Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!)

Visit Cherokee — where culture, history, and natural beauty come together in a breathtaking setting!

Cherokee, North Carolina, lies within the Qualla Boundary and serves as the cultural heart of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This historic town is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beautifully combines nature with rich heritage, making it one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.

Cherokee offers numerous attractions — from the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living museum preserving traditional Cherokee life, to the Fire Mountain Trails for hiking and biking, and the Mountainside Theater, home to the legendary outdoor drama Unto These Hills. Relax by the Oconaluftee Islands Park, where the river provides perfect settings for picnics and wading.

Nearby, you can explore Mingo Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, or the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, renowned for its mountain vistas and outdoor adventures.

Ready to explore this remarkable destination? Here are some of the best things to do in Cherokee and its surrounding areas for an unforgettable experience.

Mingo Falls, located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is among the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, plunging nearly 120 feet (36 meters). A short but steep hike leads to a viewing platform offering spectacular views. Visitors must climb 161 stairs — a challenge rewarded by stunning scenery. Caution is advised during winter or after rain, as steps can become slippery.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village recreates an authentic 18th-century Cherokee settlement. This living museum lets visitors experience traditional Cherokee life — from pottery, basket weaving, and canoe building to blowgun demonstrations and ceremonial dances. Guided tours, available from April through October, are led by Cherokee interpreters who share cultural stories and craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations.

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic experiences in Cherokee. Stretching nearly 500 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, it offers countless overlooks, picnic areas, and hiking spots. Along the way, visitors can stop at historic landmarks such as Mabry Mill, Peaks of Otter, and Brinegar Cabin.

Adjacent to Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina–Tennessee border. It is famed for its mist-covered peaks, diverse wildlife, and Appalachian heritage. Popular activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. Notable historic sites include Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin, Hall Cabin, and Oconaluftee Baptist Church — all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cherokee is a premier destination for trout fishing, featuring more than 30 miles of stocked streams home to rainbow, brown, brook, and golden trout. There are both “catch and keep” and “catch and release” sections, with strict regulations to ensure sustainability. Local shops provide licenses and equipment, and the Cherokee Fish Hatchery helps maintain thriving populations throughout the year.

One of the oldest tribal museums in the U.S., the Museum of the Cherokee People chronicles over 11,000 years of Cherokee history through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays. It portrays the tribe’s connection to the mountains, their forced displacement, and their enduring resilience. The museum also hosts educational programs, workshops, and a gift shop featuring authentic Cherokee art.

The Fire Mountain Trails offer more than 10 miles of interconnected paths for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Located just off Indian Village Road, near the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the system features a mix of flowy single tracks, switchbacks, and scenic mountain views. Open year-round and free to enter, it’s one of the top free outdoor attractions in Cherokee.

The Mountainside Theater, a 2,100-seat outdoor amphitheater above downtown Cherokee, hosts Unto These Hills, a celebrated drama depicting the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — from early contact with Europeans to survival after the Trail of Tears. The venue has been renovated, offering comfortable seating and food stalls, making it a memorable cultural experience.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the Sequoyah National Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course offering panoramic Smoky Mountain views. This par-72 layout combines challenging play with stunning scenery. Facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping areas, a pro shop, and an on-site restaurant with terrace dining overlooking the course.

Cherokee’s forests and rivers attract a variety of bird species, from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Scarlet Tanagers to Indigo Buntings and Kingfishers. Top birding trails include Kituwah Mound Trail, Nunadyeli Trails, Backbone Falls Trail, and Gentry Creek Falls. The National Park Service provides a birding checklist to enhance the experience.

During summer evenings (7–9 PM), gather for Cherokee Bonfire Stories, a free community event where local storytellers share myths, legends, and cultural traditions by firelight. Storytellers often accompany their tales with drumming, singing, and dancing. Visitors can relax on benches or bring blankets to enjoy an authentic cultural night under the stars.

Established in 1946, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual is the oldest Native American cooperative in the nation. It preserves and promotes traditional Cherokee craftsmanship, showcasing exquisite baskets, beadwork, wood carvings, pottery, and masks. Visitors can meet local artisans and purchase one-of-a-kind, museum-quality pieces as authentic souvenirs of Cherokee culture.

Located next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is an open-air collection of 19th-century farm buildings relocated from around the park. It includes a farmhouse, barn, springhouse, and blacksmith shop, illustrating Appalachian farm life. Visitors can also explore the nearby Oconaluftee River Trail or Mingus Creek Trail, both ideal for spotting elk.

The Cherokee Bear Zoo is a family-friendly attraction home to black bears, grizzlies, lemurs, tigers, and more. Guests can observe, feed, and interact with animals under supervision while learning about wildlife conservation. Educational talks highlight the importance of habitat protection and responsible tourism.

Set along the tranquil Oconaluftee River, this scenic park offers shady picnic areas, open lawns, and shallow waters perfect for wading and tubing. Visitors can fish, feed ducks, or simply relax amid wildflowers and towering trees. During the Christmas season, the park transforms into a glowing wonderland with festive light displays.

Following are some of the top places to stay in Cherokee that combine comfort, mountain views, and authentic Cherokee hospitality:

8.2 Very good

Bay Mountain Inn Cherokee Smoky Mountains

1455 Acquoni Road Cherokee, us

8.3 Very good

Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee

1223 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, us

9.1 Superb

Rivers Edge Motel

1026 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, us