NewFound Gap... go to Cherokee?

[jima59]

I know most people complain about Gatlinburg being so touristy and overpriced so is it that bad in Cherokee for a hiker? I've been there once to the casino many years ago and did stay at the koa campground. Would it be harder to hitch a ride back and forth from the gap to Cherokee?

[Sierra Echo]

Cherokee is just as touristy as Gatlinburg. I went to Cherokee about two years ago and its totally sold out. The atmosphere of it is almost gone. Its not the same place it use to be. I won't go back!

[jima59]

I was thinking of Cherokee as a resupply town only and not interested in anything else to do there. My concern was is it worth the longer distance to hitch into and out of. I too agree it has gone touristy with all the fake indian stuff, bsides the real tribal offerings which I did enjoy years ago.

[dmax]

I think wether you're going to gatlinburg or cherokee, the hitch should be fairly easy. I hitched into to gatlinburg. But if I was to do it again, I'd go to cherokee.

[can't wait to meet some friends at the koa for opening day of trout season this year]

[HeartFire]

Your hitch might actually be easier to go to Cherokee. Since most people are going in the other direction, less competition. I often enter the park through Cherokee and look for hikers to give them a lift back to the Gap.

[daddytwosticks]

I think earlier posts talked about a shuttle bus that ran from Newfound Gap to Cherokee and back...may be worth investigating.

[aaronthebugbuffet]

Skip both and stay on the trail.

[double j]

cherokee is kinda trashy to me minus the casino , gatlinburg is nice if you have never been i only live 1hr from there and go all the time i like it but thats me.

[jima59]

Aaronbuffet that was such a helpful posting you made thanks. I'm wanting to resupply only, no gambling or tourist trinkets....I do see there is a shuttle bus that stops at the gap for people.

[home_less]

I bet there's a nominal charge for the shuttle bus & you even offer to pay for gas when you hitch (if there's no shuttle bus available

[vamelungeon]

Years ago I used to stay in Cherokee sometimes, it was just another sleepy small southern town with an Indian/tourist twist. I don't recognize it now, it's like another Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
In 1989 or so, when my son was a pre-schooler we car camped in a campground in Cherokee smack in the middle of town near the high school, for about a week or so. It was quiet and peaceful. I would bet you couldn't do that now. I know the casino brought them badly needed money but it kind of ruined it for me wanting to go there.

[hikingshoes]

I was thinking of Cherokee as a resupply town only and not interested in anything else to do there. My concern was is it worth the longer distance to hitch into and out of. I too agree it has gone touristy with all the fake indian stuff, bsides the real tribal offerings which I did enjoy years ago.

Id head to Gatlinburg,you dont have you go all the way in town to resupply,NOC on the right,at the edge of town.If you need gear,food,filter's etc....Hope this helps.HS