Things To Do Near Harrah's Cherokee Casino



You’ve just spent four hours at the blackjack table, caught a killer set by a tribute band at the Event Center, and now your brain needs a break from the flashing lights and cigarette smoke. Or maybe you’re planning a trip to Western North Carolina and your partner wants to hit the slots while you’d rather be hiking. Either way, you’re looking for something outside the casino walls. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is massive, but the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the best scenery and attractions in the Southeast. Here’s how to kill a few hours—or a whole day—when you step away from the gaming floor.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the casino parking deck to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which serves as the main gateway to the North Carolina side of the park. This isn’t just a “nice view” situation—the Smokies are the most visited national park in the country for a reason. The Oconaluftee River Trail is a flat, easy walk that follows the river right from the visitor center. It’s paved, making it accessible if you’re not looking to break a sweat in your casino attire.

Keep your eyes peeled for elk. The fields near the visitor center are one of the best spots in the region to see them, especially in the early morning or around sunset. If you want a stiffer hike, the trailhead for Clingmans Dome—the highest point in the park—is accessible via Newfound Gap Road. It’s a steep half-mile walk to the observation tower, but on a clear day, you can see seven states. Just remember: the temperature at the top is often 10-15 degrees cooler than at the casino, so grab a jacket.

Scenic Drives and Waterfall Hikes

If hiking isn’t your thing, Newfound Gap Road offers stunning mountain vistas without you ever having to leave the car. The drive runs from Cherokee to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, crossing the spine of the Appalachians. Alternatively, the Blue Ridge Parkway starts just north of Cherokee and offers miles of scenic overlooks. For waterfalls, Mingo Falls is a local favorite—a short but steep set of stairs leads to a 120-foot cascading waterfall just a ten-minute drive from the casino.

Downtown Cherokee and the Oconaluftee Island Park

Right down the road from Harrah’s is downtown Cherokee, which feels worlds away from the resort atmosphere. Oconaluftee Island Park is a quiet spot where the river widens, perfect for wading in the water or having a picnic. It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it’s a solid way to decompress after a losing session at the craps table. You can often see people tubing down the river here in the summer months.

Don’t skip the Oconaluftee Cherokee Village. It’s an outdoor living history museum where you can watch Cherokee artisans carve masks, weave baskets, and shape pottery. It’s immersive and educational, giving context to the land you’re standing on. If you prefer a more structured experience, the Museum of the Cherokee People offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and struggles of the Cherokee Nation.

Santa's Land Fun Park and Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids—or you’re just a fan of kitschy, old-school roadside attractions—Santa’s Land is about five miles from the casino. It’s a Christmas-themed park that’s been running since the 1960s. It has a zoo, rides, and plenty of photo ops with Santa (yes, even in July). It’s not a mega-theme park; it’s small, charming, and priced reasonably. It's a solid trade-off if you need to bribe the family so you can get back to the poker room later.

Outdoor Adventures on the Tuckasegee River

The Tuckasegee River flows right through the area, and it’s a hotspot for tubing and fishing. Several local outfitters rent tubes and run shuttles, making it easy to float for an afternoon. It’s a lazy river experience that doesn't require a hotel reservation. If you prefer fishing, the Tuckasegee offers some of the best trout fishing in North Carolina. You can book a guided float trip where the guide does the hard work, and you just reel them in.

Golfing in the Mountains

For those who’d rather walk a fairway than a trail, the Sequoyah National Golf Club is located just a few minutes from the casino. It’s a par-72 championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The course winds through the mountain terrain, offering elevation changes and views you won’t find on your local municipal course back home. It’s owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is kept in excellent condition. Green fees vary by season, so book ahead.

Dining and Shopping Outside the Resort

While Harrah’s has no shortage of dining options, from the Chefs Stage Buffet to Ruth's Chris Steak House, you might want to venture out for local flavor. Downtown Cherokee has several fry bread stands—trying authentic Cherokee fry bread is non-negotiable if you’re in town. It’s a simple, delicious treat that’s been a staple of the region for generations.

For a sit-down meal, several local BBQ joints offer pulled pork that rivals anything you’d find in the city. If you’re willing to drive about 30 minutes, the town of Waynesville offers a vibrant Main Street with breweries, bistros, and antique shops. It’s a great way to spend an evening if you want to escape the casino atmosphere entirely.

Planning Your Trip: Seasonal Considerations

What you do near Cherokee depends heavily on when you visit. Summer is peak season for tubing, hiking, and outdoor attractions, but expect crowds and higher hotel rates. Fall brings the leaf-peepers; the foliage in the Smokies is legendary, but traffic on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be bumper-to-bumper. Winter is quiet, and while some attractions like Santa’s Land close, the casino is open year-round and often offers better room rates. Spring is the sweet spot—mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists.

Attraction	Distance from Casino	Best For	Cost
Great Smoky Mountains National Park	~5 miles	Hiking, Wildlife, Scenic Drives	Free (Parking fees may apply)
Oconaluftee Island Park	< 1 mile	Picnics, River Wading, Relaxing	Free
Museum of the Cherokee People	< 1 mile	History & Culture	$12 Adults
Sequoyah National Golf Club	~3 miles	Golfing	Varies by Season (~$50-$100)
Santa's Land Fun Park	~5 miles	Families with Kids	~$25 Adults / $20 Kids

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