Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cherokee?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cherokee?

Most visitors spend two to four days in Cherokee when visiting. The fascinating town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the museums and landmarks, the food, and the shops and boutiques.

Cherokee is a town that is part of the Cherokee Nation in western North Carolina. There are many experiences and opportunities to learn about the Native American culture and visitors can also enjoy the many hiking opportunities nearby. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with trails and campgrounds. Another highlight is seeing the dramatic show, "Unto These Hills."

Do you have one or two days to visit Cherokee? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Cherokee?

One day is generally not enough time to experience the town and surrounding mountains while visiting Cherokee. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to experience the hiking, the museums and landmarks, the food, and the shops and boutiques. To genuinely appreciate the mountain atmosphere, local flavors, and epic views of the fascinating town, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. In fact, many tourists opt for two to four days in the area. After all, As a small town, Cherokee offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

How to spend a day in Cherokee

Known for it's hiking, Cherokee sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Cherokee?

Cherokee is popular with tourists and offers some fun sights and attractions. Given only a weekend, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the mountain town vibe and surrounding mountains here. You won't want to miss the chance to take a hike, browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and find the best deals at the shops. To truly savor all that the town boasts, a longer amount of time is recommended. Many vacationers opt for two to four days to thoroughly enjoy the mountain vibe of the town. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

How to spend 2 days in Cherokee

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Cherokee, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Cherokee is Oconaluftee Indian Village, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Cherokee, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

• Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cherokee?
• Is Cherokee Worth Visiting?
• Cherokee Travel Costs
• Hotel Prices for Cherokee