Birding

Life Teems on Miles of Birding Trails On the Qualla Boundary, a walk in the woods soothes and calms. As your mind quiets and your breathing slows, your senses are heightened. You notice things – the vivid green of the lush landscape, the deeply scented earthy loam, the wind whispering along your cheek and the symphony of birdsong above. In your stillness, the trail teems with life telling its interwoven tale on nature’s stage.     Quietly now, you lift your binoculars toward the wing flutter above in hopes of  glimpsing one of many birds that migrate through the Boundary. The spectacular Mingo Falls tumbles in the distance as a Pileated Woodpecker drills for a meal on a long dead tree. A Warbler’s song wavers along the breeze in the fields of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, while a Ruby-throated Hummingbird whizzes past in a feast of flowers at the Indian Village Botanical Gardens. Like the flowers, the miles of trails in Cherokee offer visitors a sensory feast and remarkable bird watching opportunities for the novice and well-attuned watcher. Guide to Birding Trails in Cherokee eblast to share with friends and family Other delightful birding destinations in Cherokee include the Oconaluftee Island Park, the Riverwalk at Riverbend that follows along Oconaluftee River and the wetlands at Ferguson Fields (Kituwah Farm), known as the sacred “Mothertown” of the Cherokee where Swamp Sparrows and Willow Flycatchers can be found. Stop by the Visitor Center for additional information about birding options during your visit to Cherokee.