A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Gatlinburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Cherokee and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Cherokee and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Cherokee is known for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Both Cherokee and Gatlinburg have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Is the Food Better in Cherokee or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cherokee is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Cherokee and Gatlinburg are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Both Cherokee and Gatlinburg are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Cherokee is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly destination. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Gatlinburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cherokee is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Cherokee or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cherokee Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Cherokee has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Gatlinburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the summer, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Cherokee is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Cherokee during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. It's quite cold in Cherokee in the winter. In January, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Gatlinburg.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Cherokee