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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@kaitlinkxoxo

heaven is real @bearlakereserve ⛅️✨

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@smokymtnvibes

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

Explore North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Lake Chatuge Hayesville NC

Hayesville

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Bistro 29

Murphy

11/21/2024 - 12/25/2024

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Highlands

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@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

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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

Highlands Aerial Park

Scaly Mountain

Elevate Your Game: Golf in the Mountains

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Fun and Unique Camping Spots

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@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

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9 Romantic Wedding Venues

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1/30/2025 - 2/2/2025

Ice Fest

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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

Take a Totally ‘90s Film Tour

List

See Sites from Critically Acclaimed Movies Filmed in North Carolina

List

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

11 Iconic North Carolina Music Venues

List

Lake Chatuge Hayesville NC

Hayesville

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

4-Season Experiences in Franklin & Nantahala

Article

Directory

Events in this region

Bistro 29

Murphy

Holidays in Highlands

Highlands

Firsts That Last

Video

9 Farm-to-Table Dining Spots

List

Highlands Aerial Park

Scaly Mountain

Elevate Your Game: Golf in the Mountains

List

Fun and Unique Camping Spots

List

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

List

9 Romantic Wedding Venues

List

A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea

Mountain Crafts Destinations Reflect Time-Honored Traditions

List

Ice Fest

Maggie Valley