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Highlights
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Tail of the Dragon
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Fontana Dam
- Rafting, Cycling & Fly Fishing
- Gem Mining
- Cherokee Heritage & Culture
- Nantahala & Whitewater Rafting
Seasonal Averages
Dive Deeper Into the Smoky Mountains & Cherokee Region
Check out the links below to dive deeper into our partner sites and discover the spirit, stories and sights that make each destination unique.
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Cataloochee Valley
Spot elk at sunrise, explore historic homesteads and experience the quiet magic of a hidden Smokies gem.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
It's the most-visited national park for good reasons. Among them: 850 miles of hiking trails, brilliant fall color, impressive waterfalls and top-notch campsites.
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Oconaluftee Indian Village
A living history site in Cherokee where visitors can experience traditional Cherokee culture, crafts and storytelling.
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Nantahala National Forest
Adventure runs deep here with whitewater, winding trails and forested peaks all waiting to be explored.
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Cherohala Skyway
This 43-mile scenic byway climbs to over 5,000 feet, offering endless panoramas, crisp mountain air, and plenty of pull-offs to soak it all in.
Explore Smoky Mountains & Cherokee
Explore our inspiration below and discover why North Carolina is a place where every trip feels personal.
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A Romantic Trip to NC’s Smoky Mountains
Stay stylish, eat well, and explore art and nature in these culture-packed neighboring cities.
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Pick Your Own Outdoor Path
A Great Smoky Mountains adventure looks different for everyone — and in Graham County, that’s exactly the point.
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Family Adventure in NC’s Smoky Mountains
Pack up the kids and dive into a warm-weather escape filled with hikes, picnics and splash-worthy streams.
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Ghost Tours, Gem Mines & Scenic Mountains
Hunt for gems, chase ghosts and soak in epic mountain views — all in one unforgettable adventure in Franklin.
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A Colorful Fall in Bryson City & NC's Smoky Mountains
Catch Bryson City in peak color with crisp hikes, cool waters, winding bike trails and front-porch views that steal the season.
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Road to Nowhere & Waterfalls in NC's Smoky Mountains
Start on the Road to Nowhere, hike through a mountain tunnel, then chase waterfalls and small-town charm.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Ride the Rails
Step aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and let vintage locomotives carry you through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Departing from Bryson City, this scenic ride offers themed excursions like fall foliage tours, wine tastings and the beloved Polar Express.
Smoky Mountains & Cherokee Stories
Show Us How You #VisitNC
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