What to do and see in Whittier, United States: The Best Places and Tips

March 13, 2018 Kiesha Cripe

Whittier is an unincorporated community in Jackson and Swain counties in the western part of the U.S. state of North Carolina. Whittier is located on the Tuckasegee River, between Bryson City downstream to the west, and Dillsboro upstream to the southeast.
Restaurants in Whittier

1. Sequoyah National Golf Club

79 Cahons Rd, Whittier, NC 28789-7111 +1 828-497-3000
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Sequoyah National Golf Club

Reviewed By mixaconsulting - Oldsmar, Florida

We played Sequoyah a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent mountain course that was working on making a turnaround. Playing two years later, it was most impressive. Sequoyah is a true mountain course! With our son and a friend playing with us they were in awe of the fantastic holes, magnificent scenery and constant challenge. With the course perched on the mountain top many holes have tee boxes high above the fairways while a few wind along hillsides. The course is in great shape and even on a busy Saturday afternoon, the pace of play was good. The GPS on the golf cart gives some very good information so pay attention to it.
No. 1 starts from an elevated tee that gives a hint of what to expect on the course. With multiple tees, select the one that matches your handicap and remember mountain golf is different. As a lady golfer with 3 men, I was delighted to see that the ladies tees still have elevation. Today, we had clear skies but still nice temperatures at this elevation. So many holes have elevated tee boxes and we were thrilled with the various challenges. Beware of the grass around the greens, hillsides, a few areas with water that create challenges. Each of us thoroughly enjoyed the course, its great condition and the excitement of making a birdie or par. Take time to take in the views on this course that has a scenic view from each hole and especially the holes along the top of the mountain. They have a small café for grabbing a bite to eat. Due to rains the night before the driving range was not open the day we played.

2. Mingo Falls

Big Cove Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, NC +1 865-430-1613
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 872 reviews

Mingo Falls

Reviewed By coolhandeastside - Shelby Township, Michigan

I was so happy we went and checked out Mingo Falls while we were staying in the area! It was so much better than the pictures I had seen online! Beautiful trail leading to the falls. Don’t miss it if you have the opportunity to go see it!

3. Smoky Mountain River Adventures

5036 Highway US 74, Whittier, NC 28789
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 28 reviews

Smoky Mountain River Adventures

Located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina just minutes from Dillsboro and Cherokee. Smoky Mountain River Adventures provides white water rafting for the whole family, including children as small as 401bs. We rent inflatable kayaks for one or two people, as well as rafts. You may choose to have a river guide to help tame the rapids or have your own adventure!

Reviewed By Jeanette K - Rock Hill, South Carolina

My husband organized a group of 18 family, friends, coworkers, and professional associates for a family friendly weekend of fun in the mountains of North Carolina. On Saturday we gathered at Smoky Mountain River Adventures, where T. Davis and his friendly staff took excellent care of us.

In total we rented 2 rafts and 3 double duckies. Four of our group had their own boats, and Mr. Davis happily agreed to shuttle them along with the renters at no additional charge! The nice ladies in the office patiently reviewed the paperwork and procedures repeatedly with the different parties in our group until we were squared away and ready for the safety talk.

After learning about the swimmer's position and "summer" teeth (what happens to your teeth if you get hit in mouth with your paddle handle: some are in the water, some are in the boat, and some are in your mouth), we got our paddles and life jackets then piled into 2 clean vans for the short ride to the put in at Dillsboro. Our drivers were very personable long the way and got the boats and gear unloaded and ready in short order. They helped us get under way and said they would be waiting at the take out to retrieve the boats.

We had a very pleasant paddle down the Tuckaseegee River. Our 2 youngest paddlers (one was only 5 years old) were a little apprehensive at first, but they ended up enjoying their whitewater adventure - especially after getting complimentary popcorn and freeze pops after we returned to SMRA headquarters.

As promised, SMRA staff were on hand to lug the boats up the riverbank to the boatyard. We enjoyed the freeze pops and were able to wash off and change into dry clothes before heading out. The relatively new restrooms are clean and have plenty of room for parents with children to change. There are single changing rooms just off the store/office area as well.

We can't say enough about the terrific hospitality and customer service offered by T. Davis and the staff at Smoky Mountain River Adventures (www.raftingwithmykids.com)! If you plan on a river trip in the Cherokee/Dillsboro area of North Carolina, choose SMTA as your outfitter. You will be glad you did!

4. Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Highway 441 and Drama Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 +1 828-497-3481
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

This site tells the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians through displays and modern computer images.

Reviewed By Wendy G - Fernandina Beach, Florida

The museum was full of interesting facts and history of the Cherokee Indians. I really enjoyed listening to the headphones that told the story about each part of the exhibit. There was a lot to see, hear and read in addition to the listening devices at the entrance counter. Excellent stories and artifacts made it fun to experience the museum.

5. Tuckaseegee Outfitters

4909 US Highway 74 W, Whittier, NC 28789-7703
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Tuckaseegee Outfitters

Great Smoky Mountain River fun for the entire family in Rafts,Funyaks,Double Ducks,1 or 2 person Kayaks,and Tubes.Located only 15 min from the National Park on Hwy 74& 441near Dillsboro NC. We take kids down to 4 years or 40 lbs.Relaxing River Adventure in Smoky Mountians since 1988

Reviewed By Brian0ntheGo - Bradenton, Florida

We did an unguided trip with friends that was lots of fun. The staff provided us with a thorough explanation of our choices and helped us make a good selection for our group. They were very efficient, had quality equipment, provided good instruction, and were friendly. Tuckaseegee Outfitters is a great choice if you are looking for a fun experience on the river. Bring your hat and sunscreen!

6. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum

100 Greenlee St, Bryson City, NC 28713-7993 +1 828-488-5200
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 349 reviews

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum

Reviewed By Edna W - Smyrna, Georgia

You can walk through the train museum before and after your train ride. There are lots of displays for train enthusiasts and just a tourist along for a train ride. It was interesting, so you can make it as short or as long a look as you want. It was a good way to end a day devoted to the train trip and a fun time.

7. Mingus Mill

1/2 Mile North of Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC +1 865-436-1200
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Mingus Mill

Reviewed By Todd G - Omaha, Nebraska

What a fantastic piece of history. It was very interesting to learn how the mill worked. I really enjoyed studying how it was all constructed. The water starts in a creek then into a flume that delivers it hundreds of feet downhill. Great place to take pictures.

8. Nantahala Brewing Company

61 Depot St, Bryson City, NC 28713-7821 +1 828-488-2337
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 323 reviews

Nantahala Brewing Company

Located in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala Brewing artfully brews award-winning craft beer made with fresh hops, whole grains and clean, crisp Great Smoky Mountain water, from one of the purest, protected watersheds on the planet. The brewery features a large Taproom with over 32 taps. Children (under adult supervision) and dogs (on a leash) are welcome. Our hours vary by season. For more details visit our website.

Reviewed By Schmichols - Gardiner, Montana

This is what I consider the perfect brewery. They always have a large selection of beers, including some new ones and innovative ones. It is really a tasting room. You can bring food in, if you want. We have friends with young kids, and we had a great time with them.

9. Smoky Mountain Country Club Golf Course

1300 Conleys Creek Road, Whittier, NC 28789 +1 828-497-7622
Excellent
36%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 11 reviews

Smoky Mountain Country Club Golf Course

WNC's finest destination resort, with affordable memberships, scenic views on every hole, and a unique layout that have every golfer wanting to come back!

Reviewed By Richard B - Leland, North Carolina

This was a fun golf course. Drastic changes in elevation from hole to hole and challenging golf on a well maintained golf course. The views from many places on the golf course were wonderful which lifted the spirits even when a bad shot occurred. The staff was gracious and helpful.

10. Mountain Farm Museum

U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee Visitors Center, Cherokee, NC +1 828-497-1904
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 382 reviews

Mountain Farm Museum

Reviewed By Baltzer - Halifax, Canada

Be sure to check out my YouTube video of this location at Josh the Travel Guy (sorry can't put any links)

This is a great stop before heading into hills of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Located on the North Carolina Side of the park, this location is easily reached and found since it is close to the visitor center.

This location is free to visit.

It consist of a walking path along the river, as well as a handful of buildings belonging to an old farm. The information tells and shows what it would have been liked to be a farmer in the mountains of this area 100 years ago.

There were pigs in a pen, but no other animals. Would be suitable for people of any age!

Lots of parking since it's near the visitor center.

I would spend an hour to two hours here. It is all outdoors, so this would be a weather dependent activity.

Once again, be sure to check out my YouTube video of my experience at Josh the Travel Guy! Thanks!

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