Things to Do in Cherokee - NC Smoky Mountains

Tucked in North Carolina’s westernmost corner, you’ll find the storied Great Smoky Mountains. Discover their richness and beauty in the ancestral home of the Cherokee, or let Bryson City or Waynesville serve as home base as you explore trout streams and lush, protected forests.

Look & Feel

Highlights

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tail of the Dragon
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Fontana Dam
Rafting, Cycling & Fly Fishing
Gem Mining

Weather

Winter 51°

Spring 69°

Summer 84°

Fall 71°

The Swag bed and breakfast in Waynesville
Fontana Dam, the tallest concrete dam in the East
A motorcycle on the Tail of the Dragon in Robbinsville
Innovation Brewing in Sylva
Whitewater rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City
Lake Junaluska Overlook in Cherokee
Ten Acre Garden in Canton
Great Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley
John C. Campbell Folk School along the Cherokee County and Clay County line
Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands

Getting Around

Municipalities

Brasstown
Bryson City
Cashiers, Dillsboro & Sylva
Cherokee
Fontana Dam
Franklin
Highlands
Maggie Valley
Murphy
Waynesville

Getting There

Interstate 40

U.S. Route 74

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

I-40 West Welcome Center

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Pigeon River Outfitters

Canton

@dineshkaruna19

“Water is the most perfect traveller because when it travels it becomes the path itself!” - - #belikewater #keepmoving #moveevolveinspire #waterfallwednesday #ncwaterfalls #wncmountains #itsamazingoutthere #amidstbature #explorenc #visitnc #highshoalsfalls #blueridge #waterfallsofinstagram #nature #longexposure #bepresentinthemoment

#VisitNC @VisitNC

9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

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Firsts That Last

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Places to Stay in this region

Family Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains

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6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

11/21/2024 - 12/25/2024

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands

Events in this region

@smokymtnvibes

The island with the secret hatch. #fontanadam #secretsideofthesmokies #smokymountains #appalachiantrail #yournaturaldestination #visitnc #wnc #wanderlust #explmore

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

#VisitNC @VisitNC

1/30/2025 - 2/2/2025

Ice Fest

Maggie Valley

Jackson County Ale Trail

Sylva

@ohio.traveler

Mist on the lake at dawn #yes_busa #explore_skies #bestofthetarheelstate #hey_ihadtosnapthat2 #raw_usa #just_unitedstates #amazingshots_sunset #visitnorthcarolina #viewsofthesouth #exquisitepics20_travel #amazingshots_landscape #blueridgemountains #discoverthecarolinas #onlyinnorthcarolina #explore_landscapes #raw_waters #raw_skies #amazingshots_sunset #bestoftheusa_sunrise_sunset #bestoftheusa_water #visitnc #carolinacollectives #travel_drops #beautifuldestinations

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Must-See Mileposts on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Article

9 Romantic Wedding Venues

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@lizshumate

Had a beautiful weekend in the mountains. Started with a treetop cabana soak, a little gambling in Cherokee, hiking, tubing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Not pictured my near death experience tubing 🦋🍃🍄🎰🏔🛁 #latergram #collectmomentsnotthings #lakeview #freakinnature

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

#VisitNC @VisitNC

NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

An Insider's Guide to Hiking in Jackson County

Article

@kaitlinkxoxo

heaven is real @bearlakereserve ⛅️✨

#VisitNC @VisitNC

4-Season Experiences in Franklin & Nantahala

Article

6 Bed and Breakfasts for Cozy Getaways

List

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

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Fressers Eatery

Highlands

Enjoy Mountain Adventures in Cashiers, Dillsboro and Sylva

Trip Idea

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Cities & Regions

Smoky Mountains & Cherokee

Look & Feel

Highlights

Weather

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Things To Do

Things To Do

Location

Interest

Season

Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

Pigeon River Outfitters

Canton

9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

List

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Firsts That Last

Video

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

Family Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains

Trip Idea

6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Trip Idea

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands

Directory

Events in this region

Ice Fest

Maggie Valley

Jackson County Ale Trail

Sylva

Must-See Mileposts on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Article

9 Romantic Wedding Venues

List

NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

An Insider's Guide to Hiking in Jackson County

Article

4-Season Experiences in Franklin & Nantahala

Article

6 Bed and Breakfasts for Cozy Getaways

List

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

List

Fressers Eatery

Highlands

Enjoy Mountain Adventures in Cashiers, Dillsboro and Sylva

Trip Idea