A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Cherokee, North Carolina

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Hike Route

Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.16 mi
+42 ft
Deep Creek Loop

Hike Route

Deep Creek Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
4.97 mi
+956 ft
Juney Whank Falls

Hike Route

Juney Whank Falls

Birding
moderate
0.58 mi
+187 ft
Kephart Prong Trail

Hike Route

Kephart Prong Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
3.92 mi
+851 ft
Waterrock Knob

Hike Route

Waterrock Knob

Fall Colors
strenuous
1.02 mi
+459 ft
Andrews Bald Out and Back

Hike Route

Andrews Bald Out and Back

Fall Colors
moderate
3.34 mi
+823 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Deep Creek to Newton's Bald Loop

Hike Route

Deep Creek to Newton's Bald Loop

Birding
strenuous
21.36 mi
+4,131 ft
Indian Creek to Deep Creek Loop

Hike Route

Indian Creek to Deep Creek Loop

Birding
strenuous
10.05 mi
+2,254 ft
Deep Creek to Indian Creek Trail Loop

Hike Route

Deep Creek to Indian Creek Trail Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
15.05 mi
+3,206 ft
Deep Creek to Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome)

Hike Route

Deep Creek to Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome)

Birding
strenuous
46.42 mi
+10,334 ft
Deep Creek - Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Loop

Hike Route

Deep Creek - Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Loop

Birding
strenuous
35.21 mi
+7,852 ft
Pinnacle Park Tour

Hike Route

Pinnacle Park Tour

Birding
strenuous
11.85 mi
+4,386 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

The Jump Off via The Appalachian Trail

Hike Route

The Jump Off via The Appalachian Trail

Views
moderate
6.36 mi
+1,683 ft
WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Hike Route

WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
8.61 mi
+2,020 ft
Alum Cave

Hike Route

Alum Cave

Birding
moderate
9.84 mi
+3,001 ft
Porters Creek Trail

Hike Route

Porters Creek Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
7.14 mi
+1,586 ft
Rainbow Falls

Hike Route

Rainbow Falls

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.34 mi
+1,747 ft
Ramsey Cascades Trail

Hike Route

Ramsey Cascades Trail

Family Friendly
strenuous
7.82 mi
+2,252 ft