The Oconaluftee River Trail

The Oconaluftee River flowing next to the paved Oconaluftee River Trail

The Oconaluftee River Trail is a great introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park…and a fun one! It’s got a little of everything – hiking, playing in a river, an authentic farm museum, even a herd of elk!

Here are four reasons we think you’ll really enjoy this hike!

Published October 10, 2024

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Four Reasons the Oconaluftee River Trail is So Much Fun

#4 – The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a Very Nice Place to Stop

My first stop is always the visitor center because there are several things to do there before the hiking begins.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is really nice. There is ample parking, though it tends to be quite busy. However, people are continuously coming and going, so a parking spot will open up quickly—just circle the parking lot once or twice.

To the right of the visitor center, there is a large, separate restroom facility. There are also some vending machines where you can grab a quick snack.

Entrance to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center

The visitor center itself is large, with displays about the park, plus available maps, books, tee shirts, coffee mugs, and other souvenirs. (The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some great souvenirs!) Park Rangers and volunteers are available and happy to answer all your questions.

The visitor center has a large covered deck on the left side of the building. You’ll find rocking chairs and benches there if you just want to “sit a spell”. This is also where some of the “Ranger Talks” take place. Check inside the visitor center to find out if any are scheduled during your time there.

Pro Tip

A parking pass is required for all vehicles that intend to park for 15 minutes or longer anywhere in the park. Look for the parking pass vending machines on the sidewalk in front of the visitor center to buy one.
You can purchase a parking pass online at recreation.gov before arriving at the park.

#3 – The Oconaluftee River Trail is an Easy, Shady Hike

The family-friendly Oconaluftee River Trail is a 3.1-mile “out-and-back” trail rated “Easy” by AllTrails. It is flat and shady and runs from the visitor center to the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Reservation. The hard-packed gravel trail runs adjacent to the Oconaluftee River, providing inviting views all along the walk.

You are likely to see people fishing here or playing in the river.

The old, large trees are beautiful here, and the shade they provide is much appreciated on a hot summer day. Look for hemlock, maple, spruce, poplar, dogwoods, and many more. In the fall, these hardwoods put on quite a show as their leaves change color.

Three people walking down the Oconaluftee River Trail in the shade of large trees

The Oconaluftee River with two trees standing in front of it. A sand beach is behind it.

#2 – The Mountain Farm Museum

The Mountain Farm Museum is located behind the visitor center. The National Park Service relocated structures from other parts of the park to recreate an authentic 19th-century mountain farm.

The farm includes a large barn, apple house, blacksmith shop, and the John E. Davis farmhouse, which originally stood near Bryson City, NC. Best of all…chickens are running loose on the farm!

#1 – Elk! Elk! Elk!

Between the Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center, and the road is a large field where a herd of elk like to congregate and graze on the grass. You may walk to the edge of the field and take all the photos you like.

Park rules stipulate, though, that you may not get within 150′ of the elk or disturb them in any way. There is usually a park ranger present to make sure both you and the elk are safe.

(On one visit, we saw an elk leap over the fence to get into the Mountain Farm Museum!)

Mother and baby elk crossing a road, with people standing all around taking photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pet the elk? No. These are very large, wild animals and could easily harm you. Keep your distance.
Where does the name “Oconaluftee” come from? It comes from the name of a Cherokee village, which means “by the river”.
Is this trail dog-friendly? This is one of two trails in the entire park where guests may take their dogs hiking with them. (The other is the Gatlinburg Trail.) Please keep them leashed at all times and remember to pick up after them.
Is this trail wheelchair accessible? It is!
I heard I could ride a bike on this trail. Is that true? It is! Just like with dogs, only this trail and the Gatlinburg Trail allow bikes on the trail. (I suppose you could double up and take your dog for a bike ride here…)
What are the visitor center hours?
- 9:00am – 5:00pm daily
- During winter, December 1 – February 28, the hours shorten to 9:00am – 4:30pm daily
Where is the Oconaluftee River Trail? The trailhead is located behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 3.5 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US Highway 441.

The Verdict – The Oconaluftee River Trail

If you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via the south entrance in Cherokee, this is the first hike you will come to, and it’s a great place to begin your Smokies adventure. The hike is easy, the visitor center is excellent, the Mountain Farm Museum is interesting, and…elk!

Happy Hiking!

The Oconaluftee River Trail – Oh My! This is Fun Trail!