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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Pack Your Sandals, Sneakers or Boots: Find Hikes for All Levels

Trips That Transform

@smokymtnvibes

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

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

#VisitNC @VisitNC

See Sites from Critically Acclaimed Movies Filmed in North Carolina

List

Attractions & Activities in this region

A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea

Places to Stay in this region

Fun and Unique Camping Spots

List

Tips for Staying Safe Hiking, Camping & Visiting Waterfalls

Article

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

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

Events in this region

Firsts That Last

Video

@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

Play, Eat, Stay, Repeat at These Fun-Filled Attractions

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Hike, Bike and Kayak Through Beautiful Jackson County

Article

@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

Nature’s Pool Party: North Carolina Swimming Holes

List

Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill

Cherokee

Wheelchair-Accessible Getaways in North Carolina

Article

Bar-B-Que Wagon

Bryson City

@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

Tumbling Waters Trout Pond

Almond

Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains

Article

Mountain Splendor: 3-Day Cycling Trip Near Brevard

Trip Idea

Go On a Fly-Fishing Adventure in National Forests Near Cashiers

Article

5/23/2025

Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival

Maggie Valley

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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

Pack Your Sandals, Sneakers or Boots: Find Hikes for All Levels

Trips That Transform

See Sites from Critically Acclaimed Movies Filmed in North Carolina

List

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

Fun and Unique Camping Spots

List

Tips for Staying Safe Hiking, Camping & Visiting Waterfalls

Article

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Directory

Events in this region

Firsts That Last

Video

Play, Eat, Stay, Repeat at These Fun-Filled Attractions

List

Hike, Bike and Kayak Through Beautiful Jackson County

Article

Nature’s Pool Party: North Carolina Swimming Holes

List

Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill

Cherokee

Wheelchair-Accessible Getaways in North Carolina

Article

Bar-B-Que Wagon

Bryson City

Tumbling Waters Trout Pond

Almond

Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains

Article

Mountain Splendor: 3-Day Cycling Trip Near Brevard

Trip Idea

Go On a Fly-Fishing Adventure in National Forests Near Cashiers

Article

Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival

Maggie Valley