Name: Oconaluftee River Trail
Rating: 3.3

“A short, easy trail to the edge of Cherokee, North Carolina.”

— Tom Walsh

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is easy for all children and provides great places to explore.

Description

The trail runs from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center past a historic farm setting then along the Oconaluftee River to the edge of Cherokee, NC. It is a well maintained and relatively flat with a few small hills. The trail winds through dense forest, which provides nice shade in the summer and a wind break in the winter. There is one easy road crossing at Saunooke Bridge road (Google maps mislabels this as 441) then the trail continues for approximately 1/10th mile before turning back.

Elk frequent this area so be watchful. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

Flora & Fauna

Spring flowers, moss, and ferns blanket the forest floor, rocks, and trees. Poison ivy is very prevalent though out this area so be watchful when venturing off trail.