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

Things To Do

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9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

List

Savor Great Restaurants with Amazing Views in Cashiers & Jackson County

Article

7 Spots to Host the Whole Family for the Holidays

List

Attractions & Activities in this region

Mountain Splendor: 3-Day Cycling Trip Near Brevard

Trip Idea

Places to Stay in this region

Pinnacle Park

Sylva

@cassfye

Kayaking this morning on Lake Nantahala ☀️ there were only a handful of people out on boats. It felt like our own little private spot.• • • • • • #nantahalalake #kayaking #summerfavorites #traveltogether #lakedays

#VisitNC @VisitNC

@kellyvandellen

Spent a beautiful Saturday hiking in the mountains in the greatsmokynps. On the way out of the park we passed our first eastern elk for the year. #drivehikerepeat #freshairclub #visitmysmokies #theblueridgers #visitnc #goneoutdoors #blueridgemoments #beanoutsider #nationalparkgeek #wandermore #stayandwonder #staywild #instanature #instawildlife #usinterior #wildernessculture #nikonz7 #nikonglobal #smokymountains #scenicnc #friendsofthesmokies #national_park_photography #np10k #getoutsideandplay #naturenc #gsmnp #splendid_animals #wildplanet

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Bluegrass Music Venues in Western North Carolina

List

Events in this region

Mountain Crafts Destinations Reflect Time-Honored Traditions

List

Smoky Mountain Country Club

Whittier

11/30/2024

Winter Wonderland

Franklin

Firsts That Last

Video

Andrews Brewing Company

@simplyawesometrips_tn

Andrews Brewing Company

@simplyawesometrips_tn

When you like your beer with a view... Andrews is a great small town in western NC and its brewery is one of my favorite places to stop when I am kayaking nearby. Kid-friendly too. #simplyawesometrips #smalltownusa #westernnc #andrewsbrewingcompany #visitnc #craftbeer

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria

Maggie Valley

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

Trips That Transform

@kaitlinkxoxo

heaven is real @bearlakereserve ⛅️✨

#VisitNC @VisitNC

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

List

@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

A Colorful Fall in Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains

Article

11 Breweries Elevating the Beer Scene

List

Choose, Cut and Stay in the Christmas Tree Capital

List

11/21/2024 - 12/25/2024

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands

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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

9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

List

Savor Great Restaurants with Amazing Views in Cashiers & Jackson County

Article

7 Spots to Host the Whole Family for the Holidays

List

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Mountain Splendor: 3-Day Cycling Trip Near Brevard

Trip Idea

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

Pinnacle Park

Sylva

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Bluegrass Music Venues in Western North Carolina

List

Directory

Events in this region

Mountain Crafts Destinations Reflect Time-Honored Traditions

List

Smoky Mountain Country Club

Whittier

Winter Wonderland

Franklin

Firsts That Last

Video

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria

Maggie Valley

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

Trips That Transform

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

List

A Colorful Fall in Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains

Article

11 Breweries Elevating the Beer Scene

List

Choose, Cut and Stay in the Christmas Tree Capital

List

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands