot, seven miles west of Newfound Gap, walk the steep half-mile path to the 54-foot observation tower for a 360-degree view of the Park. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144-mile journey. The Clingmans Dome road is closed from December 1 through April 1.
      The Deep Creek recreational area of the Park offers camping, hiking, trout fishing and whitewater tubing. Deep Creek is probably best known for its three waterfalls — Juneywhank, Toms Branch and Indian Creek Falls. All are just a short walk from the parking area.
      Cataloochee Valley — Once the largest settlement in the Smokies, this valley rivals Cades Cove with its beauty and its many preserved structures. It was there that Elk were re-introduced into the Park in 2001 and 2002. The animals are not frightened by humans and can be observed grazing in Cataloochee's fields almost any afternoon throughout the year.

      When you visit the Smokies you want to be close to all the great outdoor activities. So stay in Cherokee, the closest town to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and you'll be right in the middle of the scenic beauty of the mountains.
       In fact, right in Cherokee, you can fish for trout in the tribal waters, have a picnic on an island in the Oconaluftee River, take an inner tube ride, or visit a beautiful waterfall.
       Come for a visit and discover our beautiful backyard.