Cherokee Indians in the Great Smoky Mountains
This site has information on Cherokee culture, government, and lots more.
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Travel Packet
Get brochures on Museum of the Cherokee Indian, "Unto These Hills" Cherokee Drama, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and lots of information on Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cherokee Indian Reservation?

Properly called the Qualla Boundary, the Reservation is slightly more than 56,000 acres held in trust by the federal government specifically for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Is Cherokee County the Same As the Reservation?

No. The Reservation and the county are entirely different. Cherokee County is located 60 miles southwest of the Reservation. There are other Cherokee counties in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, but they too have no connection with the Reservation.

What is the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?

It is comprised of enrolled members, descended from the Cherokee who hid in the North Carolina mountains to avoid the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. There are about 11,600 members, most of whom live on the Reservation.

Can We Stay On the Reservation?

Cherokee is a complete vacation destination with 45 motels, 2 hotels, 84 cabins and 28 campgrounds with over 2,200 sites.

Where Are the Tipis?

Tipis (teepees) were designed for quick setup and take-down and were used by the Plains Indians who followed herds of game. The Cherokee never lived in tipis but resided in more permanent log cabin type homes.

What Is the Best Time to See Fall Color?

The color season actually lasts 4 to 5 weeks starting in early October at the higher elevations, through early to mid November at the lower elevations.

What Are the Fees to Drive On the Parkway and Enter the National Park?

There are no entrance fees for either Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway.


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Spirit: A Journey In Dance, Drums, and Song (Video)
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The Cherokee Sacred Calendar: A Handbook of the Ancient Native American Tradition
by Raven Hail

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