About Western North carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway

These 469 miles of scenic roadway connect the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. With elevations that range from less than 650 to nearly 6,050 feet, the gently winding road offers spectacular mountain scenery as it threads its way from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Along its 469-mile length, distant vistas are complemented by pastoral landscapes, replete with log cabins and split-rail fences. At the same time, the Parkway boasts a surprising variety of plants and wildlife. For those who want to experience these resources first-hand, there are more than 300 miles of hiking trails and a full range of other recreational and educational opportunities, including nine campgrounds, 11 picnic areas, and more than a dozen visitor centers. Concessionaire-operated lodges, restaurants and other facilities, located at intervals, offer all the essential travel services.

Cherohala Skyway

Crossing through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, from which gets its name, this National Scenic Byway connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee. Winding up and over 6,000 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known in cycling circles for its long, high speed sweepers.

Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic Animals

View the native Black Bear, the non-native Grizzly, Lemurs, Tigers, and more in a safe environment. Give your children an experience they will treasure for a lifetime.

Clingman's Dome

Clingman's Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360º view of the surrounding mountains rising 6,643 feet above sea level. From its 54 foot observation tower the average viewing distance is about 22 miles, but on a clear pollution free day, views can amplify as far as 100 miles into 7 states.

Ghost Town

Located in Maggie Valley, Ghost Town is a mile high fun center with an old west setting. Ride the Red Devil, Sea Dragon, Black Widow, and many more. Enjoy jailbreaks, bank robberies, gun fights, and saloon shows. A day at Ghost Town is filled with a thrilling ride up the mountainside and continues with fast moving action of gunfights and tons of entertainment. In a beautiful mountain setting with authentic "replica" buildings, and new features each year, Ghost Town is one of the South's most photographed attractions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingman's Dome.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel

Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel brings you all your favorite games in video format, like Double Diamonds, Red, White & Blue, Five Times, Triple Bonanza, Triple Diamond, American Beauty, and Sizzling Sevens, all with the added skill feature of a second spin to win. Plus, video poker, video craps and Live Digital Blackjack. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter the casino, restaurants, and pavilion. Guests under the age of 21 may enjoy the hotel, hotel restaurants, and the Totally Kids Arcade. Harrah's Cherokee has a luxury hotel! The 15-story hotel features two restaurants, a conference center, gift shop, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness area and much more. The 252-room hotel is enhanced with Native American crafts and artwork throughout each floor. A new hotel is scheduled to open in June 2005. Experience the Native American culture in a truly luxurious atmosphere. Don't miss the world famous performers at the 1,500-seat Cherokee Pavilion theater, plus five great restaurants, including the Fresh Market Express (burgers, sandwiches, pizza), the Fresh Market Buffet.

Mingus Mill

This 1886 turbine mill ground corn into meal and wheat into flour for over fifty years for the mountain community near Mingus Creek. In place of a wooden water wheel, a small steel turbine provided power to turn the mill's stones and machinery. The National Park Service rehabilitated the mill in 1968, and Mingus Mill operates during the summer as an historical exhibit.

Mountain Farm and Museum (Oconaluftee)

This village takes you back in time with its early 1900's farmstead. Observe the way people lived and worked during the summer season or take a stroll through the farm any time of year. The Davis House, still in its original location on Oconaluftee Mountain Farm, was built by John E. Davis with the help of his two oldest sons who were very young at the time.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Totally renovated in 1998, the new museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection.

Nantahala River Gorge

The Nantahala River draws more than 250,000 boaters annually who enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Many businesses along the river offer both guided and unguided raft rentals. Most rafting trips begin from the Nantahala River Launch Site and float down the 8.5-mile whitewater run. About 2.75 miles down river from this launch site is the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area which provides another launch and takeout area. At the lower end of the Nantahala River, a commercial-only takeout and a private boater area are provided. From a wooden walkway, spectators get a thrilling view of the wild ride over the final series of rapids, including Nantahala Falls. Nantahala River outfitters, under Forest Service permit, can help plan trips to fit your skill level and provide any equipment you might need.

Fontana Lake

This lake offers great Bass and Pike fishing with 11,685 acres of water surface and also provides recreational water activities such as boating, kneeboarding, swimming, and water skiing. Fontana Dam is 480 feet high and is the highest Dam east of the Rockies. The dam backed water to make up what is now the Fontana Lake. Fontana Lake is roughly 30 miles long and is at an elevation of around 1700'. Numerous boat ramps are available.

Great Smoky Mountains Railway

Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Carolina Mountains aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railway. You'll ride the rails past historic countryside, cascading rivers, and majestic peaks. Excursions leave from depots at the historic towns of Dillsboro, Bryson City, and Andrews. Both morning and afternoon excursions are round trips lasting from 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours. Allow 7 hours for the Raft 'N' Rail trips. Twilight Dinner Trains are 2-1/2 hours in the evening. Santa Express trips are 2 hours, and the National Railroad Historical Society "3-in-1" trips are 6-1/2 hours. The railway operates both diesel and steam locomotives which run from early March through December. Many of the cars have colorful histories and have been comfortably restored. You may select reconditioned coaches, crown coaches, club cars, dining cars, or open cars that are perfect for viewing and photo taking. Beverages and light food are available. There are convenience stations and gift shops also. For choice of seating, tickets should be ordered in advance and paid with credit card. www.gsmr.com

Santa's Land

Visit Santa at Santa's house. Santa's Land has restaurants and picnic areas, magic shows at Jingle Bell Theater, gift shop, zoo, and rides for kids.

Soco Gardens Zoo

Located in Maggie Valley, Soco is a small zoo with unique animals. Guided tours allow you to learn how the animals came to live in the zoo. By the time you leave you will know many of our animals by name.

The Road To Nowhere

This is a 6-mile scenic drive into the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where it provides spectacular views of the Tuckasiegee River, Fontana Lake and the Appalachian Mountains.

Tribal Bingo

Tribal Bingo is an Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Open Year Round

Nightly Games (7 days a week)

All Prizes Awarded In Cash

Newly Renovated Facility with 1,200 seating capacity

Large Concession

Tribal Bingo is located on Hwy 19 North 2 miles from downtown Cherokee.

For More Information Write:

Cherokee Bingo

P. O. Box 455

Cherokee, NC 28719

Or Call:

800-410-1254

828-497-4320

Unto These Hills

This powerful outdoor drama, with a cast of 130, brings to life the tragic history of the Cherokee people. It begins with the arrival of Desoto in 1540 and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of the Cherokee on the infamous Trail of Tears. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the beautiful outdoor theatre seats 2,800. For those who arrive early, the cast provides pre-show entertainment starting 40 minutes before show time. Tickets can be reserved by phone or purchased at the box office. Dates and Show Times - Nightly except Sundays. For Pricing and To Order Tickets -- Please call us at 828-497-2111 where one of our Box office Staff can assist you with your reservation. Paid reservations are held for late arrival. All tickets are held at the box office. Unpaid reservations are held until 6:00 p.m. Check, Visa, and Master Card are accepted.

Tickets are on sale daily except Sundays at our box office in Cherokee, NC US Highway 441 North

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Hours: During Season: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Off Season: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Main Office (Highway 441 N.) 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Mountainside Theatre (Highway 441 N.) 7 p.m. to showtime.

DATES AND SHOW TIME

June 10 thru August 21 - 8:30 p.m.

(Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:45 p.m.)

No performances on Sundays - No Smoking in seating area.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Mountain weather is changeable...if it's raining, come to the theatre anyway. Even if weather is threatening, performances are never cancelled before 9 p.m.

Performances are scheduled Mid-June thru Late-August annually.

Call 1-828-497-2111 for future dates and admission rates.

Discount for 20 or more.

Mountainside Theatre, U.S. Highway 441 North

828-497-2111

866-554-4557 (toll free)

P.O. Box 398

Cherokee NC 28719

This is a guide for the Appalachian, Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina and the attractions they offer including the Appalachian Trail, Biltmore House and Gardens, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic Animals, Cherokee Indian Museum, Cherokee Indian Reservation, Deep Creek Tubing, Fields of the Wood, Fontana Lake and Dam, Ghost Town, Grandfather Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains Railway, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Linville Caverns, Mountain Farm and Museum, Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala River Rafting, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Pack Place, Pisgah National Forest, Santa's Land, Smoky Mountain Country Club, Soco Gardens Zoo, Tribal Bingo, Tsali Biking, Hiking and Horseback Riding Trail, Unto These Hills and Western NC Nature Center.

Appalachian Trail is a 2,160-mile foot trail along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in the central Maine wilderness to Springer Mountain in a designated wilderness area in north Georgia.

Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville, North Carolina just 60 miles East of Bryson City. Plan to spend the day in this 250 room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. The vineyard and extensive gardens are unsurpassed.

Blowing Rock where the wind blows continuously because the walls of the Johns River Gorge form a flume through which the Northwest wind sweeps with such force that it will return light objects thrown over the edge.

Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of scenic roadway that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Camp Living Water "God's Christ Magnified!" Those three words have been the mission of Camp Living Water since it's founding in 1947 as Southern Bible Testimony, Inc. A year-round conference ministry for all believers, regardless of denomination.

Cherohala Skyway crossing through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, from which it gets it's name, this National Scenic Byway connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee.

Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic Animals where you can view the native Black Bear, the non-native Grizzly, Lemurs, Tigers, and more in a safe environment. Give your children an experience they will treasure for a lifetime.

Cherokee Indian Museum located in Cherokee, North Carolina contains a unique collection of original artifacts used by the Cherokee Indians many years ago.

Cherokee Indian Reservation is the home of the descendants of those Cherokee who, in the late 1830s, remained in the mountains of North Carolina rather than be forced to march along the infamous "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma. They are known now as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Chimney Rock Park, a privately owned National Heritage Site, hosts a rock with a 360 degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take the afternoon to view Chimney Rock and its surrounding wonders, Hickory Nut Falls, the Needles Eye, and Inspirations Point.

Clingmans Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360º view of the surrounding mountains rising 6,643 feet above sea level. From it's 54 foot observation tower the average viewing distance is about 22 miles, but on a clear pollution free day, views can amplify as far as 100 miles into 7 states.

Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500 acre Historic Site and Forest Discovery Center within the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States.

Darnell Farms Corn Maze, located by the Tuckaseigee River in the Governors Island Community of Bryson City, NC at Darnell Farms. Bring a picnic lunch and eat by the river then enjoy hours of entertainment being lost in the walk-through corn maze.

Deep Creek Tubing is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day or simply bike, hike or horseback ride the many trails and see the numerous waterfalls.

Disc Golf Courses in WNC Lists the Disc golf courses we currently know about in the Great Smoky Mountains and Western North Carolina.

Fields of the Wood is a Bible Park where God's Word is displayed amid all that he hath created. You will find replicas of Golgatha and Joseph's Tomb. Take a walk up Ten Commandment Mountain or go to the top of Prayer Mountain to view the whole park.

Fontana Lake & Dam, located 35 miles West of Bryson City, is the highest dam in east of the Rockies. Towering 480 feet in height this dam backs water for 30 miles and provides a major source of energy.

Golf Courses in WNC Lists the golf courses we currently know about in the Great Smoky Mountains and Western North Carolina with the address and phone numbers.

Grandfather Mountain at 5,964 feet above sea level is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. An awesome place to go where the wind gusts over 100 mph at times. Cross the mile high swinging bridge for the trill of your life.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1934, covers 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome.

Great Smoky Mountains Railway winds up, down, and around the mountains of Western North Carolina. With a depot located in Sylva, Bryson City, and Andrews they offer rides lasting from 2 1/2 to 7 hours.

Hazel Creek, a magical place for the people and decedents of those who once lived there . Local fly fishermen sometimes cross Fontana Lake to go there so they can get away from it all. A road was promised in 1943 to allow easier access, but it has yet to be built.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a tribute to a hero whose poem "Trees" inspired millions. The Forest Service inaugurated the Little Santeelah as the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in 1935.

Linville Caverns are North Carolinas only caverns. Located deep inside Humpback Mountain these caverns were first explored by the white man over 100 years ago.

Mountain Farm and Museum takes you back in time with it's early 1900's farmstead. Observe the way people lived and worked during the summer season or take a stroll through the farm anytime of year.

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway takes you from from Highlands, NC to the Fontana Lake at Almond, NC. The Byway follows U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19. Approximately 61 miles of nationally-recognized byway winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forests, by numerous waterfalls and lakes and through two river gorges.

Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina with elevations as high as 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County, to a low 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along the Tusquitee River.

Nantahala River Rafting is an exciting way to spend a hot afternoon. Get the thrill of your life riding the Class II and Class III rapids of the Nantahala River, but for a calmer family oriented ride try the Tuckaseigee River Rafting listed below.

Needmore Tract, The is a 4500 acre nature preserve managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to protect water quality and wildlife habitat while maintaining traditional uses of the land.

Oconaluftee Indian Village, located in Cherokee, portrays the way of life for the Cherokee Indians over 225 years ago. Observe how they made their dugout canoes, pottery, baskets, and much much more.