Local Area Attractions Near Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday

Call ahead and make your reservations early so you can enjoy some of the great activities that the Cherokee area has to offer.
Our Tours Office can help with information concerning the attractions in the area and if you are staying on the campground we will shuttle you to many of them.

**Tours Office and Shuttle ONLY AVAILABLE Between Memorial Day and Labor Day**

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's most visited National Park unit and is known as “America's favorite drive.” Its 469 miles connect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Along the way, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains, forests, and pastoral landscapes, with abundant hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and interpretive signage.

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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

A ride on the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is perhaps the most relaxing way to take in the local scenery. In the wintertime, choose the Polar Express ride, where your kids can hitch a ride with Santa. Other themed rides include ones with the Wizard of Oz and the Peanuts gang.

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Downtown Cherokee

Downtown Cherokee

Visit Cherokee's newly renovated downtown district to enjoy Native American art and craftwork and shop local artisans.Live band every Saturday in summer. Free shuttle offered between Cherokee KOA and downtown Cherokee. Check at front desk for details.

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Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, you can experience the Cherokee Nation's rich history of over 13,000 years and learn about their resilience, inventive spirit and will to survive. You and your family are sure to enjoy the museum's many interactive videos and fascinating displays.If you're coming with a larger party, ask about group packages, which include experiences like Cherokee language courses and performances by the Warriors of Anikituhwa. The museum's exhibits are also fully handicapped-accessible, including its new education and research wing and restrooms. The museum's store stocks a wide variety of crafts, clothing and books, including educational coloring books for kids.

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"Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama

"Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama

One of Cherokee's most popular attractions, “Unto These Hills” is an outdoor drama that tells the history of the Cherokee people from 1780 up to the 21st century. Since its debut in 1950, this production has welcomed more than 6 million visitors. Shows are performed outside at the Mountainside Theatre every night of the week except Sunday from June to August. “Unto These Hills” will teach you about the courage and beauty of the Cherokee people through its action, drama and gorgeous imagery.

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Local Area Recreation Near Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday

Nearby hikes

Nearby hikes

Check out these interesting spots around our campground: Mingo Falls (1/2 mile from the campground) Riverside Trail (5 miles from the campground) Blue Ridge Parkway (5 miles from the campground)

Area Fishing

Area Fishing

The Raven Fork River flows along one side of the campground with miles of excellent stream fishing. If you prefer pond fishing, you'll find three Tribal-owned trout ponds framing the west boundary of Cherokee KOA. All are stocked twice weekly (tribal license required). There's also a new area on the river that is strictly for catch-and-release fly fishing (additional license required).

Fishing at Cherokee Indian Reservation does not require a state fishing license, but you do need to purchase a daily tribal fishing license and a special additional license if you are going to the Catch and Release only sections. Fishing is permitted on the Reservation from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

TravelStorys - Audio Guided Tour of the Great Smokies

TravelStorys - Audio Guided Tour of the Great Smokies

Let KOA be your guide along Hwy 441 and Fighting Creek Gap Road. Hear the stories of the Great Smokies along the way. Personal histories, local tips, and professional narratives combine to uncover the real story of the Great Smoky Mountains. Connect with locations and communities in real time as you travel from KOA to KOA using our unique GPS-triggered audio guide.

Download the KOA Smoky Mountains TravelStory here.

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