5 days in Smoky Mountains & Cherokee Itinerary

The center of Cherokee culture in the eastern part of the country, the town named after this Native American tribe serves as a base camp for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

On the 4th (Fri), admire the sheer force of Mingo Falls, try to win big at Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee, then examine the collection at Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum, and finally brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Elevated Mountain Distilling Co.. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Museum of the Cherokee Indian, then contemplate the long history of Oconaluftee Indian Village, then see the interesting displays at Fly fishing Museum of The Southern Appalachians, and finally relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Cherokee visit planner.

Joplin to Cherokee is an approximately 13-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Joplin to Cherokee due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Cherokee when traveling from Joplin in September, with lows around 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can drive to Highlands.

Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. On the 6th (Sun), take in the awesome beauty at Whiteside Mountain, then admire the sheer force of Bust Your Butt Falls, then take in the dramatic scenery at Dry Falls, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Bridal Veil Falls.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Highlands vacation planner.

You can drive from Cherokee to Highlands in 1.5 hours. In September, daytime highs in Highlands are 79°F, while nighttime lows are 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.