Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Cherokee

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Cherokee from other articles such as 4 days in Asheville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 days in Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg 2 days itinerary, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Cherokee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4.9 (40325 ratings)5 (862 ratings)
Millions visit the campgrounds, trails, fishing streams, flora & fauna at this recreation area.
National parkNature & Parks
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome
4.8 (1596 ratings)4.5 (2582 ratings)
Mountain with a seasonal road, paved trail & observation tower, plus an information center & store.
Forneys Creek, NC 28713, USA
Mountain peakNature & ParksMountains
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
5 Best Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Pictures
"You can easily combine the views at Newfound Gap with a visit to Clingman’s Dome as its just 7 miles away. Now, those 7 miles are quite curvy, but still—it’s easy enough. Plus, Clingmans’ Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet."
Mentioned by Visit My Smokies
10 Photos of the Most Scenic Places to Visit in the Smoky Mountains
"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That’s why it’s no secret that the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower offers the best views of the mountains!. On clear days, views can expand over 100 miles."
Abrams Falls Trail
Abrams Falls Trail
4.5 (438 ratings)
Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Hiking areaNature & ParksHiking TrailsWaterfalls
Mentioned by Smoky Mountain National Park
5 Unbeatable Views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."
Mentioned by Cabins USA Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains
15 Must See Places and Sights in the Smoky Mountains
"A moderate 5 mile hike leads to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains near Cades Cove. From the trailhead near the halfway point in Cades Cove, hikers will descend down a stunning river gorge to this high-flow waterfall in the park. Otters are known the frequent this section of the river on Abrams Creek."
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."
Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap
4.8 (258 ratings)5 (678 ratings)
Alpine road featuring the Rockefeller Memorial, honoring the Great Smoky Mountains park financer.
Tennessee 37738, USA
Mountain passSights & LandmarksScenic Drives
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls
4.8 (973 ratings)4.5 (791 ratings)
A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails
Mentioned by Knoxville 10 days itinerary
4 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (and an itinerary for each place)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
10 of the Best Waterfall Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
"Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hiking to Grotto Falls is a unique experience as it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can stand behind. Tumbling 25-feet, the falls are an enjoyable place to visit not only for the views but for the exploration available."
Mentioned by Hiking In The Smokys
Best Easy Hikes Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Easy Smokies Hikes
"Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that a person can actually walk behind. The 25-foot high waterfall offers a cool, shady, and moist retreat for summer hikers. This same environment also provides ideal habitat for salamanders as well."
Juney Whank Falls
Juney Whank Falls
4.7 (286 ratings)4.5 (97 ratings)
Juney Whank Falls Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713
WaterfallNature & Parks
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls
4.8 (1286 ratings)4.5 (975 ratings)
120-ft. waterfall on the Cherokee Indian Reservation reached by a 0.4-mi. access trail.
Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
WaterfallNature & Parks
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"Mingo Falls is not technically within the park but rather on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. However, it is still very close and worth the visit, as it is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. To access the trail leading to the falls, drive south from the Oconalufteee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and take the second left onto Big Cove Rd."
Chimneys Picnic Area
Chimneys Picnic Area
4.9 (714 ratings)5 (271 ratings)
Seasonal picnic area along a picturesque, rocky creek offering 68 sites with tables & grills.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
ParkNature & Parks
Oconaluftee Island Park
Oconaluftee Island Park
4.8 (1618 ratings)4.5 (381 ratings)
Picturesque park with a bamboo forest, a river for swimming, picnic areas & a sand volleyball court.
US-441, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
ParkNature & Parks
The Townsend Wye
The Townsend Wye
4.8 (396 ratings)4.5 (26 ratings)
Laurel Creek Rd & Little River Road, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
National parkNature & ParksNature & Wildlife AreasBodies of Water

Top Best Restaurants in Cherokee

High Test Deli
High Test Deli
4.9 (505 ratings)
Brick-walled daytime deli serving an array of international sandwiches, plus soups, salads & sweets.
145 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Sandwich shopDeliRestaurant
Subway
Subway
4.1 (316 ratings)
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
1051 Tsalagi Rd Shop #3, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Sandwich shopCatererFast food restaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
Best Local Restaurants in Cherokee, NC
"It feels weird giving a Subway five stars but I honestly can't think of anything to complain about. The food was good, service was great and very friendly... (828) 497-1268Order online"
Newfound Lodge Restaurant
Newfound Lodge Restaurant
3.8 (536 ratings)
Simple, river-adjacent stop offering American breakfast, buffet options & salad bar.
1303 Tsali Boulevard Hwy 441 N, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
RestaurantBuffet restaurant

Best Hiking Trails near Cherokee

Charlies Bunion
Charlies Bunion
5 (55 ratings)5 (111 ratings)
Bare-rock protrusion named for a bygone climber's food wound, now popular for hiking & views.
Tennessee 37738, USA
Mountain peakNature & ParksHiking Trails
Tom Branch Falls
Tom Branch Falls
4.8 (378 ratings)4.5 (72 ratings)
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails
Abrams Falls Trail
Abrams Falls Trail
4.5 (438 ratings)
Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Hiking areaNature & ParksHiking TrailsWaterfalls
Mentioned by Smoky Mountain National Park
5 Unbeatable Views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."
Mentioned by Cabins USA Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains
15 Must See Places and Sights in the Smoky Mountains
"A moderate 5 mile hike leads to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains near Cades Cove. From the trailhead near the halfway point in Cades Cove, hikers will descend down a stunning river gorge to this high-flow waterfall in the park. Otters are known the frequent this section of the river on Abrams Creek."
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."

Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Cherokee

Smoky Mountain Gold-Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold-Ruby Mine
4.2 (442 ratings)3.5 (180 ratings)
Cabin-style jewelry store offering gifts & custom pieces, plus gem mining & gold panning for kids.
971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
JewelerSights & LandmarksMines
Meigs Falls
Meigs Falls
4.7 (290 ratings)4 (60 ratings)
Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
WaterfallNature & Parks
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"If you’d prefer to see a waterfall without even getting out of your car, Meigs Falls is a great choice. You can stay in the comfort of your vehicle and pull off the road to enjoy the falls, which are located roughly 500 feet away and can be seen through the trees. During the late fall and winter, when all the leaves are gone, the falls become even more visible, making the view even more dramatic."
Tom Branch Falls
Tom Branch Falls
4.8 (378 ratings)4.5 (72 ratings)
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cherokee

4.5 (2 reviews)
Great Smoky Mountain Escape - Secluded Mountain Home with Community Lake Access!
Guest Suite · 2 Guests · 3 Bedrooms
$129 /night*
View deal
5.0 (16 reviews)
Beautiful Views of The Great Smoky Mountains From Anywhere Indoors or Out!
Cabin · 2 Guests · 4 Bedrooms
$390 /night*
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Breezy Ridge Mountain Home
Guest Suite · 8 Guests · 3 Bedrooms
$185 /night*
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.