Jacqueline’s guidebook

Jacqueline
Jacqueline
Jacqueline’s guidebook

Hiking

A short, woodsy hike to a lovely waterfall. Great photo location. Suitable for energetic kids. There are tripping hazards (roots, rocks) on the trail. Also, use caution if you venture onto rocks that jutt out into the creek. About a 14 minute drive from the house. Trailhead along 129, location coordinates: 35.419461, -83.889419
24 locals recommend
Yellow Creek Falls
Yellow Creek Falls
24 locals recommend
A short, woodsy hike to a lovely waterfall. Great photo location. Suitable for energetic kids. There are tripping hazards (roots, rocks) on the trail. Also, use caution if you venture onto rocks that jutt out into the creek. About a 14 minute drive from the house. Trailhead along 129, location coordinates: 35.419461, -83.889419
An enjoyable, moderately easy hike near Little Santeetlah Creek through a primitive forest of old growth trees. Picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead.
106 locals recommend
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd
106 locals recommend
An enjoyable, moderately easy hike near Little Santeetlah Creek through a primitive forest of old growth trees. Picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead.
Moderately easy hike with some elevation change. Make sure you complete the second part of the hike up to the bald itself to see the amazing 360 degree mountain views.
7 locals recommend
Huckleberry Knob
7 locals recommend
Moderately easy hike with some elevation change. Make sure you complete the second part of the hike up to the bald itself to see the amazing 360 degree mountain views.
A tough hike to here (with elevation changes) from Stecoah Gap rewards you with beautiful views.
Cheoah Bald
A tough hike to here (with elevation changes) from Stecoah Gap rewards you with beautiful views.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/abrams-falls.htm
19 locals recommend
Abrams Falls Trail
Abrams Falls Trail
19 locals recommend
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/abrams-falls.htm
Paved trail to the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park with an observation tower at the summit. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm
319 locals recommend
Clingmans Dome
319 locals recommend
Paved trail to the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park with an observation tower at the summit. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm
Juney Whank Falls
Juney Whank Falls Trail
A fun hike off the Cherohala Skyway (at the W Rattlesnake pull off).
6 locals recommend
Falls Branch Falls Hike (recgovnpsdata)
6 locals recommend
A fun hike off the Cherohala Skyway (at the W Rattlesnake pull off).
58 locals recommend
Mingo Falls
Eastern Cherokee Reservation
58 locals recommend

Restaurants

An incredible place to eat outside with beautiful Cheoah River views/sounds. I suggest calling ahead (828-498-2800) to see if they will be likely to accommodate you. Visit https://tapoco.com/dining/ for more information and to see a menu.
24 locals recommend
Tapoco Tavern
14981 Tapoco Rd
24 locals recommend
An incredible place to eat outside with beautiful Cheoah River views/sounds. I suggest calling ahead (828-498-2800) to see if they will be likely to accommodate you. Visit https://tapoco.com/dining/ for more information and to see a menu.
Food truck loved by locals. Lunch only. Weekdays only.
14 locals recommend
T.Dubbs
448 Rodney Orr Bypass
14 locals recommend
Food truck loved by locals. Lunch only. Weekdays only.
Fast food.
Wendy's
728 US-64
Fast food.
Good food!
Southern Gals Country Cooking
400 Rodney Orr Bypass
Good food!
Good food! http://lynnsplacerest.com/
19 locals recommend
Lynn's Place
237 E Main St
19 locals recommend
Good food! http://lynnsplacerest.com/
Provides a diverse menu featuring pizza, breadsticks, hot and cold subs, chicken, salads, pastas and desserts. All you can eat lunch buffet featuring pizzas, salads, pastas and desserts.
32 locals recommend
Papa's Pizza To Go
3064 US-76
32 locals recommend
Provides a diverse menu featuring pizza, breadsticks, hot and cold subs, chicken, salads, pastas and desserts. All you can eat lunch buffet featuring pizzas, salads, pastas and desserts.
While we haven't been able to try it yet, friends tell us that it's the best food in town. http://caffedeolla.com/#
6 locals recommend
Cafe de Olla Italian Restaurant
765 Tallulah Road
6 locals recommend
While we haven't been able to try it yet, friends tell us that it's the best food in town. http://caffedeolla.com/#
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 6pm, Friday & Saturday 8am - 7pm with breakfast until 11am.
Dragon's Den Grill
17548 Tapoco Road
HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 6pm, Friday & Saturday 8am - 7pm with breakfast until 11am.
Mexican food.
11 locals recommend
El Pacifico
429 Rodney Orr Bypass
11 locals recommend
Mexican food.

Sightseeing

Take a day trip and drive the beautiful Cherohala Skyway into Tennessee and venture a bit further to view this stunning waterfall. No hiking necessary.
85 locals recommend
Bald River Falls
85 locals recommend
Take a day trip and drive the beautiful Cherohala Skyway into Tennessee and venture a bit further to view this stunning waterfall. No hiking necessary.
Gorgeous views of the mountains, sky and Stecoah Valley from this parking area with picnic tables. Amazing sunrise. Numerous hiking possibilities from this location along the Appalachian trail. A tough hike with elevation changes up to Cheoah Bald brings more beautiful views.
Stecoah Gap
Gorgeous views of the mountains, sky and Stecoah Valley from this parking area with picnic tables. Amazing sunrise. Numerous hiking possibilities from this location along the Appalachian trail. A tough hike with elevation changes up to Cheoah Bald brings more beautiful views.
Take 129 from NC into TN and slay the Dragon! A favorite of motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Not for those who get car sick. Some might consider it more like a roller coaster than a road ;). 318 cars in 11 miles. Even if your crew isn't up for that much adventure, you might want to avail yourself of the dragon photo opportunity and the Tail of the Dragon T-shirt Shack that's on the NC side of the border. https://tailofthedragon.com/
Tail of the Dragon Dragon Statue
17555 Tapoco Rd
Take 129 from NC into TN and slay the Dragon! A favorite of motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Not for those who get car sick. Some might consider it more like a roller coaster than a road ;). 318 cars in 11 miles. Even if your crew isn't up for that much adventure, you might want to avail yourself of the dragon photo opportunity and the Tail of the Dragon T-shirt Shack that's on the NC side of the border. https://tailofthedragon.com/
Outdoor drama about the history of the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears. https://www.cherokeehistorical.org/unto-these-hills/
51 locals recommend
Unto These Hills, Outdoor Drama
688 Drama Rd
51 locals recommend
Outdoor drama about the history of the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears. https://www.cherokeehistorical.org/unto-these-hills/
18th century styled Cherokee village with craft demonstrations and lots of historical insight. Pairs well with Unto These Hills outdoor drama. https://www.cherokeehistorical.org/oconaluftee-indian-village/
44 locals recommend
Oconaluftee Indian Village
218 Drama Rd
44 locals recommend
18th century styled Cherokee village with craft demonstrations and lots of historical insight. Pairs well with Unto These Hills outdoor drama. https://www.cherokeehistorical.org/oconaluftee-indian-village/
A handicapped accessible platform with a 180-degree vista of the Snowbird, Unicoi, Cheoah, and Great Smoky Mountains rising high above Santeetlah Lake shimmering.
Maple Springs Observation Deck
Santeetlah Road
A handicapped accessible platform with a 180-degree vista of the Snowbird, Unicoi, Cheoah, and Great Smoky Mountains rising high above Santeetlah Lake shimmering.
Scenic drive with numerous hiking trailheads.
27 locals recommend
Cherohala Skyway
Cherohala Skyway
27 locals recommend
Scenic drive with numerous hiking trailheads.
The highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Beautiful mountain/lake views. Fishing, swimming, boating destination. Interesting history. Hiking opportunities. https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/fontana
15 locals recommend
Fontana Dam and Visitors Center
15 locals recommend
The highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Beautiful mountain/lake views. Fishing, swimming, boating destination. Interesting history. Hiking opportunities. https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/fontana

Water recreation

A great area to rent tubes and hike up the trail and tube down. Multiple waterfalls in the area. Wonderful, relaxing family fun!
92 locals recommend
Deep Creek Trail Trailhead
West Deep Creek Road
92 locals recommend
A great area to rent tubes and hike up the trail and tube down. Multiple waterfalls in the area. Wonderful, relaxing family fun!
Whitewater rafting. Kayaking. Mountain biking. Zip lines. High ropes adventures. Shop for outdoor gear and souvenirs. Multiple dining options. https://noc.com/
446 locals recommend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19
446 locals recommend
Whitewater rafting. Kayaking. Mountain biking. Zip lines. High ropes adventures. Shop for outdoor gear and souvenirs. Multiple dining options. https://noc.com/
One of our favorite places on Lake Santeetlah!! Less than 5 miles away. There's a designated swimming area and sandy beach surrounded by picnic tables (with charcoal grills) and a large grassy lawn. A picnic pavilion offers group picnicking with views of the lake. Alcohol is prohibited anywhere in the area.
11 locals recommend
Cheoah Point Beach
11 locals recommend
One of our favorite places on Lake Santeetlah!! Less than 5 miles away. There's a designated swimming area and sandy beach surrounded by picnic tables (with charcoal grills) and a large grassy lawn. A picnic pavilion offers group picnicking with views of the lake. Alcohol is prohibited anywhere in the area.
Swimming, fishing, boat rental.
8 locals recommend
Santeetlah Lake
8 locals recommend
Swimming, fishing, boat rental.
Tsali Recreation Area is a popular destination for mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping, alongside Fontana Lake.
Tsali Road
Tsali Road
Tsali Recreation Area is a popular destination for mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping, alongside Fontana Lake.

Food scene

Refreshing treats!
Pineapple Whip
Tapoco Road
Refreshing treats!
Graham Coffee Co
61 Johns Dr

Shopping

Shop the Deal's Gap Store for your Dragon shirts, memorabilia and collectibles.
26 locals recommend
Deals Gap
26 locals recommend
Shop the Deal's Gap Store for your Dragon shirts, memorabilia and collectibles.
Over fifteen varieties of local and herbal infused honeys, mead on draft, candles, locally made crafts, and skin care products, all made right here in Graham County. Taste a variety of beverages made with honey, and tour our pollinator path and honeybee observatory. https://www.wehrloom.com/
34 locals recommend
Wehrloom Honey
257 Willie Colvin Rd
34 locals recommend
Over fifteen varieties of local and herbal infused honeys, mead on draft, candles, locally made crafts, and skin care products, all made right here in Graham County. Taste a variety of beverages made with honey, and tour our pollinator path and honeybee observatory. https://www.wehrloom.com/
Wonderful fruit and vegetable farm just up the road. Limited hours. https://www.stoneyhollowfarm.org/
Stoney Hollow Farm
944 Ollies Creek Rd
Wonderful fruit and vegetable farm just up the road. Limited hours. https://www.stoneyhollowfarm.org/
The Stecoah Artisans Gallery offers a unique opportunity to buy original artwork as well as the fine crafts that have made North Carolina famous. Visit the Stecoah Valley Center website to find out more about the following events: Summer Concert Series: An Appalachian Evening October: Annual Harvest Festival June & November: Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tours December: Christmas in the Mountains Art Show https://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/
23 locals recommend
Stecoah Valley Center
121 School House Rd
23 locals recommend
The Stecoah Artisans Gallery offers a unique opportunity to buy original artwork as well as the fine crafts that have made North Carolina famous. Visit the Stecoah Valley Center website to find out more about the following events: Summer Concert Series: An Appalachian Evening October: Annual Harvest Festival June & November: Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tours December: Christmas in the Mountains Art Show https://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/
There are two Redbox Kiosks inside Ingles Marketplace and there is one outside Dollar General if you are looking to rent a movie.
Redbox
18 Sweetwater Rd
There are two Redbox Kiosks inside Ingles Marketplace and there is one outside Dollar General if you are looking to rent a movie.