Cherokee NC KOA

Take US 23 at Waynesvile which merges with US74. Take US74 west to US441. Turn right on US441 then right on Big Cove Road. You should see KOA signs. It's a few miles from the last turn. There is a sharp curve after you pass River Valley Campground.
go see "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama about the Trail of Tears.
http://cherokeeadventure.com/

Yep. It is a twisty road out to it. Be careful, and you should make it ok.

Jeff & Claudia wrote:
Also if there are any most do's that anyone would recommend. We already plan on bring the mountain bikes, fishing poles and hiking stuff.

Thanks in advance.

We stayed in Cosby in TN while visiting the Smokies this past April but I really enjoyed the NC side.

I liked the Cherokee Indian museum, they have a fantastic gift shop. I bribed my kids with local Dairy Queen if they behaved well.

I also preferred the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the NC side over the Sugarlands center in TN. It was less crowded and that made it significantly more enjoyable. The Oconaluftee center had an area in the back with buildings that you can walk past. There is also a mill across the street if you want to check that out.

We really thought the drive and hike up to Clingsman's Dome was worthwile.

If you're going up and over to TN, my kids enjoyed Ober Gatlinburg.

Places we felt weren't worth our time included the Cades Cove area and Pigeon Forge in it's entirety.

Have a great trip.

sdianel wrote:
Take US 23 at Waynesvile which merges with US74. Take US74 west to US441. Turn right on US441 then right on Big Cove Road. You should see KOA signs. It's a few miles from the last turn. There is a sharp curve after you pass River Valley Campground.
go see "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama about the Trail of Tears.
http://cherokeeadventure.com/

Mapping software may say take rt 19(shorter route), but if you are smart follow the above outlined route. I drove 19 without the trailer and then realized firsthand why folks on here recommend the above route, which is exactly the same route we took when we were there a few years ago.

There is fishing right at the campground

Use the route above. DO NOT pull rt 19...Up is not bad but it is a long twisty down the other side. Not funny and definitely not easy on the brakes. There are no spots for you to pull over and cool them down. Been there...done that...74 is the way to go.

Pulled our old 35' long TT on Hwy 19 (both ways) without issue. It is a winding road with a lot of elevation change, but I didn't find it that bad. But I enjoy mountain driving and was very comfortable pulling the trailer. If you are not comfortable with tight curves and steep inclines/declines, or don't like mountain driving in general, then you might want to go the Hwy 74 route.