Cherokee, NC

Travel Guide

Dillsboro
Dillsboro
Cherokee
Cherokee
Mingo Falls which includes a bridge and forests
This town has preserved its Native American heritage in museums and a replica village. It is home to exotic gardens and a prosperous casino.

The town of Cherokee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina preserves the heritage and traditions of Native Americans. Many signs are written in the Cherokee language as well as in English. Visit the casino that opened on Cherokee Nation lands in 1995. It draws millions of visitors to the area annually and creates thousands of jobs for residents.

Try your luck at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Play table games, such as blackjack, roulette and three-card poker, or spend some time on the slot machines. Stay in one of the three stylish hotel towers that are part of the casino complex. The large food court has a variety of casual and high-end restaurants.

See the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in the center of the town and learn about the Native American group through many antique books and photographs. Original Cherokee material and many artistic exhibits tell the story of the Cherokee Nation. Historical displays showcase material that dates back to the Paleo Period.

Explore the Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail. It contains more than 150 species of flora from the Great Smoky Mountains, such as mountain laurel, Dutchman’s breeches and azaleas. Wander through half a mile (800 meters) of pine and hardwood trees.

Make your way to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a replica of a typical 18th-century Cherokee community. A guided tour can help you learn about the culture and history of the people. See live demonstrations of the construction of weapons and amenities.

Hike up to the Oconaluftee River in a valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. Trek through miles of wild, picturesque grounds with panoramic views of the mountains. 

The Cherokee area was once known as Yellow Hill. It has an agreeable climate with warm summers and mild winters. The town is about 2.5 hours’ drive from the east side of Atlanta, Georgia. Other cities close to Cherokee include Asheville and Charlotte. Since the inception of its casino and other attractions, the town has become a haven for history buffs and adventurous travelers.

Where to stay in Cherokee

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Cranberry Falls

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Cranberry Falls, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Soco Falls and Waterrock Knob.

Cranberry Falls
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

4 out of 5
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC
The price is ¥11,647 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥11,647
¥18,532 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,053 reviews)
"Around indoor pool not clean"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

2.5 out of 5
1636 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC
Stay at this hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,716 reviews)
"Very clean and great staff for a motel."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Cherokee Grand Hotel

Cherokee Grand Hotel

2.5 out of 5
196 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC
Stay at this hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,036 reviews)
"Neat and friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Cherokee Grand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.

Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.

Cherokee
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Oconaluftee ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
Great location
"We really loved the place. It is quite quaint. The river was nice. We also saw an elk on the road to the property. That was cool. Would love to stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.
 Charming Waterfront Cabin On The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee NC!

Charming Waterfront Cabin On The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee NC!

Whittier
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy patios, Netflix, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
Great lil hideaway!
"Very cute lil place, tucked away in a great location! Loved the lake view from the deck. Enjoyed bird watching, ( bring your binoculars!)Hubbie and I brought our own Umbrella and stand with a couple chairs to fish on deck. We got a few nibbles that’s about it. Kitchen is very small with no oven BUT ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Charming Waterfront Cabin On The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee NC!
Appaloosa Two is Minutes away from Harrah's Casino and Downtown Cherokee.

Appaloosa Two is Minutes away from Harrah's Casino and Downtown Cherokee.

Cherokee
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Oconaluftee ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (274 reviews)
Wonderful
"This is our 3 stay and will be an annual vacation for my sister and me! We love this cabin! It is the perfect spot close to everything yet away from everything!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Appaloosa Two is Minutes away from Harrah's Casino and Downtown Cherokee.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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