Iconic Mountain Trails
Cherokee and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains host some of the most spectacular terrain in North America. Whether you are looking for an easy, family-friendly walk to a cascading waterfall or a challenging all-day summit hike, our location serves as the perfect basecamp.
Get Your Maps Here
Before heading into the deep wilderness, we highly recommend stopping by the Oconaluftee Visitors Center (located on 441N at the Pioneer Farmstead). They offer excellent, up-to-date trail maps, safety information, and weather conditions.
Clingman's Dome
Great Smoky Mountains
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit offers spectacular 360° views. The half-mile trail to the summit is paved, but very steep.
Mingo Falls
Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, NC
Located right on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just minutes away, Mingo Falls cascades nearly 120 feet down granite boulders. The hike is short but requires climbing a staircase of 161 steps. The payoff is spectacular.
Alum Cave Bluffs
Great Smoky Mountains (TN Drive)
An iconic and more advanced trail leading past unique geologic features, massive rock bluffs, and beautiful forest floors. Perfect for experienced hikers looking for an unforgettable challenge.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Stunning wilderness area renowned for its white quartz formations.
A very popular, family-friendly hike featuring gorgeous waterfalls and wild blueberries in late summer.
A steep but rewarding paved/dirt trail leading to incredible panoramic overlooks.
One of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina, featuring multiple viewing platforms.
Great Smoky Mountains
A historic trail that crosses the river multiple times over charming log footbridges.
Located in Smokemont. A peaceful, relatively flat walk following a beautiful rushing stream.
An easy walk leading to a historic, fully functioning 1886 grist mill.
Regional Day Trips
Graham County. Walk among some of the oldest and largest virgin old-growth trees remaining on the East Coast.
Lake Lure. A massive granite monolith offering 75-mile views. (Park entry fee is charged).
Take I-40 West to the Harmons Den exit. A spectacular bald mountain summit offering stunning 360-degree views on the Appalachian Trail.
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Need a Basecamp?
Return from the trails to a private hot tub, firepit, and your own running creek.
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