I really enjoyed walking through the memorial and the park itself. It’s made of seven granite stones with a large obelisk in the center that has a bust of Charles George, a Medal of Honor recipient. Part of the park is a memorial designed by James Killian Spratt. You’ll see the tank out front just past Oconaluftee Island Park. The Cherokee Veterans Park is a small, outdoor park on Tsali Boulevard (Route 441). Whether you’re into shopping, eating, hiking, or looking for a fun day at the casino, this small town has it all.

There’s plenty to do in Cherokee, or you can head to nearby Waynesville or Sylva if you have more time. They each have their own vibe and it feels manageable to wander around.

I love visiting North Carolina’s small towns. The result is clear water and great fishing.Ĭherokee is so close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park that there is a trail where you enter the park without necessarily knowing it. This is because they allow plants to build up on the banks of the rivers which stabilize the land and keep the sediment where it belongs. How many times have you gone by a river in North Carolina after heavy rains and it’s a brown, muddy mess? This is due to sediment pouring down the banks and entering the river. This may sound odd, but it’s a unique characteristic. Because the ownership of the land is held by tribal members, it is a boundary, an important distinction. While often incorrectly referred to as a reservation, this is incorrect. Facts About Cherokee, North CarolinaĬherokee, North Carolina is in the Qualla Boundary which is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Take a little extra time and make it a week in the mountains. Some of my favorite NC small mountain towns are near Cherokee including Sylva, Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Cullowhee. And on the way, you’ll pass right by Soco Falls so be sure to stop. While it’s paved, it is a mountain road with ups, downs, and crazy curves.īut hey, this is all part of visiting a mountain town. Coming from eastern North Carolina, you’ll get on Route 19 near Maggie Valley, which is where the adventure begins. There are a lot of unexpected things to do in Cherokee, NC, but getting there is a bit of a ride.

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