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
$103 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$115 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and 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! (2,996 reviews)
"I"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

2.5 out of 5
1636 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC
$89 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$99 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and fees
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! (1,769 reviews)
"Quiet. Clean. Great deal. Location is out a couple of miles from the main shopping and restaurant area and casino but very family friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Cherokee Grand Hotel

Cherokee Grand Hotel

2.5 out of 5
196 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC
$74 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$83 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
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! (1,058 reviews)
"If touvare looking for a clean and affordable place to stay this is it! No frills but decent."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 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! (106 reviews)
"We loved this place. Although all cabins are on the road, we may have seen 5 cars a day drive by. The property is 3 miles up the mountain from the main drag in Cherokee. We felt secluded. The fire pit in the front is fabulous. We could hear roaring Wright's Creek behind the cabin. The cabin was clean ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Panther Creek Cabins
Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad

Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad

Cherokee
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Santa's Land Family Theme ...
Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad
Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad

Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad

Cherokee
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Oconaluftee ...
7.6/10 Good! (15 reviews)
Great spot
"Fishing in walking distance , nice place"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Customer Appreciation Year!! See Discount information in Ad
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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