Located just a few minutes from Hawkesdene, Horseshoe Creek Riding Stables is a nonprofit horse sanctuary that supports its operations through donations and guided trail rides. Guests can book horseback riding tours in advance on Friday or Saturday, with rides typically lasting 1–2 hours and costing about $60–$80 per person, depending on the route and length. The stables welcome riders of all experience levels, from beginners to those more experienced. If you’re interested in riding during the wedding weekend, we recommend reaching out ahead of time to reserve your spot before arriving in North Carolina.
If you’d like to spend some time on the water during the wedding weekend, Nantahala Lake is a beautiful option just 20 minutes from Hawkesdene. Visitors can rent a variety of boats, including ski boats, pontoon boats, wakeboard boats, and jet skis, as well as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. If you plan to visit on Friday or Saturday, we recommend reserving rentals in advance to ensure availability during the summer. Lake’s End Marina also features a great lakefront bar and restaurant, making it an easy place to relax and enjoy the scenery even if you’re not planning a full day on the water.
The Nantahala River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the region and is located about 20 minutes from Hawkesdene Estate. Local outfitters offer both guided and self-guided rafting trips for groups of all sizes, with reservations typically ranging from $45–$60 per person for a roughly 3-hour trip. The Nantahala is a Class II–III river, widely considered a beginner-to-intermediate, family-friendly whitewater experience. The eight-mile run features fun, “bouncy” Class I and II rapids along a scenic mountain river before finishing with the exciting Class III rapid, Nantahala Falls. If you’re interested in rafting on Friday or Saturday, reservations are recommended.
Surrounding the area near Hawkesdene, Nantahala National Forest offers beautiful mountain scenery, rivers, and easy opportunities to explore the outdoors. 1) Fires Creek Recreation Area Drive from Hawkesdene: 10–20 minutes A peaceful area with shaded forest, gentle creekside trails, and quiet picnic spots. Trails are mostly flat to gently rolling, making this an easy option for a relaxed walk. Seasonal swimming holes can be found along the creek in the summer. Parking is available at the picnic area or campground and no permits are required. 2) Nantahala Gorge / Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Drive from Hawkesdene: 45–55 minutes Known for dramatic river views and a lively outdoor atmosphere, the Nantahala Gorge is home to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Guests can enjoy short hikes, access portions of the Appalachian Trail, watch whitewater rafters, or grab food at one of the riverside restaurants. Parking is straightforward and easy for a short visit.
Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People is one of the longest-operating tribal museums in the United States. Located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary—the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ancestral homeland of the Cherokee—the museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. General admission is typically $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales close at 4:00 PM) and offers self-guided exhibits exploring Cherokee history, culture, and traditions. Approximately 1 hour from Hawkesdene.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” it’s designed for slow, scenic travel with a 45-mph speed limit, panoramic overlooks, short walking trails, and historic sites along the route. The closest access point is near Cherokee (Milepost 469), about 1 hour from Hawksdene. This is a great option for guests who want to experience the mountains without committing to a full-day hike—you can simply drive, stop at overlooks, stretch your legs on short trails, and enjoy the views. It’s also a perfect rainy-day or relaxed afternoon activity if you’d like to explore the area at a slower pace.
If you’re looking for a lively indoor activity, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is a large entertainment destination in nearby Cherokee. The resort features a spacious casino with thousands of slot machines and table games, along with multiple restaurants, bars, a spa, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. A visit to Harrah’s can be a fun rainy-day option or a good choice for guests looking for a more relaxed, less outdoors-focused activity. Drive time from the resort to Hawksdene Estate is about 55 minutes, making it an easy outing on Friday or Saturday afternoon or evening.
If you’d like to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the weekend, the closest entrance from Hawksdene Estate is near Cherokee, NC, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on US-441. This southern entrance offers a quieter way into the park, access to highlights such as the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill, and scenic drives deeper into the mountains. Because of travel time, Friday is the only practical day for this adventure. Hawksdene is about 1 hour from the visitor center, and many trailheads are another ~25 minutes farther into the park, so hikes can easily turn into a full-day outing. Saturday isn’t ideal, since guests should plan to be back, get ready, and be in place for the wedding ceremony at Hawkesdene by 4:30 PM. If visiting the Smokies is on your list, plan an early Friday start!