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Attractions Cherokee NC




Oconaluftee Indian Village
Presented by the non-profit Cherokee Historical Association, the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a glimpse of the past. Here you will see the model of a Cherokee village from over 225 years ago!

Clingman's Dome
Clingman's Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360º view of the surrounding mountains rising 6,643 feet above sea level. From its 54 foot observation tower the average viewing distance is about 22 miles, but on a clear pollution free day, views can amplify as far as 100 miles into 7 states.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingman's Dome.

Appalachian Trail
This is a 2,160-mile foot trail along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in the central Maine wilderness to Springer Mountain in a designated wilderness area in north Georgia. More

Blue Ridge Parkway
These 469 miles of scenic roadway connect the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. With elevations that range from less than 650 to nearly 6,050 feet, the gently winding road offers spectacular mountain scenery as it threads its way from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Along its 469-mile length, distant vistas are complemented by pastoral landscapes, replete with log cabins and split-rail fences. At the same time, the Parkway boasts a surprising variety of plants and wildlife. For those who want to experience these resources first-hand, there are More than 300 miles of hiking trails and a full range of other recreational and educational opportunities, including nine campgrounds, 11 picnic areas, and More than a dozen visitor centers. Concessionaire-operated lodges, restaurants and other facilities, located at intervals, offer all the essential travel services.

Cherohala Skyway
Crossing through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, from which gets its name, this National Scenic Byway connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee. Winding up and over 6,000 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known in cycling circles for its long, high speed sweepers.

Nantahala River Gorge
The Nantahala River draws More than 250,000 boaters annually who enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Many businesses along the river offer both guided and unguided raft rentals. Most rafting trips begin from the Nantahala River Launch Site and float down the 8.5-mile whitewater run. About 2.75 miles down river from this launch site is the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area which provides another launch and takeout area. At the lower end of the Nantahala River, a commercial-only takeout and a private boater area are provided.

From a wooden walkway, spectators get a thrilling view of the wild ride over the final series of rapids, including Nantahala Falls. Nantahala River outfitters, under Forest Service permit, can help plan trips to fit your skill level and provide any equipment you might need.

Fontana Lake
This lake offers great Bass and Pike fishing with 11,685 acres of water surface and also provides recreational water activities such as boating, kneeboarding, swimming, and water skiing. Fontana Dam is 480 feet high and is the highest Dam east of the Rockies. The dam backed water to make up what is now the Fontana Lake. Fontana Lake is roughly 30 miles long and is at an elevation of around 1700'. Numerous boat ramps are available.

Oconaluftee Indian Village
As you enter the Oconaluftee Indian Village you are swept away to the 18th century. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, your spirit is calmed by the sound of the cool mountain streams. Guided tours will take you through craft demonstrations by award-winning artists who will explain the unique Cherokee crafting techniques. Meet historical Cherokee people in the living history section. You can also view special shows throughout the season such as “Time of War” and traditional Cherokee dancing.


The Road To Nowhere
This is a 6-mile scenic drive into the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where it provides spectacular views of the Tuckasiegee River, Fontana Lake and the Appalachian Mountains.

Santa's Land
Visit Santa at Santa's house. Santa's Land has restaurants and picnic areas, magic shows at Jingle Bell Theater, gift shop, zoo, and rides for kids.

Soco Gardens Zoo
Located in Maggie Valley, Soco is a small zoo with unique animals. Guided tours allow you to learn how the animals came to live in the zoo. By the time you leave you will know many of our animals by name.

  Mountain Farm Museum (Oconaluftee)
This village takes you back in time with its early 1900's farmstead. Observe the way people lived and worked during the summer season or take a stroll through the farm any time of year. The Davis House, still in its original location on Oconaluftee Mountain Farm, was built by John E. Davis with the help of his two oldest sons who were very young at the time.

Unto These Hills
This powerful outdoor drama, with a cast of 130, brings to life the tragic history of the Cherokee people. It begins with the arrival of deSoto in 1540 and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of the Cherokee on the infamous Trail of Tears

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Totally renovated in 1998, the new museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel
Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel brings you all your favorite games in video format, plus, video poker, video craps and Live Poker.

You must be 21 years of age or older to enter the casino, restaurants, and pavilion. Guests under the age of 21 may enjoy the hotel, hotel restaurants, and the Kids Arcade.

Tribal Bingo
Tribal Bingo is an Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Open Year Round
Nightly Games (closed Monday and Tuesday)
All Prizes Awarded In Cash
Newly Renovated Facility with 1,200 seating capacity
Large Concession

Located on Hwy 19 North 2 miles from downtown Cherokee.
For More Information Call:
1-800-410-1254
1-828-497-4320

Great Smoky Mountains Railway
Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Carolina Mountains aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railway. You'll ride the rails past historic countryside, cascading rivers, and majestic peaks. Excursions leave from depots at the historic towns of Dillsboro, Bryson City, and Andrews. Both morning and afternoon excursions are round trips lasting from 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours. Allow 7 hours for the Raft 'N' Rail trips. Twilight Dinner Trains are 2-1/2 hours in the evening. Santa Express trips are 2 hours, and the National Railroad Historical Society "3-in-1" trips are 6-1/2 hours.The railway operates both diesel and steam locomotives which run from early March through December. Many of the cars have colorful histories and have been comfortably restored. You may select reconditioned coaches, crown coaches, club cars, dining cars, or open cars that are perfect for viewing and photo taking.Beverages and light food are available. There are convenience stations and gift shops also. For choice of seating, tickets should be ordered in advance and paid with credit card.


Deep Creek

Beautiful spot for tubing and sightseeing

Deep Creek offers:
• Campground complete with showers
• Horse and tube rentals
• Public grills
• Hiking trails
• Juney Whank, Tom's Branch, and Indian Creek Falls are all within a 1 mile hike.

Mingo Falls
The Spectacular Mingo Falls located in Cherokee, NC are over 120 feet high and is rated one of the most impressive falls in Western North Carolina. The climb is steep with approximately 170 steps that take you about 2/10ths of a mile up, then a short easy trail provides access to the falls. The hike to these falls is rated moderate, but for people with heart or breathing problems it would be strenuous.

From US 74, take exit 74, continue on US 441 north, for 5.2 miles. Turn right onto US 19 and continue 0.5 miles. Turn left at next traffic light in the direction of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (staying on US 441 N). Continue for 2.25 miles and turn right onto Big Cove Road. Continue for 5.25 miles. Turn right, straight ahead is a parking lot and trail.

Indian Creek Falls
Beautiful 25 foot high Indian Creek Falls is located about 1 mile from the parking area at Deep Creek in Bryson City, North Carolina. You will cross one bridge and just before you cross the second bridge turn right. Indian Creek Falls is located midway up the hill. This hike is easy at the beginning with a couple of small hills toward the end.

Tom's Branch Falls
Located approximately 3/10 from the Deep Creek parking area Tom's Branch Falls are about 80 feet high, but the true height of the falls are now hidden with foliage. This hike is very easy.

Juney Whank Falls
A 0.6 mile roundtrip hike. The trail starts near the end of Deep Creek Road near Deep Creek Campground. The hike to these falls though short in distance is fairly steep and would be considered easy/moderate for hikers in good health.

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Smoky Mountains | History | Cherokee Legends | Hotels | Newsletter | Oconaluftee Indian Village
Photo Tour | Saunooke Village | Trails of Tears | Unto These Hills | Visitor Packet



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