7 Things to Do in Cherokee, NC
A riverside hike, Cherokee culture, and outdoor adventures near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our last hike of the trip was Bradley Fork Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee. This out-and-back route follows the Bradley Fork River for much of its length, making an 8.3-mile day with only about 600 feet of elevation gain feel especially peaceful.
We also enjoyed Smokemont Loop Trail, another beautiful moderate route. Cherokee sits beside one of the main entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a visitor center and trail access close at hand.
Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and offers meaningful ways to learn about Cherokee culture and history. The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and the outdoor drama Unto These Hills are all worthwhile stops.
For more adventure, visitors can hike, fish, raft the Nantahala River, play golf, visit Mingo Falls, browse Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, or take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cherokee brings culture, mountain scenery, and outdoor fun together in one memorable place.