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North AmericaUnited StatesNorth Carolina

Cherokee

North Carolina, United States · North America

About Cherokee

Cherokee works well as a base: 25 minutes from Bryson City, 22km from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cherokee is a town located in North Carolina, United States. With a population of 2,138, it is an important destination in North America.

On a road trip, Cherokee sits in United States, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/New York time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Cherokee to your route.

About Cherokee

Cherokee (Cherokee: ᏣᎳᎩ, romanized: Tsalagi) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Swain and Jackson counties in Western North Carolina, United States, within the Qualla Boundary land trust. Cherokee is located in the Oconaluftee River Valley around the intersection of U.S. Routes 19 and 441. As of the 2020 census,

Read more the CDP had a population of 2,195. It is the capital of the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, one of three recognized Cherokee tribes and the only one in North Carolina. The community also serves as a tourist destination, with numerous campgrounds, motels, and hotels serving visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a major entrance to the park lying within the community. The Cherokee Historical Association runs the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living-history museum, as well as the popular outdoor drama Unto These Hills, and is associated with the Museum of the Cherokee People. Cherokee serves as the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Oconaluftee River flows through the town and is popular for tubing.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Cherokee

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Cherokee?

Cherokee offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Cherokee?

Plan your road trip to Cherokee with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Cherokee as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Cherokee located?

Cherokee is located in North Carolina, United States, North America. The coordinates are 35.4743 latitude, -83.3149 longitude.

What is the population of Cherokee?

Cherokee has a population of approximately 2,138 people, making it a town in United States.

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Quick Information

Population
2,138
Continent
North America
Country
United States
Region
North Carolina
Timezone
America/New_York
Coordinates
35.4743, -83.3149

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United States

Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Driving side
right

AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.

Full driving guide for United States

Tags

North AmericaUnited StatesNorth CarolinaTown

Worth the detour from Cherokee

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

scenic viewpoint

Waterrock Knob Overlook (Blue Ridge Parkway)

A 6,292-foot summit near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway with 360-degree views of the Great Smoky and Plott Balsam mountains.

10 km · about 20 min drive

mountain pass

Newfound Gap Road (US-441)

The only paved road over the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, climbing to the 5,046 ft Newfound Gap on the Tennessee–North Carolina line with sweeping overlooks along the way.

18 km · about 20 min drive

landmark

Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi)

The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 ft, reached by a seven-mile spur road off Newfound Gap; a spiral observation tower gives 360-degree views over the Blue Ridge.

19 km · about 20 min drive

national park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park, renowned for its ancient mountains, diverse plant life, and misty ridges.

22 km · about 25 min drive

landmark

Dollywood

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain theme park in Tennessee celebrating Appalachian culture with world-class rides and shows.

41 km · about 45 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Cades Cove

A broad, verdant valley in the Great Smoky Mountains with an 11-mile loop road passing historic homesteads, churches, and abundant wildlife.

43 km · about 50 min drive

famous road

Moonshiner 28

NC Highway 28 from Deals Gap past Fontana Dam: a flowing, forest-lined driver's road steeped in moonshine-running lore, forming the classic loop with the Tail of the Dragon.

49 km · about 55 min drive

cafe

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort

The home base of the Tail of the Dragon, America's most famous motorcycle road: where riders gather before and after tackling 318 curves in 11 miles.

55 km · about 65 min drive

Driving roads near Cherokee

  • Right hereWaterrock Knob Overlook (Blue Ridge Parkway)A 6,292-foot summit near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway with 360-degree views of the Great Smoky and Plott Balsam mountains.
  • 18 kmNewfound Gap Road (US-441)The only paved road over the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, climbing to the 5,046 ft Newfound Gap on the Tennessee–North Carolina line with sweeping overlooks along the way.
  • 43 kmCades CoveA broad, verdant valley in the Great Smoky Mountains with an 11-mile loop road passing historic homesteads, churches, and abundant wildlife.
  • 49 kmMoonshiner 28NC Highway 28 from Deals Gap past Fontana Dam: a flowing, forest-lined driver's road steeped in moonshine-running lore, forming the classic loop with the Tail of the Dragon.
  • 55 kmTail of the Dragon Overlook (Deals Gap)Pull-off points along the legendary 318-curve, 11-mile stretch of US-129, one of America's most thrilling driving roads.
  • 67 kmCherohala SkywayA 43-mile National Scenic Byway soaring above 5,000 ft between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC: the sweeping, uncrowded sister drive to the nearby Tail of the Dragon.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Cherokee.

Bryson City

🇺🇸 United States

13 km awayPop. 1,458

Sylva

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Maggie Valley

🇺🇸 United States

20 km awayPop. 1,251

Cullowhee

🇺🇸 United States

22 km awayPop. 6,228

Hazelwood

🇺🇸 United States

28 km awayPop. 1,655

Waynesville

🇺🇸 United States

30 km awayPop. 9,809

Cove Creek

🇺🇸 United States

31 km awayPop. 1,171

Gatlinburg

🇺🇸 United States

32 km awayPop. 4,184

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence