Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee, North Carolina offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. Explore the top trails and outdoor adventures in the area, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest, and Oconaluftee Indian Village. Visit the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for magnificent views and unique experiences. For a must-visit place, check out the Oconaluftee Islands Park for an intimate and calming day. With plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, Cherokee, North Carolina is the ideal destination for those seeking an outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Cherokee
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Cleveland, South Carolina
Caesars Head Overlook
5.00.27 mi / 144 ft gainThe Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...Read more -
Young Harris, Georgia
Hike the Miller Trek
5.06.3 mi / 1325 ft gainThis is an awesome trek with views of both Young Harris and Hiawassee, GA! The trail starts from the parking area where there is the Miller Trek A-Frame (see photo for reference)! There are several different trails within the trail system on the mountain, but if you take 5 minutes to read the map...Read more -
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Explore North River Road
4.7If you're looking to get off the beaten path and take the road less traveled, North River Road is your ticket to solitude.A popular loop for the locals is starting on Tellico River Road, then getting on North River Road to make your way up the mountain all the way to the Cherohala Skyway. Take th...Read more -
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Camp at North River Campground and Dispersed Campsites
North River Road is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Tellico Plains. To get to North River Campground you can either drive up the Cherohala Skyway about 6 miles then turn when you see the sign for the campground and bald river falls. Another way to get to the campsites along North Ri...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
High Ground Park
1 mi / 50 ft gainThis park is located in south Knoxville right off of Cherokee trail road. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. The park is home to the historic Fort Higley which was a Civil War fort built by the Union to protect Knoxville. This is a great place to walk or run through t...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
High Ground Park (Fort Higley)
0.66 mi / 89 ft gainHigh Ground Park (Fort Higley) is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest and park located near Knoxville, Tennessee.Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Paddle on Lake Oolenoy
5.0Part of Table Rock State Park, Lake Oolenoy is a 67-acre lake providing private boat access for kayaks, canoes, or small boats with electric trolling motors.To get to the boat ramp, when traveling on scenic Highway 11, turn Sah Ka Na Ga View Road on the opposite side of the road as the Table Rock...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Photograph Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place)
Getting there Fred W. Symmes (aka Pretty Place) Chapel is perched near the top of Standing Stone Mountain at 3000 feet above sea level. That being said, expect a long and winding drive up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes starting from the bottom of the mountain to arrive to the chapel. Th...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fort Dickerson Quarry Park
This is an amazing gem in south Knoxville only 7 minutes away from Gay Street. This is one of the newest parks in Knoxville but it has been a part of Knoxville for centuries. The quarry is a gorgeous place for swimming and kayaking. This park offers numerous outdoor activities all in a great plac...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook
The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...Read more -
Walhalla, South Carolina
Hike to Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel
4.01.5 mi / 250 ft gainFrom Walhalla South Carolina, follow SC 28 westward 7 miles until you see Stumphouse Tunnel Park on the right-hand side of the road. Take this road halfway down, and park in the parking area on the right. From here, you can travel a short walk to the falls overlook, or, for the more adventurous ...Read more -
150 Asbury Drive, South Carolina
Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls
5.5 mi / 800 ft gainThe trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others. After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...Read more -
Walhalla, South Carolina
Hike to Yellow Branch Falls
5.03 miOnce you have turned into the picnic area off of Highway SC 28, you will see the open and easy parking area. The trail begins at 2 points on the southern end of the parking area. These 2 points form a small loop about 0.2 miles long, with a spur in the middle of the loop onto the main yellow bran...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike to Rainbow Falls and Pretty Place
5.05.96 mi / 1844 ft gainJones Gap State Park in the Upstate of South Carolina is one of the most beautiful parks in the state offering a good range of moderate and challenging hiking and backpacking trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Jones Gap Loop
5.05.5 mi / 2000 ft gainStart on the Jones Gap Trail (blue), which will lead you alongside the Saluda River. After 2.5 miles, take the Old Springs Branch Trail (orange) to loop back to the lot.For a challenging, more strenuous hike, with great views of the Gap, check out Rim of the Gap Trail. It is not advised to take c...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Pinnacle Pass/Rim of the Gap Loop
11.5 mi / 2345 ft gainThe Trailhead: Located at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC of northern Greenville County. Follow the trail across an iron bridge that crosses the Middle Saluda River, and be sure to register at the Ranger’s Station/Gift Shop on the far side of the gap. The trail head(s) are located directly o...Read more
