How will Cherokee affect you?

Off the Beaten Path

Lose yourself in Cherokee, NC.

Sometimes, you just want to get away. From everybody and everything. Cherokee, with its acres upon acres of raw, unspoiled nature, offers the chance to have fun, take the road less traveled, and simply explore nature in all its glory.

If you find yourself looking for a comfortable place to rest your head in Cherokee, have a quick tour of our accommodations here.

Add All to your Itinerary

Elk Viewing

Cherokee worked very carefully to preserve and protect their native elk herd. If you’ve never seen these magnificent creatures, a trip to Cherokee can solve that!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Okay, so every national park is also a national treasure. But this one not only offers the Great Smokies, but some of the prettiest drives, most gorgeous hiking, and jawdropping views you’ll find anywhere.

Tubing

Take a lazy float down the Tuskasegee or Oconaluftee River, and leave your worries and cares somewhere back on the bank. It’s time for lots of laughs, reconnecting with nature, and the easiest way to interact with water you can find.

Soco Falls

Hike to Soco Falls for a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.

Mingo Falls

Named for the Cherokee term for “Big Bear,” Mingo never disappoints. Just six miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mingo roars like a bear, but is gentle on the eye.

Oconaluftee River Trail

Hike the Oconaluftee River Trail to soak in the magnificence of the Cherokee forest.

Oconaluftee Islands Park

Long a favorite destination for Cherokee families, your family is invited, too. The generally shallow depth of the Oconaluftee River invites stone skipping contests, building an ancient Cherokee fishing weir, or just wading up to your ankles to beat the heat.

Rope Swing

Nothing beats an old rope swing followed by a plunge in the beautiful Oconaluftee River. Grab a bunch of your friends or bring along your family, and see who can swing out the farthest, who makes the biggest splash, and who winds up with the biggest water wedgie.