Cherokee

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Welcome to Cherokee, North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains were actually named by the Cherokee Indians, who called it “The Land of the Blue Smoke.”  What better place, then, to surround yourself with the heritage and excitement that the Smoky Mountains have to offer than Cherokee, North Carolina?

The town of Cherokee caters to nature lovers, thrill seekers, family vacationers, and history lovers alike. Cherokee is located near the Great Smoky Mountains Park, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers access to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.  With all there is to do in Cherokee, though, you may not make it out of town!

You could stroll the beautiful Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail or hike the trail to Mount Guyot. Or you could opt to spend your day learning about the local heritage at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

A Closer Look at Cherokee

The rich heritage of the Cherokee Nation dates back thousands of years, but the Cherokee Nation itself was organized under a constitution with courts and schools in the early 1800s.  The Cherokee who live in this region today are the descendants of tribesmen who somehow managed to avoid forced removal by the American government during the Indian Removal Act, which resulted in the Trail of Tears.

A primary goal of the Cherokee Nation today is to preserve this heritage.  The drama “Unto These Hills” depicts the tragedy of the Trail of Tears, while the Oconaluftee Indian Village teaches visitors about the culture of the Cherokee tribe.  Qualla Arts and Crafts features the work of more than 300 Cherokee artisans.

Cherokee is a family-friendly community, with lots of fun to be had for children of all ages.  Exotic zoos with live bears and fun parks with go-carts, miniature golf, and arcades are just a sample of what the area has to offer.  The more adventurous can choose to go whitewater rafting or ride a zip line trip through the forest canopy.

Make Cherokee, North Carolina, the home base for your Smokies Adventure today!