Western North Carolina Guidebook
Home of the Cherokee Indian, Smoky Mountain National Park, The Blue Ridge Parkway, trout fishing & vacations.
ATTRACTIONS AT A GLANCE
Blowing Rock is North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933. It is an immense cliff nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, and it overhangs Johns River Gorge which is 3,000 feet below it. It is open all year round, weather permitting. It is named Blowing Rock because the wind blows continuously. 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. It connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Elevations 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, abounding with log cabins, split-rail fences, wildlife, fauna, and breathtaking overlooks. One can experience this scenic land first-hand, for there are more than 300 miles of hiking trails. The Parks have 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 crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. This National Scenic Byway connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee. It winds up and over 6,000 foot elevations in some parts of the mountain’s for 15 miles in North Carolina and descends 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 offer a unique peek at the native Black Bear, the non-native Grizzly, Lemurs, Tigers, and more in a safe and friendly environment.
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.
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. The hike to the observation tower is considered a pretty tough climb.
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.
Mingo Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in Cherokee, NC. It is over 120 feet high and is rated one of the most impressive falls in Western North Carolina. The climb is steep with approximately 170 steps that take you about 2/10ths of a mile up, and then a short easy trail provides access to the falls. The hike to these falls is rated moderate, but for people with heart or breathing problems it would be strenuous.
Mingus Mill is a 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 provides 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) is a village that 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.
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway takes you fron Highlands, North Carolina to Fontana Lake at Almond, North Carolina. The Byway follows U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19, and is approximately 61 miles of nationally-recognized byway. It winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forests, numerous waterfalls, lakes and through two river gorges.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian was 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 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 Gorge, and the Nantahala River draws more than 250,000 boaters annually who enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, or tubing. The Nantahala River Launch Site is where most folks begin, and float down the 8.5-mile whitewater run for about 2.75 miles. Down the river from the launch is the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area which also has a launch area. At the lower end of the Nantahala River there is also a commercial and a private boating area. From a wooden walkway, spectators can get a thrilling view of the wild ride over the final series of rapids, and Nantahala Falls.
Needmore Tract 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: The village is a model of a Cherokee village from over 225 years ago. Presented by the non-profit Cherokee Historical Association, the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a glimpse of the past as it once was. Cherokee guides in native costume will explain their history, the culture and life-style of their ancestors, and answer your questions
Pack Place is home to five member institutions, which include the Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Gem & Mineral Museum, Diana Wortham Theater, The Health Adventure and YMI Cultural Center.
Perry's Water Gardens is home to many varieties of water lilies and lotuses that begin blooming in May. They continue blooming into late August. Perry's Water Gardens are said to be the largest commercial aquatic nursery in the United States.
Pisgah National Forest consists of over half a million acres of forest surrounding Mt. Pisgah. James Hall, a Presbyterian minister, named Mt. Pisgah for the mountain Moses saw the Promised Land from after wondering forty years in the wilderness.
Qualla Boundary/Cherokee Trout Fishing Season -- All rivers and ponds are open every day from the last Saturday in March through the end of the following February.
Santa's Land is located in Cherokee North Carolina, and has restaurants, picnic areas, magic shows, a Jingle Bell Theater, gift shop, zoo, and rides for kids.
Scottish Tartans Museum was founded by Scottish Tartans Society, formed in Scotland in 1963 to “study the origins, history and development of tartans.” The Society has two museums--one in Keith, Scotland, and one in Franklin, NC.
Soco Gardens Zoo is located in Maggie Valley, and is a small zoo with unique animals. They offer guided tours that will allow you to learn how the animals came to live in the zoo. By the time you leave you will know many of the animals by name.
The 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. It is designated a wilderness area in north Georgia. Access can be obtained from many areas in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The 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.
The Mountain Farm Museum is situated on the banks of the Oconaluftee River just inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a collection of southern Appalachian farm buildings assembled from different locations throughout the Park.
The Road To Nowhere 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.
Tom's Branch Falls is located approximately 3/10 of a mile from the Deep Creek parking area. Tom's Branch Falls is about 80 feet high, but the true heights of the falls are now hidden with foliage. The hike is considered very easy.
Tribal Bingo is an Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It is open Year Round, and has nightly Games (7 days a week). All prizes are awarded in cash. It has bee newly renovated, and has a 1,200 person seating capacity. A large concession area can meet your snacking needs.
Unto These Hills is an outdoor drama of the Cherokee Indian. It boasts a cast of 130, and the cast brings to life the tragic history of the Cherokee people right before your eyes. 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.
Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina offers a Main Exhibit Building, Petting Area, Educational Farm, Predator Habitat, Otter Habitat, Nocturnal Hall and The Trillium Glen Nature Trail for your enjoyment.
Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina is an All-American museum offering a collection of over 250 rare antique American Motorcycles and Automobiles, plus a unique memorabilia collection.
Waterfalls and many cascades are located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest, and in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina. The 411 feet Whitewater Falls is the tallest series of falls east of the Mississippi. Other falls and cascades include Juney Whank Falls, Toms Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Bird Falls in Bryson City, Mingo Falls and Chasteen Creek Falls in Cherokee, Camp Branch Falls, White Oak Falls and Queens Falls in the Nantahala region, and Silver Run Falls, Whitewater Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls in the Cashiers, Highlands, and Sapphire regions.
Darnell Farms Corn Maze is located by the Tuckasiegee 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 has a campground complete with showers, horse and tube rentals, public grills, hiking trails, tubing, and much more. A must see are the beautiful waterfalls of Juney Whank, Tom's Branch, and Indian Creek Falls which are all within a 1 mile hike.
Fontana Lake offers great bass, pike, trout, catfish, sunfish, and crappie fishing with 11,685 acres of water surface. It provides recreational water activities such as boating, knee-boarding, swimming, water skiing, and Fontana Lake Tours & Charter Boat Service. For charter rates call (828) 736-4118. Fontana Dam is 480 feet high and is the highest Dam east of the Rockies. The dam backed up the water to make up what is now the Fontana Lake region. Fontana Lake is roughly 30 miles long and is at an elevation of around 1700'. Numerous boat ramps, houseboat rentals, campgrounds, and boat docks with full facilities are available.Linville Caverns are North Carolinas only caverns. They are located deep inside Humpback Mountain, and these reclusive caverns were first explored by man over 100 years ago.
Fontana Lake Charter Boat Service
P.O. Box 914
Cherokee, North Carolina 28719
Phone: 828 736-4118 Send Email: fontanalakecharters@yahoo.com Reservation Requests: (828) 736-4118
Come aboard the “4 Play”, a 22 foot Leisure Kraft Pontoon Boat, and tour or fish upon the beautiful waters of Fontana Lake with Captain "Wolf" Dean.
Fontana Lake offers a wide variety of recreational pleasures, and the fishing is superb all year round. Book a guided fishing trip with us to catch rainbow or brown trout, large or smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, perch, sunfish, crappie, catfish, and sturgeon. Each month, all year round, we hold 2 tournaments. The tournaments are held the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month. One tournament is in the daylight hours, Click here to view the Tournament Schedule.
Our non-fishing tours are designed for our guests to swim, picnic, sunbathe, or explore many of Fontana Lakes secluded coves and islands.
New in 2006 is a Fontana Lake Camping, Ferryboat Service, a Delivery Service to any point on Fontana Lake, and Wolf's Hall of Fame Fishing Challenge where you could win $50.00 for catching a fish that breaks one of Wolf's prior guests records. We now are offering kayak rentals, a towing service, and bi-monthly Fishing Tournaments.
Reservations are limited, so book your tour or fishing trip well in advance.
Visit our website to learn more: FONTANA LAKE CHARTER BOAT SERVICE.
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Proud supporter of the Cherokee Braves (GO BRAVES!). We are not affiliated with the Smoky Mountain News, or the Cherokee One Feather media sources. A special thanks to the Cherokee Boys Club, Job Corps, the Smoky Mountain National Park Service Rangers, and everyone who promotes tourism in Western North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains region.
Western North Carolina Guidebook
P.O. Box 914
Cherokee, NC 28731
(828) 736- 4118
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