The road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee is a winding mountain road, but a pretty drive--especially in late October. In the middle of the drive, you may want to take the road to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the area that should provide a scenic view on a nice day. If you like to hike, or even take a gentle stroll, stop at the Visitor Centers at either end of the National Park and ask about trails. Nice hikes are accessible not far from both the eastern and western entrances. Cherokee is touristy, (so is Gatlinburg) but you may enjoy the Cherokee Indian Museum for both its artifacts and the telling of the story of the Cherokee Nation. The Ocunaluftee Indian Village is a reconstructed Cherokee village with real Cherokees demonstrating crafts and explaining their ancestors' lives. Also near Cherokee, you can access the Blue Ridge Parkway for some wonderful scenic driving along the crest of the mountains.