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Are you one of the millions of vacationers planning a Smoky Mountain getaway this year? With scenic pull-off spots, nature trails, Southern comfort food and one-of-a-kind attractions, it is no surprise the Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination.
The Smoky Mountains are one travel destination you can visit over and over again because:
These are four stops you should include in your must-see Great Smoky Mountains travel guide.
As America's most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sure to be the star of your vacation. While you will find unlimited things to do inside the park, two things that draw in crowds are bear sightings and Cades Cove.
Black bears inhabit all areas of the park, scattered across Tennessee and North Carolina, and provide a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into how they interact with their natural environment. Always maintain a safe distance from bears and never attempt to feed them or draw them near.
Cades Cove is in the Tennessee portion of the park, but it is well worth the short drive from Cherokee. Cades Cove Loop Road is a specially designated area for driving, biking or walking that takes you through miles of preserved historic homes, churches, mills and cemeteries. You will also get plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes riders on a train journey through the Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains, surrounded by more than 100 types of trees, blooming berries, wildflowers and flowing rivers. The train itself has retained much of its original style, and you can even enjoy lunch or appetizers while you travel.
Reserve a ticket and hop aboard in Bryson City, North Carolina, for this year-round adventure.
Clingmans Dome — located in Tennessee, about 25 miles from Cherokee — is the highest point in the park. The mountain sits at 6,643 feet tall, and you can drive a road to the near-top to see it all. Access an even better vantage point when you hike up the half-mile walkway that leads to an observation tower. On a clear day, it is possible to see for more than 100 miles.
Cataloochee Valley is an isolated valley in North Carolina, famous for its historic homes, buildings, churches and school, all of which you can tour at your own pace. It is also considered the best place in the mountains to see elk and other wildlife in the mornings and evenings.
No Great Smoky Mountains visitor guide is complete without exploring everything Cherokee has to offer. Here are some of the top things to do when you make Cherokee your Smoky Mountain basecamp.
Whether you prefer hiking on-foot or exploring trails via mountain bike, Cherokee and the surrounding area have plenty of places to choose from, such as:
Add a few of North Carolina's finest falls — like Mingo, Soco and Yellow Creek — to your hiking itinerary for a breathtaking view.
The Smoky Mountains and their surrounding towns are perfect for an agritourism-themed vacation. Depending on the season, you can tour and shop things like:
Shopping from local shopkeepers, artisans and farmers supports the community, and the items make great gifts or souvenirs.
Rainy days are no excuse to stay in on a mountain vacation. Pack a car-friendly picnic, start the playlist and hit the road for these scenic drives:
Part of what makes Cherokee so special is that it has plenty of local entertainment while being only a day's drive or less from other popular Smoky Mountains destinations, including:
Camping is an all-ages activity that is bound to entertain every traveler in your group. KOA makes it more enjoyable than ever, pairing on-site recreation with easy access to nearby points of interest. Cherokee KOA has fun, family-friendly amenities such as:
Cherokee KOA is also pet-friendly, with an on-site KampK9® dog park. Breed and specific site restrictions may apply — contact Cherokee KOA to learn more.
Stay close to the action without sacrificing your peaceful mountain retreat at Cherokee KOA in the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn more about lodging options and site amenities, and start planning your vacation today! Do not forget to check out current deals to make your planning even easier.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.