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                                                 Site_Map

 Oconaluftee River Trail
 Trail Features:   Stream
 Trail Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center
 Roundtrip Miles: 3.0 miles
 Total Elevation Gain: 70 feet
 Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:  47 feet
 Highest Elevation: 2103 feet
 Trail Difficulty Rating:   3.14 (easy)
 Parking Lot Latitude: 35.51386
 Parking Lot Longitude:   -83.30662

Directions to Trailhead: 

The Oconaluftee River Trail begins just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located about 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC on U.S. 441.

Trail Description:

 

To reach the trailhead, walk behind the visitor center and head towards the Mountain Farm Museum. The Oconaluftee River Trail goes around the Museum on the right. You also have the option of walking though the Museum, as the trail can be picked-up at the far end of the Museum.  

The Museum is a collection of log buildings from various locations around the park. These log structures, built during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, depict a typical Smoky Mountain farm during this time period.    

The trail itself is a pleasant walk along the Oconaluftee River. The term "Oconaluftee" comes from the Cherokee word egwanulti, which means "by the river," a reference to one of the oldest Cherokee villages along the river.

The trail has been covered with gravel as a result of the large number of hikers on this trail. It’s also one of two trails within the park in which visitors can walk dogs and ride bicycles.  

In addition to the river, you’ll also see several interesting large trees on this hike.