Cherokee, North Carolina

Cherokee, North Carolina offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. Explore the top trails and outdoor adventures in the area, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest, and Oconaluftee Indian Village. Visit the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for magnificent views and unique experiences. For a must-visit place, check out the Oconaluftee Islands Park for an intimate and calming day. With plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, Cherokee, North Carolina is the ideal destination for those seeking an outdoor adventure.

Top Spots in and near Cherokee

  • Salem, South Carolina

    Camp on Lake Jocassee

    4.8
    To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site.  Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office.  Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information.  Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only publi...
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  • Tellico Plains, North Carolina

    Hike to Whiggs Meadow

    3 mi / 700 ft gain
    You will start your hike off of the Cherohala Skyway. The trail-head is a small asphalt pull-off on the right if you are coming from Tellico Plains. From the trail-head the trail starts up and almost all of the trial is an uphill incline on the way there with about 700 feet of elevation change ov...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Run through Carrier Park

    If you're in Asheville, NC and want a fun place to be outside, buzzing with activity-- you'll need to check out Carrier Park. Here, you can run along the trails, bike in the Velodrome (former race track), launch your kayak or inner tube from one of the free launches, hammock from a tree, do yoga ...
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  • Tamassee, South Carolina

    Hike to Lee Falls

    4.0
    1.6 mi
    The Hike: Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee...
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  • Hot Springs, North Carolina

    Rich Mountain Fire Tower

    5.0
    Rich Mountain fire tower is located in the Cherokee National Forest just outside of Hot springs North Carolina. Getting there is pretty easy once you get off of US 25W you drive up a gravel road for about 5 miles until you get to the tower. Once you get to the top its about a 100 foot walk until ...
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  • Sunset, South Carolina

    Hike to Twin Falls, SC

    5.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Once you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles  to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...
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  • Hiawassee, Georgia

    Bell Mountain

    0.13 mi / 24.93 ft gain
    Bell Mountain is an awesome place to experience for everyone of all abilities. Whether you're bringing a picnic lunch or looking to grab an awesome sunset, this is the place to be. Bell Mountain is located only 10-minutes (3.2 miles) right past the downtown area of Hiawassee, GA. Take US-76 E out...
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  • Tellico Plains, Tennessee

    Hike to Falls Branch Falls

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 540 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, drive 22.5 miles on the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains, Tennessee. If you are coming from the North Carolina side, drive 20.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead parking area is marked by a large green sign saying West Rattlesnake and is surrounded by a low stone ...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Stroll through Montford Park

    Close to downtown and in between several bed and breakfasts in Montford, NC, you'll find Montford Park. Though you may not expect it, the park boasts a couple of tennis courts, a basketball court, and some green space for picnicking, relaxing with friends, or getting lost in a good book.  People...
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  • Vonore, Tennessee

    Camp at Citico Creek

    5.0
    There are a few options for getting to Citico Creek, you can either go up the windy gravel road from US 411 or get off of the Cherohala Skyway and go down the mountain past the Indian Boundary campground. The Citico Creek campground has about 5 or 6 spots but is rarely full because it is very sec...
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  • Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Hooker Falls

    4.5
    0.92 mi / 282 ft gain
    Hooker Falls is located in Dupont State Forest in southern North Carolina. The hike is a great hike for kids to go on and to have a picnic. The waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a great place to swim. Along the hike there are also other places you can see the river and you can swim a...
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  • Little River, North Carolina

    High Falls & Triple Falls

    4.5
    2.38 mi / 502 ft gain
    Both falls provide ample open, flat rock right up next to the massive falls where you can picnic, take photos, or just lounge in the sun and mist. There are signs saying so, but be sure to be careful near the waters edge below the falls - swimming is not allowed as the current can be very strong....
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  • Marshall, North Carolina

    Laurel River Trail

    5.0
    7.23 mi / 1447 ft gain
    Laurel River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Marshall, North Carolina.
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Take in the Sights at Pack Square Park

    If you're in Asheville, it'll be quite difficult to miss out on going to or at least hearing about Pack Square Park. The park is bustling with activity as it's a common, middle ground place for people to meet up, to take a lunch break, or to catch some rays of sun on a warm day. It's also a commo...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Relax at Martin Luther King Jr Park

    The Martin Luther King Jr Park includes a large multi-purpose field as well as a playground that's great for kids. It's the perfect place to go solo to clear your head and chill with a book or with family and friends for an outdoor game.  Right at the entrance to the Park stands a statue of Mart...
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  • Tiger, Georgia

    Glassy Mountain Fire Tower Trail

    5.0
    1.87 mi / 567.59 ft gain
    In order to find this hidden gem, you'll have to drive quite a ways up the mountain first, otherwise it is a very steep incline. There will be limited parking at the gate that stops you from driving the whole way up. You will turn onto a road called "Glassy Mountain Rd" and that will be the road ...
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