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 Waterrock Knob.

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 €108 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€108
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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! (3,003 reviews)
"Everything you could ever need all under one roof."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 €181 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€181
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,749 reviews)
"Rooms and grounds were both appeared to be properly maintained and were very clean. Staff was friendly and efficient. I will stay here again when I go back to Cherokee."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Cherokee Grand Hotel

Cherokee Grand Hotel

2.5 out of 5
196 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €95 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€95
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,053 reviews)
"Good accommodations at a good price"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (104 reviews)
"Very very nice property very well taken care of good people to work with love my cabin can't wait to come back"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Panther Creek Cabins
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! (276 reviews)
All We Needed and Very Comfortable!
"We visited the Appaloosa 2 while we were in the area checking out the national park and a few other nearby attractions. We had three small children with us and the cabin was clean and completely accommodating. The back porch overlooking the Oconaluftee was a real treat, as was the riverside area ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Appaloosa Two is Minutes away from Harrah's Casino and Downtown Cherokee.
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 14 Jul 2025

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