Cherokee

Travel Guide

Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee
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

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

Cranberry Falls
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
4 out of 5
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC
Fully refundable
The price is P3,208 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P3,208
P5,730 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
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! (3,049 reviews)
"I did not like the far distance from hotel check in and the hotel parking in correlation with the casino and restaurants. It was a far walk, especially to get to the Cherokee tower. There were also no signs to direct you to the Cherokee tower, we had to keep asking employees and they would continue ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
2.5 out of 5
1636 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC
The price is P5,094 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P5,094
P5,680 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,600 reviews)
"Easily accessible, quiet, CLEAN, spacious and appropriately priced compared to the casino."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Cherokee Grand Hotel
Cherokee Grand Hotel
2.5 out of 5
196 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC
The price is P4,738 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P4,738
P5,282 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Great walking distance to casino. No food options besides continental breakfast in the morning. Nothing hot to eat. My room was directly across the two common bathrooms so there was a lot of noise going in and out of those. Room was comfortable and plenty of room to spread out. Lobby area was big ..."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 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.
Panther Creek Cabins
Panther Creek Cabins
3 out of 5
3415 Wrights Creek Road, Cherokee, NC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free parking, a casino, and a casino shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Santa's ...
7.6/10 Good! (99 reviews)
"Loved that the cabin was next to a stream."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Panther Creek Cabins
Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals
Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals
3 out of 5
5 Tobacco Barn Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Maggie Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (185 reviews)
Awesome Place!
"Great place! Chasity was amazing and so helpful. The place was awesome, the beds were extremely comfortable, the views from the Yurt were great and it super clean. We will definitely be going back!"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals
Nantahala Cabins
Nantahala Cabins
3 out of 5
580 Nantahala Cabins Ln, Bryson City, NC
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Bryson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bryson City Gem Mine and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
"Everything was amazing. Extremely quiet. Loved the hot tub. Definitely going back in a few months"

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2025

Nantahala Cabins
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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