When it comes to fun things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina, I had no idea there was so much until we took the time to explore the town one weekend. This small town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has certainly been a place we have traveled through multiple times, but when we took the time, we just kept finding more and more things to love about this town. So here are some of my favorite places to visit in the town and some can’t-miss places to see in Cherokee, North Carolina.

We have spent many weekends exploring the Great Smoky Mountains but most of the time has been on the Tennessee side. We wanted to change things up one weekend and decided to stay in the Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA. This was an excellent campground with many great amenities like a massive jump pillow, clean bathrooms, and cozy cabins. This proved to be a great home base for our time in Cherokee.

One thing we noticed was just how many elk there are everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! These amazing creatures were hanging out by the river minutes from the campground. They are almost always at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Smokies, and what a delight to see these hulking beasts. Whenever you are in Cherokee, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for elk. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center also has a trail that leads straight into the heart of downtown Cherokee. You can walk right from downtown into the national park for a beautiful little hike, which is a huge plus for any small town.

Back in town, I have found one of the coolest small-town parks I’ve ever seen. The Oconaluftee Islands Park is positioned where the river forks, creating a unique space right in the heart of downtown. This park also has a bamboo forest that is incredible to explore. This one-of-a-kind find ended up being one of the highlights of the trip for me and we spent a good amount of time in the Smokies, so that is high praise for a little downtown park.

I have never seen a town that shows as much pride in its heritage as I have Cherokee, North Carolina. The Cherokee people have a deep connection to the Appalachian territory, and evidence of this is everywhere you look. One fun game you can play, especially with little kids, is to see how many bear statues you can find. These art pieces are all over town, and each one highlights the tapestry of storytelling found within the Cherokee people. If you would like to learn more then the Museum of the Cherokee People is the place you will want to go. There, you can learn the deep routes of this native group and earn a deeper appreciation for the history of the places and people around the Smokies.  

I love a good waterfall, and hidden within this small town is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state. Mingo Falls is a short drive from downtown and a rather easy hike with a massive payoff. Every time I step foot on the viewing bridge at the end of the hike and witness this jaw-dropping cascade, I am just lost for words. It is a place that you just have to see and believe, and it is one spot that should be on everyone’s Cherokee itinerary. 

When it comes to fun things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina, you will find many activities in this small town. It was a delight to explore this town further, and I now view it as another gem that surrounds the Smoky Mountains. If you love to hike then I would recommend getting the AllTrails app where you can find information on some of the trails I have previously mentioned and help you navigate while on your hike. If you are looking for more information on the town, then the Cherokee, NC website is a super helpful resource to plan your next trip to this mountain getaway.