Cherokee

Top Spots

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus

Cherokee, North Carolina

5.0

The pinpoint for this particular entrance starts just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, following the Parkway North. They say the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road, it's a beautiful journey. Start this journey and you will quickly find this to be true. This 469 mile gateway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virgin...

Oconaluftee River Trail

Cherokee, North Carolina

3.14 mi / 171 ft gain

Mingus Mill and Newton Bald Trail

Cherokee, North Carolina

10.52 mi / 3251 ft gain

Mingo Falls

Cherokee, North Carolina

4.2

0.22 mi / 148 ft gain

Although it is not much of a hike at just 0.3 miles, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. A climb up a series of stairs leads you to a trail overlooking Mingo creek. You will then find a 20 foot wide bridge which serves as the viewing platform of the falls. If you care to adventure further, feel free to hop your way over some timber and boulders to the base of the waterfall. ...

Smokemont Loop Trail

Cherokee, North Carolina

6.06 mi / 1627 ft gain

Barrett Knob Fire Tower

Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 506, North Carolina

5.0

1.21 mi / 400 ft gain

Your hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to the top is about a half mile. It is a small hike up is pretty steep. When you get to the top you can...