The 56,000-acre Qualla Boundary, which serves as the Eastern gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is home to more than 13,000 members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Unique among many North American tribes, the Cherokee had a written language, which was comprised of 86 characters created in the 1820s by Sequoyah, a jewelry maker. Unlike Plains Indians, the Cherokee lived in log cabin-type homes, wore turbans and preferred European clothing. The Cherokee Nation prospered in the Great Smoky Mountains until the United States Government initiated the tragic "Trail of Tears," driving the tribe out of the mountains and marching them 1,200 miles to Oklahoma in 1838. At least 4,000 men, women and children died during the ordeal. Today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are descendants of those Cherokee who hid out in the mountains to avoid removal.
Cherokee also has many outdoor activities to enjoy, including trout fishing, river tubing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping. Don’t miss a visit to beautiful 200-foot Mingo Falls or the tranquil Oconaluftee Islands Park, which provides picnic tables, shelters and grills. In addition, the Southern entrance to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is just 1 mile away from Cherokee. Cherokee is conveniently located just 34 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 57 miles from Cades Cove, 18 miles from Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome from 25 miles, 150 miles from Atlanta, Georgia and 162 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Cherokee, North Carolina Annual Events for 2010
Cherokee KOA Fishing Tournament - March 27, 2010
Ramp It Up! Festival - March 27, 2010
Vietnam Veterans Parade & Ceremony 2010 - March 27, 2010
Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally - April 23-25, 2010
Cherokee Visitor Appreciation Day - May 6, 2010
Cruise the Smokies - Spring Cherokee Rod Run - May 14-16, 2010
Cherokee Day of Caring - May 17-20, 2010
Gourd Festival - June 3-5, 2010
Summerfest Carnival - June 15-19, 2010
N.C. State Bluegrass Festival - June 17-19, 2010
July Powwow - July 2-4, 2010
July 4th Fireworks - July 4, 2010
Dare Motorcycle Run - July 10, 2010
Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Indian Art Market - July 16-17, 2010
Talking Trees Children's Trout Derby - August 7, 2010
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival - August 19-21, 2010
Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally - September 10-12, 2010
Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration - September 17-19, 2010
Cherokee Indian Fair - October 6-9, 2010
Big Rigs Antique Truck Show - October 14-16, 2010
Thanksgiving Day Feasts - November 26, 2010
Cruise the Smokies - Fall Cherokee Rod Run - November 5, 2010
Area Holiday Festivivites - December 1-31, 2010
Cherokee Christmas Parade - December 12, 2010
New Year's Eve Fireworks - December 31, 2010
Cherokee Welcome Center Before you embark on your exploration of Cherokee, visit the Cherokee Welcome Center off U.S. 441 North (498 Tsali Boulevard, across from the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds) for details on area attractions such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, restaurants and accommodations. The Cherokee Welcome Center is open daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Call (828) 497-9195 or (800) 438-1601 for more information about the Cherokee Welcome Center.
