June 1-August 17, 2013
Unto These Hills Drama, America's most popular outdoor drama, is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee Indians. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, North Carolina, the drama is presented under the stars at the beautiful Mountainside Theater nightly from June through mid August.
Unto These Hills today has been reconcepted to better portray the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective. The play traces the Cherokee people through the aeons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.
Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over six million people. Thanks to a recent $1.8 million renovation, the 2,800-seat open-air theatre includes upgraded seating with wider aisles and more comfortable seats, new food concessions, reserved box seating, and other enhanced conveniences. Upgrades also include new VIP reserved seating in the front row, with extra perks like covered seats, blankets, bottled water and the Chief’s Box. Safety and convenience enhancements include a new golf-cart shuttle service available to transport the elderly and handicapped to their seats.
To purchase tickets ($20/person) by phone, call toll free 1-866-554-4557. Tickets are also available at the Cherokee Historical Association Box Office on Tsali Blvd., across the street from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (off Highway 441 N) 9 AM-4 PM, and at the Mountainside Theatre (during summer season - also located off 441 N) 4 PM until show time. Paid reservations are held for late arrival. All tickets are held at the box office. (Cash, Visa, & Mastercard accepted). Located adjacent to the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Preshow starts at 7:30 PM, and the drama begins at 8:00 PM. Performance runs two hours including intermission. Appropriate for all ages. Handicapped accessible parking and seating are available with golf cart shuttle service.
Parking: $3 per vehicle at the theatre. Free parking at the nearby Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Qualla Arts & Crafts with free shuttle service provided to the show.
Cherokee is just 52 miles from Asheville via I-40 West to Exit 27, then U.S. 19 to U.S. 441 in Cherokee (Just over an hour's drive). Or you can take the more scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, but this could take three to four hours. A great day trip is to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee and return the faster way via I-40. Download a PDF map of Cherokee.
Each July, visit for the Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Indian Art Market.
