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CU Medallion [18322]
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Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 9:25 AM
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Growing up we would vacation up here every other year or so. But it’s been a long time since we’ve spent more than a few hours passing through. My 10 and 13 yr old boys want to do some fishing. Maybe somebody knows some off the beaten path places on the river? We love to get out and explore and go places not many people are willing to go to. On a side note, I was working in Woodruff last week and I found my first ever arrowhead. It is 100% the real deal. My dad use to look for them and has found dozens over the years. Anyway, thanks for any info.
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TigerNet Elite [70076]
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There are two nice waterfall hikes in Cherokee...
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Jun 30, 2025, 9:40 AM
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Mingo Falls and Soco Falls.
Mingo Falls is well over 100 feet tall and one of the tallest waterfalls in southern Appalachia. The trail to see the falls is short, but strenuous. The hike is only about a quarter of a mile but includes 161 steep steps to a wooden observation deck/bridge that crosses Mingo Creek directly in front of the falls.
Soco Falls is roughly 120 feet tall. It takes less than five minutes to walk to the observation deck to view the falls. For a closer look, you continue down a steep trail from the deck to the base of the waterfalls, but be careful. This section has some ropes to help with balance but it can be very slippery especially following rainfall. Look for the small roadside parking area on the left. It is easily missed since there is just one tiny sign. The trail starts at the break in the guard rail.
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Ultimate Clemson Legend [101663]
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CU Medallion [18322]
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Re: There are two nice waterfall hikes in Cherokee...
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Jun 30, 2025, 12:16 PM
[ in reply to There are two nice waterfall hikes in Cherokee... ] |
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We rode by Mingo falls yesterday and they had a sign up saying it was closed. We are staying right down the road from there.
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Ring of Honor [22499]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: There are two nice waterfall hikes in Cherokee...
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Jun 30, 2025, 12:21 PM
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Soco has been testing positive for ecoli stay away from there. Everywhere else has been fine. Have fun and be safe.
GO TIGERS!!!
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Ring of Honor [22499]
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TigerNet Elite [70076]
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Rival Killer [2791]
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Ultimate Tiger [35975]
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We used to find arrowheads in Horsepasture Valley in the early 70s
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Jun 30, 2025, 9:47 AM
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along the Horsepasture and Toxaway Rivers before they filled it in to make Lake Jocasse. The Foothills Trail crosses these rivers above Lake Jocassee.
We also used to visit Lovers Leap near Hot Springs, North Carolina with a great view of the NC mountains alng the French Broad River, but I haven't been up there in over 30 years. I think there is a trail up there now.
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Head Coach [970]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 10:14 AM
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That tri-state area is full of childhood memories, all within a days drive. Santaland, Frontier Land, Ghost Town in the Sky, Maggie Valley< Silver Dollar City (before it was Dollywood) and the KOA in Cherokee. My dad drug a camper and the family all over the place. We didn't get out and hike much but there was plenty of fishing at the KOA. This is the 75th anniversary for Unto These Hills, if you get over that way.
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TigerNet Elite [70076]
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I definitely remember visiting...
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Jun 30, 2025, 10:20 AM
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Santa's Land in Cherokee and Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley as a very young kid. Tweetsie Railroad too up in Blowing Rock.
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Tiger Titan [51148]
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Harrah's.
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Jun 30, 2025, 10:24 AM
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Duh. 
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Orange Elite [5499]
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That poker room is legit***
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Jun 30, 2025, 12:21 PM
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Top TigerNet [30247]
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Not at all hidden, but I think...
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Jun 30, 2025, 10:24 AM
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.... the most beautiful part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the drive from Cherokee to Waynesville. I'm sure you've driven it, but if you're just looking for a few hours to relax and enjoy the beauty of the area, it's a possibility.
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Asst Coach [836]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 12:18 PM
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The casino lol
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Campus Hero [13387]
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Orange Phenom [14180]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 1:31 PM
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15-20yrs ago especially around Franklin but other areas on NC mtns, there were gem mines that you could go panning in. They had the sluices set up and some nicer places actually had areas of sluice covered for rain or sun shade. It was always fun to go sluice crystals and gems especially for the kids. They normally had what was called s Salted and Unsalted piles of dirt that you could dig from and they charged per bucket of dirt. The Salted was laced with tons of non-precious stones and great for kids. The unsalted had not been sluiced by mine yet and you had a chance to find a true gem, rubies, emeralds, and few others.
I found a nice ruby out of the unsalted, it was almost 8ct, took it to a lapidary and got like a 1.7ct facetable stone. I always wondered what happened to the other 6ct, ha!
But could be an idea to kill for several hrs. I know in Franklin, there are several gem museums and stores where they have big stones that were found locally. They often have many indian artifacts as well. It was easy to kill a couple days with family. Just a thought.
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Heisman Winner [83097]
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Not for the kids........butt
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Jun 30, 2025, 1:51 PM
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they got a weed store now that's the real deal. They make their own laws on the reservation.
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Orange Elite [5414]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 2:37 PM
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They do have the only “true” dispensary in the Southeast, for those that partake .. at least that’s what I heard ..
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Heisman Winner [83097]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 3:50 PM
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When I was there last weekend, talked to people from WVa, TN, Ky and Ga. Why would people drive that far if it wasn't better than street. At least you know what you are gettin Stillapirate®.
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Tiger Spirit [9512]
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Re: Any hidden gems around Cherokee NC?
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Jun 30, 2025, 3:43 PM
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The only hidden gem I can think of is finding the highway out. 😹
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