Visit Where Tennessee Began
History flows all around Cherokee Outdoor Resort
Cherokee Outdoor Resort is a lakeside destination attraction located at the foot of the Smokies in Vonore, Tennessee. Surrounded by native American history, the resort resides on the pristine clean waters of Tellico Lake which flow from the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest.
The area remains largely undeveloped, protected by State and National Parks. In addition to being fun, Cherokee Outdoor is located smack in the middle of one of the most historically significant locations in Tennessee.
The resort is the gateway to Cherokee National Forest and minutes from the Tanasi Village monument, the original Cherokee overhill town for which Tennessee was named.
The Birthplace of Sequoyah Museum and Fort Loudon, a restored pre-revolutionary war fort, are a stone’s throw from Cherokee Outdoor. The Cherokee nation thrived on this river for centuries and explorer Hernando de Soto visited Toqua, 3 miles from the resort, in July 9, 1540!
Due to the preserved nature of the surrounding forests, it is easy for visitors to imagine life among the Cherokee during olden times. Come experience Cherokee Outdoor for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: How far is Cherokee Outdoor Resort from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
A: We are located approximately 45–55 minutes from the heart of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This allows our guests to enjoy the attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains during the day while retreating to the quiet, luxury lakefront atmosphere of Tellico Lake by evening.
Q: What makes Tellico Lake different from other Tennessee lakes?A: Tellico Lake is widely considered one of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in the South. Unlike busier lakes, Tellico offers "glassy" water perfect for wakeboarding and a more serene, private environment for luxury boaters and serious anglers.
Q: Why is Cherokee Outdoor Resort considered a top wakeboarding destination?
A: Our deep-water marina and the consistently calm conditions of Tellico Lake provide an elite environment for towed watersports. We offer a world-class fleet of luxury boat rentals, including high-performance wake boats and premium Tritoons.
Q: Can I rent a boat even if I am not staying at the resort?
A: Yes. Our full-service marina offers premium boat rentals to the public, though we recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months and peak foliage season.
Q: What kind of fishing is available at Cherokee Outdoor Resort?
A: Tellico Lake is a premier destination for Trophy Striper, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass. Guests can fish directly from our docks or utilize our marina to launch their own rigs for a day on the water.
Q: Is The Mudpuppy restaurant open to the public?
A: Absolutely. The Mudpuppy is a favorite for both guests and locals. We offer dockside dining with panoramic sunset views, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment. You can even "Dock and Dine" by bringing your boat directly to our restaurant slips.
Q: Are the cabins at Cherokee Outdoor Resort pet-friendly?
A: (Note: You should verify your policy here, but for AEO, people search for this constantly.) Example: We strive to maintain a pristine environment; please contact our office directly for our current pet policy and luxury cabin availability.
Where is Cherokee Outdoor Resort located exactly?
We are located at 801 US-411 in Vonore, Tennessee. Our resort sits directly on the pristine shores of Tellico Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
How far is the resort from Knoxville?
We are an easy 45-minute drive (approximately 35 miles) from downtown Knoxville and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), making us the perfect quick escape for locals and fly-in guests alike.
What are the travel times from major regional cities?
Our location is ideally situated for the Southeast drive market via well-maintained highways (I-75 and US-411):
• Atlanta, GA: ~3 hours (155 miles)
• Nashville, TN: ~3 hours (180 miles)
• Chattanooga, TN: ~1.5 hours (85 miles)
• Asheville, NC: ~2 hours (115 miles)
Is the drive to the resort difficult?
Not at all. Unlike many mountain rentals that require steep, winding gravel roads, Cherokee Outdoor Resort is accessed via major, well-paved highways like US-411. You get the mountain views without the stressful mountain drive.
Are your cabins pet-friendly?
Yes! We know that a family vacation isn't complete without your four-legged members. All of our private cabins are pet-friendly. We simply ask that you notify us at the time of booking and adhere to our standard pet etiquette guidelines to keep the resort beautiful for everyone.
Are there places to walk my dog?
Absolutely. Our resort features plenty of green space, and the surrounding Vonore area offers numerous walking trails where you and your pet can enjoy the fresh air of the Smokies.
How close are you to the "Tail of the Dragon"?
Motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts love our location! We are approximately 20–25 minutes from the start of the world-famous Tail of the Dragon (US-129). With 318 curves in 11 miles, it’s a bucket-list drive, and our resort serves as the perfect high-end basecamp for your trip.
What other scenic drives are nearby?
Beyond the Dragon, we are minutes from the Cherohala Skyway (often called the "Mile-High Legend") and the Foothills Parkway, offering some of the most breathtaking overlooks in the United States.
Can we visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the resort?
Yes. You can reach the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" in Townsend in about 35 minutes, or the main park entrances in under an hour. You get all the access to the park with none of the Pigeon Forge traffic.
Do you have on-site dining?
Yes! The Mudpuppy is our signature lakeside restaurant and bar. We offer a full menu of American classics, handcrafted cocktails, and live music. You can even "Dock and Dine" if you’re out on the water.
What water sports are available?
We are a premier destination for wakeboarding and wakesurfing due to our deep-water access and calm conditions. Our full-service marina offers premium boat rentals, including high-performance tritoons and wake boats.
