Where is Cherokee NC?

Cherokee NC is about 50 miles from Asheville, a little over an hour’s ride. The Oconaluftee River runs through it, as the town is in between the intersection of US Routes 19 and 441, and it’s also within the Qualla Boundary land trust.

Cherokee land includes portions of Swain and Jackson County's as well.  Cherokee is at 1,991 feet in elevation.  

Heading towards the Great Smoky Mountains Park, Cherokee is near the main entrance, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

History of Cherokee NC

The Cherokee tribe was once the largest of all the southern tribes, and the particular tribe, in what’s now known as western North Carolina, is known as the Eastern band of Cherokee natives.

In 1830, the Indian Removal Act was approved by President Andrew Jackson, and the plans to move the Native Americans to Oklahoma had begun. Around 17,000 Native Americans were removed from all over the land, one out of every four of them being led to their death on the Trail of Tears.

A smaller group in the East was one of the many natives that resisted the forced removal. They were known as the Oconaluftee Cherokees. Although many of them were killed in the attempt, they did not step down, refusing to take the blatant injustice.

Refugees who had fled from the removal were accepted into this land, and due to the death of a Cherokee hero, Tsali, they were allowed to stay.

This is the land in North Carolina that now belongs to the Cherokee.

Things to do in Cherokee NC

Cherokee has several different activities for you to choose from, whether it be visiting museums or taking a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, strolling through shops or kayaking down a river. Here are some of the top things to do that we’ve compiled together.

1 - Harrah's Cherokee Hotel and Casino Resort

Harrah's Casino is one of the main attractions in Cherokee .  The casino is a four star, 21-story hotel and resort with over 1100 luxury rooms  for you and your family to stay overnight.   Harrah's is the very first casino in North Carolina and is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  The casino is operated by Caesars Entertainment.

Not only does Harrah's  provide lodging, but plenty of other amenities to enjoy, including:

• Arcades
• Workout areas
• Special events where many famous people have performed.
• Restaurants, including: Ruth Chris, Guy Fieri's, Gordon Ramsey's, Brio, and more.
• A 24-land Bowling Alley
• and of course the main attraction, the Casino.

Harrah's provides a unique, luxury, fun, and on the best getaways for those wanting to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the large Blue Ridge Mountains. 

2 - Mingo Falls

If you love waterfalls or if you're a photographer, Mingo Falls is  definitely a top choice for you and your family. The hike is fairly short, but there are lots of steps to climb.  But it's worth it!

The walk up isn't terribly steep and there are places on the way up to sit and take a break, but it’s enough to make your legs definitely feel the climb.

Mingo Falls is also a busy falls, and the best time to visit is early in the morning. There’s a bridge at the end for you to view the flowing cascades, and it’s a highly sought-after destination in Cherokee.

3 - Oconaluftee Indian Village

The Oconaluftee Indian Village is open to visitors and belongs to the Cherokee Indian Reservation.   The village is a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community   Your guide will take you on a tour through the village, demonstrating Cherokee crafting,  homes, and even sacred ritual sites.

The village is well-shaded and you can hear the sound of a creek as you walk through. There’s a “Living History” section where you can explore ancient replicas, lectures of Cherokee culture, and dance shows as well as time of war shows.

It’s a great place to visit, and an even better place to experience and learn the history of the Cherokee.

4 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cherokee is just outside of the borers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and serves as the main access point the largest NC entrance to the park.   The National Park offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic views, scenic drives, camping, horseback riding, waterfalls, historic buildings and much more. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States, and one of the largest.  The Park is spread between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The land once belonged to the Cherokee, who still live in parts of it to this day. 

For a long time, the national park was a place for logging until US citizens called on the government to start protecting the land instead.  In the 30s, it was made into a National Park to preserve the land, stop the logging, and provide a natural refuge for all.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we highly recommend visiting.  Just be sure to Leave No Trace during your visit!

5 - Museum of the Cherokee Indian

The Museum of the Cherokee Indians is a unique and fascinating place that tells you the story of the Cherokee, of their culture, and their history.

Displays, sensory experiences, and videos are included in the tour, as well as other special effects. You’ll take a walk through several different time periods, and see as the tribe grows in strength and beauty.

This museum is open year round except for Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day, so come along and watch the amazing history of the Cherokee people. 

6 - Experience Unto These Hills

Whether you’re a history addict or you love theatre, this is a play that tells the amazing story of the Cherokee, from way back in time to the Trail of Tears to present day.

Starting from the arrival of Hernando DeSoto, the Spanish Conquistador, this play is bound to entice you from the very beginning.  Unto these hills is based purely off Cherokee values, their triumphs and their tragedies, all the lives that were lost.

The show takes place in the Mountainside Theater, outdoors in the starlight, and a popular attraction since 1950. Drama extras, backstage tours, and more are all additions that you can pay to enjoy.

Unto these Hills is an incredible story, that all should see and experience.

7 - Oconaluftee Visitor Center

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is home to a few different activities to enjoy. The Mountain Farm Museum is right behind the main buildings, providing old buildings that had been spread out all along the National Park that have been collected in one place for visitors to tour.

In the visitor’s center you’ll find not only a gift shop, but an audio tour as well. If you head on back out, there is also the Oconaluftee River Trail right alongside the museum all the way to the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the river runs with it. Dogs are allowed along this particular trail, as well.

And, of course, don’t forget to check the fields for any Elk that might be there.  The fields around the visitor center are a popular spot for them, especially in the mornings and late afternoon. 

8 - Oconaluftee Islands Park

The Oconaluftee Islands Park is a popular place for visitors. You cross a bridge that leads to a small island with picnic tables and swimming areas—as well as fishing, water rafting, and tubing—a perfect place to wind down and enjoy your day.

The Park is a very common place for families to bring their children, and let them play in the crisp, cool, and shallow waters of the Oconaluftee River.   On a warm summer day, you'll find many families here enjoying the water.

And if you like volleyball, a court is also right there to play. A bamboo forest is there for you to walk through, a great place to be in the shade.

The park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and there is no charge to visit. If you’re ever in need of a quick cool-down, then this is the place for you.

9- Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine

Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine has free admission and a host of gems for you to pan for. It’s Cherokee’s first and largest gem mine and a great attraction to visit with loads of fun for the family.

Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, garnets, and topaz are some of the many gemstones available. You can have your gemstones identified for free as well as have them cut and polished and made into a beautiful gift for a loved one!

Groups/school buses are welcome, and all equipment is provided.  

The mine is located at: 971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719

10 - Cherokee Rapids River Tubing

A favorite of many outdoor activities, Cherokee Rapids River Tubing is the largest and number one tubing outfitter in Cherokee. Not only do you have the option to go tubing, but kayaks are available for rent as well.

The water of the Oconaluftee River is clean and refreshing, and transportation is provided by the company along with the tubes and kayaks. The waters are relatively smooth, but hold on tight; there are a few rapids along the way.

If you’re looking for some excitement for the day, this is definitely the choice for you.

Where to stay in Cherokee NC

Cherokee NC is a quaint little place for you to stay however long your trip requires. They offer not only hotels, but cabin rentals and campgrounds as well. If you're looking for a cozy room inside or a refreshing night in the outdoors, plenty of options await you.

Hotels in Cherokee NC

If you’re looking for good quality hotels and reasonable prices, here are some of the top options in Cherokee NC Hotels. They each come with their own amenities, and all of them are comfortable and worth the money.

Campgrounds in Cherokee NC

Camping is always fun, and Cherokee’s campgrounds don’t disappoint. Spend a night or two in the outdoors, watching the stars in the sky as you wait to fall asleep, surrounded by the beautiful vegetation. Here are some of the top choices we’ve picked.

Where to eat in Cherokee NC

Cherokee NC offers all sorts of restaurants, from Italian food to Asian cuisine. Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner—depending on the time of the day—there’s bound to be something that you and your family can enjoy.

What’s New at Mingo Falls? (2026 Update)

If your memory of Mingo Falls involves a small parking area, aging stairs, and infrastructure that had seen better days, you’ll notice the difference almost immediately.

During our visit this morning, we saw improvements throughout nearly the entire experience.

Recent upgrades include:

• A significantly improved parking and entrance area
• Updated stairs with new handrails and fencing in many sections
• Trail improvements between the stair climb and waterfall overlook
• A rebuilt observation bridge area that offers a better viewing experience
• Cleaner, safer, and more organized access overall
• Three Porta-potties at the trailhead (warning: when we visited they were a bit disgusting)

These improvements happened around the same time nearby Soco Falls also received major upgrades, and both locations are noticeably easier to visit now.

For repeat visitors, this is not a small update — the experience feels very different from just a few years ago.

Parking at Mingo Falls

Parking at Mingo Falls differs from before the recent changes.

During our visit this morning, one of the biggest improvements we noticed was the updated parking and entrance area. The entire space feels cleaner, more organized, and much easier to navigate than it used to be.

While on super busy weekends, parking can still fill up, there is much more parking than in the past.

If you’re visiting during summer, weekends, holidays, or peak fall color season, we strongly recommend arriving earlier in the day. Mid-morning and afternoon tend to be the busiest times, especially when tour groups and Smoky Mountain visitors make their way into Cherokee.

A few parking tips:

• Arrive early for the best chance at easy parking
• Do not block roads
• If parking looks full, consider visiting later in the afternoon or earlier the next morning

The good news is that the recent improvements have made the entire arrival experience feel much smoother and safer than it did just a few years ago. The parking situation was a much needed change!

Hiking up to Mingo Falls

This is where we always like to set expectations. Mingo Falls is not a long hike. But it is not an easy walk either.

The trail is short, but visitors will climb more than 160 stairs immediately after leaving the parking area. Those stairs gain elevation quickly and can catch people off guard, especially during warmer months. There are three concrete stairs, then a gravel patch of about 5-6 feet, then three more stairs. This pattern is all the way to the top.

The good news?

The recent stair improvements, handrails, and fencing make the climb feel safer and more comfortable than the previous stairs and walk-up.

Our advice is simple: take your time.

Most people naturally stop several times while climbing anyway, and there’s no reason to rush.

At the top of the stairs are two nice benches where you can catch your breath and enjoy the sounds of the creek flowing from the base of the falls. The entire area is heavily shaded, so nice and cool as well. We would recommend making sure you have some water with you, as you will break a sweat on the way up.

Once you're at the top of the stairs, the trail to the falls is short and flat. The trail leads to a wide metal bridge with rock stairs. The bridge offers a gorgeous view of the base of the falls and four very nice metal benches to sit on.

If you're a photographer, we would highly recommend arriving early in the morning to get pictures in order to avoid the crowds.

We've been to and photographed several waterfalls in the area, and Mingo Falls is definitely on our list of the most beautiful. If you love waterfalls, you'll definitely want to put Mingo Falls on your list to visit and photograph!

Know Before You Go

Before heading to Mingo Falls, here are a few things we think are helpful to know:

• Cell service can be spotty around Cherokee and along Big Cove Road, so download directions before leaving town
• Mingo Falls sits on Cherokee tribal land within the Qualla Boundary — not inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park - although some maps and guides imply it is.
• The hike is short, but nearly all the elevation gain happens right at the beginning during the stair climb
• Expect damp stairs, wet rocks, and slick conditions after rain
• If you’re visiting during summer, mornings are usually cooler and less crowded
• Mornings can be cool, as the trail is heavily shaded - Bring along an extra jacket or pull over.
• Bring water — especially during warmer months when the stair climb feels much harder than the distance suggests

Why Visit Mingo Falls?

We’ve visited waterfalls all across Western North Carolina over the years, and Mingo Falls still stands out for one simple reason: The payoff is huge for the amount of effort required.

Unlike waterfalls where you only catch glimpses through trees or view them from far away, Mingo Falls puts you directly in front of a massive rock wall with water flowing down through large boulders and old fallen trees, directly through the creek below you.

Even after visiting countless times over the years, standing at the observation deck still feels impressive.

Photography Tips for Mingo Falls

If you plan to photograph the waterfall, here are a few things we recommend:

• Bring a wide-angle lens — fitting the entire waterfall into one frame can be challenging
• Mingo is north-facing, so it never really gets direct light during prime season; however, morning light usually produces softer conditions and is our preferred time to visit.
• Bring a tripod if you want long-exposure water shots
• Carry a lens cloth — mist from the waterfall can reach the overlook area
• After rain is often the best time to visit if you want stronger water flow
• Use a CPL (Circular Polarizing Filter) to cut glare and enhance foliage color. Just be sure that if you use our link, you purchase the correct size for your camera lens.
• Fall is always a fantastic time to visit and take photos. The colors are amazing!

Our Local Tips for Visiting Mingo Falls

We live about 40 minutes from Cherokee, in Nearby Maggie Valley. We have visited Mingo Falls many times over the years.  Here are our best tips to help you enjoy your visit.

• Visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds, cooler temperatures, and better lighting.
• Bring some water, as the climb up with the stairs is a bit of a workout. There are benches to rest on as you go up. We like to bring some healthy snacks to enjoy while sitting and enjoying the falls.
• Do not climb up the falls or above the falls. People have been seriously hurt doing so.
• On the way there, as you travel through Cherokee, pay attention to the fields along the roadside - There are often Elk grazing, especially in the early morning and late evening.  

Our Photos

Here is a gallery of our photos, taken during our recent visit to Mingo Falls: