Harrah's Cherokee Mountain Getaway

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina proved to be so popular with players that the property runs three World Series of Poker Circuit series a year – featuring the Global Casino Championship. The WSOPC Main Event are routinely the best-attended on the tour.

On paper it doesn’t make sense for a casino nestled in the mountains deep in the Bible Belt would draw so well, but that may be the very reason players flock to Cherokee. It’s three hours from the nearest metropolis, Atlanta, and Asheville’s Regional Airport is still an hour away.

Most casinos on the Circuit are located in urban or isolated rural areas, which leads to players staying in their rooms and focusing on the grind. Many players take advantage of the location by renting mountain cabins, taking in a round of golf or river rafting. 

Seqouyah National Golf Club

Guests of Harrah’s earn preferred access to the area’s best golf course. It’s an 18 hole, par-72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. It stretches over 6,600 yards in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains, has a pro shop and driving range. 

White Water Rafting

There are several white-water rafting guides that follow the 1996 Olympic Whitewater course. Paddlers can choose between the Ocoee and Nantahala rivers, companies will provide transportation to and from drop off points.

Fishing

The streams of the region have some the country’s best trout fishing with brook, large brown and rainbow native to the area. Fishing is available year-round; Soco Creek runs directly through the property between the casino and hotel and noted fisherman John Holley has been spotted fishing the creek after bad day at the tables.

Asheville

Asheville is a scenic mountain town, famous for its drum circles, history and shopping. The city’s historic downtown district is one of the best preserved in the South and city parks host open drum circles with the main attraction Friday night at Pritchard Park each Friday night.