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
The price is P3,217 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
P3,217
P5,746 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 12 - Mar 13
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! (3,086 reviews)
"Had an event center."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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 P5,109 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
P5,109
P5,696 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
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! (1,611 reviews)
"Great staff and clean comfy rooms."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 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 P4,732 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P4,732
P5,276 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice stay bed was too hard for me."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 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! (184 reviews)
Unique setting
"Very cozy little cabin, though not much room to store things"

Reviewed on Mar 2, 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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