Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Cherokee

"You can easily combine the views at Newfound Gap with a visit to Clingman’s Dome as its just 7 miles away. Now, those 7 miles are quite curvy, but still—it’s easy enough. Plus, Clingmans’ Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet."

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That’s why it’s no secret that the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower offers the best views of the mountains!. On clear days, views can expand over 100 miles."

"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."

"A moderate 5 mile hike leads to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains near Cades Cove. From the trailhead near the halfway point in Cades Cove, hikers will descend down a stunning river gorge to this high-flow waterfall in the park. Otters are known the frequent this section of the river on Abrams Creek."

"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."

"Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hiking to Grotto Falls is a unique experience as it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can stand behind. Tumbling 25-feet, the falls are an enjoyable place to visit not only for the views but for the exploration available."

"Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that a person can actually walk behind. The 25-foot high waterfall offers a cool, shady, and moist retreat for summer hikers. This same environment also provides ideal habitat for salamanders as well."

"At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the national park and offers an exceptional vista of the rolling mountains and valleys of the Smokies. There are five trails in which you can access the peak: Alum Cave Trail, The Boulevard Trail, Bullhead Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Trillium Gap Trail. The Alum Cave Trail is the most popular as although the ascent is strenuous, the descent is the easiest of the trails."

"Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!. There are 4 sub peaks above 6,000 feet on the mountain: West Point, High Top, Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point. At Myrtle Point, you’ll have panoramic views, and it’s the best spot on Mount LeConte to watch a sunrise!"

"At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the perfect spot to view Smoky Mountain sunsets and sunrises. You can get to Mt. Leconte from a variety of different trails, but the shortest and most popular is the Alum Cave Trail."

"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."

"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."

"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."

"Joey’s Pancake House has a massive fanbase, with hungry travelers driving into Maggie Valley from states away just to get a taste of their signature country ham or melt-in-your-mouth pancakes and waffles."

"If your first thought when you hear “romantic date night” is a fine Italian restaurant complete with a heaping plate of fresh pasta and a bottle of wine, Frankie’s in Maggie Valley should be your go-to. With authentic Italian recipes and traditions that go back nearly a century, the Perrone famiglia knows how to stroke your heartstrings through food. The newly renovated interior is extremely laid-back and comfortable, so order the cannoli and stay a while!"

"📍 1037 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC Frankie’s has a long family legacy of whipping up tasty Italian dishes to uphold. And boy, do they ever. It’s one of the reasons why they’ve been a favorite of Maggie Valley locals and visitors for years!"

"Burgermaster Townsend – great burgers, hot dogs, and soft serve. Located right next to the Smoky Mountain River Rat, so it’s awesome for when you finish tubing!"

"The bistro at the Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend is known for its farm-to-table dishes inspired by regional Appalachian cooking. As one of the only fine-dining options in Townsend or Wears Valley, this excellent restaurant is open only for dinner. With a stylish, casual atmosphere, the Dancing Bear Bistro is a great spot for a nice date night or a romantic honeymoon evening meal."