7 Things to do in Cherokee NC
Our last hike for this trip. We chose the Bradley Fork trail which is in the Smoke Mountains National Park near Cherokee NC. This out and back trail runs along the Bradley Fork River. We hiked about 8.3 miles with only 600 feet of elevation gain. This is a great hike as the Bradley is an interesting river and the trail almost never leaves site of the river. The trail is considered moderate and should take about 3:15 to complete. Other trails we completed in the area include the Smokemont Loop Trail. This moderately challenging route takes and average of 3h 10 minutes and is a beautiful hike.
You will find one of the main entrance to the Smoke Mountains National park just outside Cherokee NC. There is a visitor center there and hiking right outside the door. While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park for longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at the visitor’s center. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Cherokee, North Carolina is a town located in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, and it’s a great place to experience Cherokee culture and history. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking and fishing to whitewater rafting and golfing.
If you’re interested in Cherokee culture, be sure to visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village. This living history museum recreates an 18th-century Cherokee village, and you can learn about Cherokee customs and traditions. You can also see the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” which tells the story of the Cherokee people.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, there are plenty of options in Cherokee. You can hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, or fish in one of the many lakes and streams in the area. There are also several golf courses in Cherokee, so you can tee off on some of the most beautiful courses in the country. If you are into gambling there is the Harrah’s casino. The hotel attached to the casino affords the ability to stay in a nice resort with all of the amenities.
No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to do in Cherokee. It’s a great place to learn about Cherokee culture, experience the outdoors, and have some fun.
Here are some other things to do in Cherokee:
- Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
- Go horseback riding in the mountains.
- Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Visit the Mingo Falls waterfall.
- Shop at the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual.
- Enjoy a traditional Cherokee meal at one of the many restaurants in town.
- Visit Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino