The interstate and highway systems in North Carolina and Tennessee are based on the original Cherokee Trails.

For centuries, the Cherokee (A-ni-yv-wi-ya or Principal People) walked the old “Indian Gap Trail” between present day Cherokee and Gatlinburg, TN, taking in spectacular views at every turn. Today, there’s a new way to enjoy this scenic route through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without driving — by taking a Cherokee Transit bus. Travelling over the Newfound Gap Section of US 441, Cherokee Trails lets you see more than you could from behind the wheel, while our comfortable, efficient bio-diesel buses help reduce air pollution by reducing auto traffic through the Park.

Our Park Trail route is the latest addition to the transportation service we began in 1997, at first primarily for medical appointments. In 2000, we initiated regular, public routes on the Cherokee Indian Reservation / Qualla Boundary, adding crosstown Cherokee loop routes in 2004. Public transportation beautifully fits both the region’s need to promote air quality and the Cherokee tradition of communal sharing.

Cherokee Transit drivers are trained to provide passengers with safe, dependable transportation. Training includes defensive driving, passenger assistance, customer service and wheelchair securement.

  
INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS

• Please see other pages on this site for schedules and routes for our in-town and out-of-town transportation services, including our Park Trail runs, our Community Trail runs, and our “between the traffic lights” Mountain and River Trail runs.

• While these times indicate scheduled departures, delays may occur. We reserve the right to cancel service during inclement weather at any time, without advance notice.

• On all Cherokee Transit routes, riders under age 13 must travel with an adult.

• No one under the age of 18 may be transported out of state unless accompanied by an adult.

• Passengers may not board with large packages, only items that can be carried on and stowed easily. However, we do allow car seats, small coolers, strollers, and personal mobility devices.

• Cherokee Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen passes or personal items. However, if lost items are turned in, they will be available for owner pickup at our Cherokee office.

• Service animals may travel on Cherokee Trails vehicles as long as the handler notifies us when making reservations, provides proof of animal’s vaccinations, maintains full control of animal on leash, lead, harness or in a carrier, and keeps the animal from blocking the aisle or occupying seats.

• Cherokee Transit reserves the right to refuse transportation to passengers.