Welcome
We at the Cherokee County TDA and Murphy Visitor Center hope this guide inspires you to explore the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture our area has to offer. From breathtaking mountain views and serene lakes to charming local shops and delicious dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a relaxing getaway, we’re here to help you make the most of your visit. Dive into the warmth of our community and discover all the hidden gems that make Cherokee County a truly special destination.
Casey Kerr
Downtown
KMurphy
nown around the area as a “Crossroads of Carolina,” Murphy is the county seat for Cherokee County. Filled with delicious restaurants, farm-to-table cafes, craft ale taprooms, mouthwatering barbecue and other culinary delights, the city itself has become a haven for those looking for a small town feel with big city amenities. In search of outdoor adventure? Murphy lies at the confluence of the Hiawassee and Valley rivers — this centerpiece community within a bastion of recreational offerings and opportunities. From hiking to mountain biking, river tubing to fly fishing, it’s all here.
Downtown
Andrews
Just to the east of Murphy along U.S. 19 is the bucolic small town of Andrews. Much like Murphy, Andrews has several notable destinations, including locally-owned restaurants, award-winning breweries, boutique shops and a renowned vinyl record store.
Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the community is also a short drive from the Nantahala Gorge, a world-class whitewater destination. Within the gorge are several well-known outfitters and zipline tours.
For hikers, the Appalachian Trail crosses the gorge, ultimately pushing its way through the vast, magical landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. The AT also runs right through the campus of the Nantahala Outdoor Center — the largest rafting company in the gorge.
EInto the woods Outdoors
njoying the outdoors is one of the reasons Murphy and Cherokee County has become such a sought-after destination.
Just five minutes from downtown Murphy is the four-mile River Walk and Canoe Trail. This beautiful greenway walk along the Hiwassee and Valley rivers includes several lookout areas and 19 audio stations where visitors can scan a QR code and listen to local history and interesting information about plants and animals. One of the most scenic spots along the trail — which is maintained by the town of Murphy — is the confluence of the Hiwassee and Valley rivers.
Clocking in at over 531,000 acres, the nearby Nantahala National Forest is a wonderland for those with a wanderlust for Mother Nature.
With countless miles of hiking trails and off-road routes to encounter and traverse, there are also numerous avenues of exploration here for those looking to horseback ride, mountain bike, trail run, picnic, enjoy a playground or simply go for a stroll in the woods at your own pace.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO
When it comes to hiking, there are many popular options. From Panther Top (2.2 miles roundtrip) to Piney Knob Trail System (15 total miles), Cherokee Lake Loop (2 miles) to Fires Creek Rim Trail (24.3-mile loop), the trail network within Cherokee County can accommodate any distance desired and all abilities, whether you’re looking for a day hike or multi-night outing.
And just down the road from Cherokee County is the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This one-ofa-kind forest is home to old-growth trees that are over 400 years old, many of which have become iconic symbols of the intricate splendor and tranquility of Western North Carolina.
Named for the poet who was killed in World War I and whose most famous poem is “Tree”, the best way to view the old-growth behemoths the forest is known for is by hiking. The figure-eight Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Area trail covers two miles, and the largest trees can be found on the upper ¾-mile loops through Poplar Grove.
VISITNC.COM PHOTO
Outdoors
Water for miles
Cherokee County is paradise for those who love water activities, with lakes and rivers galore offering a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Hiwassee Lake stretches for 22 miles along the Hiwassee River and is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, making it exceptionally scenic. The lake boasts three marinas and numerous public access points, including Hanging Dog Recreation Area. Boating, lake fishing, skiing, canoeing, paddleboarding and more are all popular pastimes. The dam creating the lake was started in 1936 and finished four years later. It’s 307-feet high and spans 1,376 feet across the Hiwassee River.
Just upstream is the smaller Lake Appalachia, which has no commercial recreation facilities but is a secluded gem for those who enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking and primitive camping. Popular sport fish in the lake include smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish and white bass. Cherokee Lake is another smaller, secluded lake that’s popular for fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Cherokee County also boasts two popular rivers — the Hiwassee and the Valley rivers — that are popular for hikers, fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The Hiwassee is about 145 miles long and begins in North Georgia. Murphy is located at the confluence of the two rivers.
There are dozens of smaller, cool mountain streams that flow throughout Cherokee County, offering anglers the opportunity to fish for brown, rainbow and native brook trout. Also, whitewater rafting is very popular on the nearby Nantahala River, which boasts several quality outfitters.
Outdoors
Adventure on
Cherokee County is a mecca for mountain bikers, with two top-notch trail systems just a few minutes from downtown Murphy and several others less than an hour’s drive.
Piney Knob, located just outside the town limits of Murphy, features 13.5 miles of trails on Fain Mountain with a paved entry road accessible to all vehicles. Also nearby is the Ramsey Bluff Trail System located in the Hanging Dog Recreation Area, which has 10 miles of trails.
two wheels
Both trail systems are maintained by the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA), which is headquartered in nearby Hayesville, N.C. SABA also maintains the Jackrabbit Mountain Biking and Hiking Trail System on the shores of nearby Lake Chatuge. Jackrabbit’s stacked loop rides of varying difficulty levels have quickly earned it a reputation as one of the premier trail systems in the region. Within an hour’s drive of Cherokee County, mountain bikers can also access the world-renowned Tsali Recreation Area trails in Graham County and Fire Mountain Trail System on the Qualla Boundary (home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.)
Ridin’ the rails Activities
Known as North Carolina “First RailBike Tour,” the Andrews Valley Rail Tours have a become an incredibly popular way to see the natural beauty of Cherokee County in this fun avenue of travel.
The 8.5-mile roundtrip journey goes along a former railroad track in Andrews, ultimately pushing out into the majestic, lush valley of rivers and streams — all of which cradled by the ancient peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With the hand-carved Valley River Tunnel one of the main attractions along the route, adventurers have their choice of modes of transportation, including railbikes (similar to E-bikes), cart ride (swiveling captain’s chairs with armrests) or a gas-powered “Choo Choo Speeder Ride” (a “locomotive-like appearance.”)
THit the jackpot
he Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy just completed a $275 million expansion that has added new slot machines, table games, a World Series of Poker room and an expanded casino with more hotel rooms and a 12,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant.
With sports betting now legal in North Carolina, the Murphy casino is the perfect spot for big games and get togethers for those who follow sports.
General Manager Lumpy Lambert says the expansion will help the casino reassert its place in the competitive landscape.
“We recognize competition’s here. We’re embracing it, and we’re going to continue to do our part and do the best we can to make sure that the guest experience is as best as it can be, and what will drive that is our service,” Lambert notes. “Our employees provide great service to our guests, and our guests choose to come back because of that service that they receive from our employees.”
HARRAH’S CHEROKEE VALLEY RIVER CASINO PHOTOS
Activities
Out and about
Clocking in at four miles, the Murphy Riverwalk meanders along the banks of the Hiawassee and Valley rivers. Beyond the confluence of the two rivers, there are many notable spots along the path.
Along the route, there’s a Cherokee Encampment, Konehete Veterans Park, L&N Depot and ARS Hunter Pyramid, among others. Make sure to take note of the Murphy Riverwalk Audio Tour along the way be downloading the QR codes to learn more about the area.
There’s Fort Butler Memorial Park in Murphy, which honors and recognizes the Cherokee people who were removed from this region in 1837 and placed on the Trail of Tears. The Downtown Murphy History Tour also spotlights numerous locations and sites in the community.
To learn more about the legend, lore and legacy of our area, there’s also the Cherokee County Historical Museum. Showcasing the history of the local indigenous people and pioneer settlers who inhabited this region, the exhibits feature large collections of artifacts and items telling the stories of our ancestors.
Just to the west of downtown Murphy is the Fields of the Wood. A popular and longtime attraction in Cherokee County, the 200-acre Christian park houses several significant monuments and exhibits, including the Ten Commandments, which, at 300 feet wide, is the biggest representation of its kind in the world.
Arts & Culture
A heart for arts
For centuries, Western North Carolina has been noted as one of the most artistically rich regions of the United States. Cherokee County resides at the epicenter of that vibrant creativity.
Between famed art galleries/studios, open-air markets, annual festivals, Cherokee County Arts Council, Valleytown Cultural Arts Center and Murphy Art Center (home of the Valley River Arts Guild), there are ample opportunities to watch live demonstrations of these incredibly talented folks — each using their hands and imaginations to conjure pure magic out of thin air.
Whether its pottery, painting, metalsmithing, glassmaking, jewelry, photography, writing or mixed media, seemingly every medium of art is represented in Murphy, Andrews and points in-between and around the county.
In nearby Brasstown resides the world-renowned John C. Campbell Folk School. Founded in 1925, the 300-acre campus is the largest and oldest institution of its kind in the country. Featuring a slew of residences, classes, workshops, community events and activities, the school remains a beehive of artistic merit and discovery.
Arts & Culture
MBack in time
urphy has a long, fascinating history that is easy to explore. The Downtown Murphy History Tour contains 10 sites and there are maps online and at various locations around Murphy for the tour. Each stop has a designated plaque and a QR code that, when scanned, will explain its significance.
Among the stops on the walking tour is the Bates’ Opera House/Old Dickey Theater, which was built in 1898. The lobby included a 30-foot ceiling and eventually was turned into the Dickey Movie Theater. Another stop is the Harshaw Chapel, which was chartered in 1845 and is the county’s oldest building.
History enthusiasts should also visit the Cherokee County Historical Museum. Featuring the history of Cherokee County, the museum has more than 2,000 authentic artifacts of the Cherokee people on display. The museum serves as an interpretive center for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Murphy was the site of Fort Butler, one of the main holding areas for Cherokees who were being removed from North Carolina in the 1830s. The museum also includes displays on pioneer settlers in the far-western corner of North Carolina. All of the displays are housed in a historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy.
Eats & Drinks
FGood eats
or foodies and the adventurous alike, Cherokee County serves a wide-range of unique tastes and comfort foods. Between Murphy and Andrews, there’s a large array of eclectic cuisines presented.
Down home style to cosmopolitan fine dining. Farm-totable creations to artisan wood-fired pizza. North Carolina barbecue to flavorful taquerias. The number of places to go and explore and expand your palette are only limited to your curiosity.
And if you’re looking for the freshest of ingredients, there are weekly farmers markets filled with local farmers and produce growers who bring to the table a bevy of meat, vegetable and fruit options harvested right here in the fertile soils of Andrews Valley.
Quench the thirst
Showcasing some of the finest breweries and craft ales in our region, Cherokee County boosts Buck Bald and Valley River in Murphy, while Andrews features Hoppy Trout and Snowbird Mountains. With Western North Carolina a hot spot for craft beer, these breweries are not only popular destinations for locals and visitors alike, they’re also family-friendly.
Throughout the year, there are also a handful of craft beer festivals, gatherings, tastings and community events, many of which are partnerships with great charities and beloved nonprofits right here in our backyard.
If you’re in the mood for some fine wine, folks can also visit Valley River and Nottely River Valley vineyards, as well as Cherokee Cellars Winery, all of which are located in Murphy. With a tasting room in downtown Andrews, FernCrest Winery has a vineyard in the “Snowbird Mountains of Cherokee County.”
Plan your trip MEMBER
DIRECTORY
BREWERY
Buck Bald Brewing
104 Tennessee St. 706-431-7141
Hayesville Brew 568 Hwy. 64 W
Hoppy Trout Brewing Company 911 Main St. 828-835-2111
Snowbird Mountain Brewery 378 Locust St.
Valley River Brewery & Eatery 71 Tennessee St. 828-837-2337
WINERY
Cherokee Cellars
45 Valley River Ave. 828-516-9245
Fairy Cross Bottle Shop 33 Peachtree St.
FernCrest Vineyards 1060 Main St. · 828-321-1600
Nottely River Valley Vineyards 1150 Old Culberson Rd. 828-837-7822
MURPHY EATS
Big Nicks BBQ
630 US-64 828-516-5201
Bistro 29 29 Tennessee St. 828-361-0524
Burger Boy
649 Andrews Rd. 828-835-3000
Captain D’s
580 US Highway 64 W 828-837-9388
Chevelle’s Restaurant and Bar 66 Hiwassee St. 828-835-7001
China Town 21 Tennessee St. 828-837-9898
Comfort Grub 5722 US Hwy. 64 W 828-516-1528
Cuzzino’s Cafe & Pizzeria 4195 West US Hwy. 64 828-837-1301
Downtown Pizza Company 52 Hiwassee St. 828-837-0500
El Maguey #4 Mexican Restaurant 1466 Andrews Rd. 828-835-0715
El Manzanillo Mexican Restaurant 1370 West US Hwy. 64 828-837-9624
Farmhouse Diner 7460 Hwy. 141 828-837-0123
Freight Yard Bar 3711 E US Hwy. 64 828-516-5139
Grizzly Bear Restaurant 877 West US Hwy. 64 828-837-0707
Julie’s Place Country Fare 30 NC Hwy. 141 828-837-8881
Kobe Grill 9 Central St. 828-835-2667
Legends Steakhouse 42 Tennessee St. 828-837-8500
Main Street USA 85 Hiwassee St. 828-837-7648
MURPHY EATS CONT.
Mariolino’s Italian Cuisine 1164 US-64 828-837-4786
MIXT Kitchen 1143 US-64
Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant
865 W US Hwy. 64 828-835-9767
Murphy’s Chophouse 130 Valley River Ave. 828-835-3287
Neighborhood Grill
269 Valley River Ave. 828-516-5116
Parkers Burgers & Sweets 5465 W. Hwy. 64 828-516-5114
Parson’s Pub 19 Tennessee St. 828-837-4151
Red Brick Deli 89 Tennessee St. 828-837-9090
Rib Country BBQ 2121 US Hwy. 64 W 828-837-4444
Sal’s Brooklyn Pizza 11240 Hwy. 64 W 828-835-0822
Shoe Booties Café & Shoetini’s Lounge 25 Peachtree St. · 828-837-4589
So’s Good Kitchen 1221 US Hwy. 64 W 828-331-7969
The Mason Bar
46 Valley River Ave. 828-390-4333
Valley River Eatery and Brewery
71 Tennessee St. 828-837-2337
ANDREWS EATS
Burger Basket 1679 Main St. 828-321-3785
Frankie’s Dog House 1130 Main St. 828-321-4444
Hoppy Trout Brewing Company
911 Main St. 828-835-2111
Kobe Grill Japanese & Sushi 114 Main St. 828-321-1010
Maria’s Diner 53 Cover Ave.
Mariolino’s Italian Cuisine 14048 US-19, White’s Plaza 828-321-0002
Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant 498 Main St. 828-321-1802
Morning Fog 1219 Main St 828-346-7822
Ronnie’s Grill & Bar 75 Wilson St. 828-644-8271
Sage 983 Main St. Ste 101 828-498-0332
Santo Nino 144 Main St. 828-321-2220
The Tattered Tartan Pub 945A Main St. 828-835-2199
COFFEE SHOPS & SWEETS
Appalachian Rolled Ice Cream
13 Tennessee St. 828-361-4246
Crafted Dough 104 Tennessee St. Ste B 828-557-8433
Cups & Cones 915 Main St, Andrews 828-516-0021
Homespun Hobbies Bakery & Mercantile 388 Locust St., Andrews 828-361-7517
Mimo’s Ice Cream & Twisted Treats
46 Valley River Ave. Suite D 828-390-4333
Morning Fog 1219 Main St. 828-346-7822
Rarebird Emporium
680 Andrews Rd. 828-557-0030
Sweet Tooth Ice Cream 658 Andrews Rd. 828-837-8615
Volt Nutrition 1178 Andrews Rd. 828-644-6141
MURPHY RETAIL SHOPS
A Jem’s Gem
36 Tennessee St. 828-835-0136
All American Estate Cleaning and Antiques
163 Tennessee St. 813-508-5777
Appalachian Electric Bikes and Framework
10 Tennessee St., Suite 202 828-516-8646
Appalachian Overstock
66 Tennessee St. 828-361-9940
Black & White Market
40 Valley River Ave. 828-516-1634
Blue Moon Elise
26 Valley River Ave. 828-837-2727
Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company
104 Tennessee St. 828-516-9474
Enchanted Butterfly
37 Tennessee St. 828-283-0836
Fairycross Bottle Shop
33 Peachtree St. 828-557-5844
Gallery 26: Designs by Baerries
34 Willow St. 828-557-1861
Glitz & Glamour Boutique 41 Tennessee St. 828-557-8927
Gray Matters Boutique 104 Tennessee St. 828-361-3161
H & H Sports
26 Valley River Ave #C 828-837-5339
Hughes Electric 152 Tennessee St. 828-837-2240
Hughes Pool & Stone Supply 37 Church St. 828-837-6222
Indigo Mountain Traders 49 Peachtree St. 407-227-3918
J.Mill Studio 10 Tennessee St., Suite 202 843-441-1405
Jan’s Needful Things 65 Tennessee St. 828-644-4108
Journey 66 Boutique 18 Willow St. 678- 429-0455
Linen & Pearl Boutique 15 Valley River Ave
Linger Awhile Antiques 17 Peachtree St. 321-267-2777
Marketplace Antiques 41 Peachtree St. 828-837-1060
Mountain Pets and Water Garden 15 Pet Shop Way 828-837-5501
Murphy Art Center (MAC) 12 Peachtree St. 828-360-3038
Narrative Books and Records 104 Tennessee St. 828-644-4323
Olives Porch 27 Peachtree St. 828-837-1885
Open Studio at the CCAC 33 Valley River Ave. 828-835-0550
Peaceful Trails 33 Tennessee St. 828-361-0008
Serenity Mountain Gift Shop & Boutique 35 Tennessee St. 828-361-7543
Simply Sweet Baby Boutique 23 Valley River Ave. 828-835-2910
The Flower Hound 58 Hiwassee St. 828-356-5554
MURPHY RETAIL SHOPS CONT.
Uniques of Murphy
43 Tennessee St. 828-557-7993
Urban Salon & Spa
36 Valley River Ave. 828-835-2656
Vintage Therapy Shop
46 Valley River Ave. 630-853-9642
ANDREWS RETAIL SHOPS
992 Main Street Consignment 992 Main St.
Andrews Florist & Gift Stop 620 Main St. 828-321-4413
Dean’s Music Store 982 Main St
Gibson Furniture Company 161 Main St. 828-321-4261
Homespun Hobbies Bakery & Mercantile
338 Locust St. 828-361-7517
Locust Trading Company 572 Main St. 678-761-5002
Missions Trift Store 1039 Main St.
Mooreroldstuff Vintage Shop 998 Main St.
Nancy’s Treasures 983 Main St 828-361-5396
Performing Arts Hair & Gift Shop
31 Chesnut St. 828-321-2036
Spring Rain 14038 US-19 828-321-2372
The Bin Store 27 Wilson St.
TJ’s Matworks 70 Cherry St. 828-321-0688
Valley River Yarn 982 Main St. 828-735-4482
WNC Sports 99 Robinsville Rd. 828-321-5033
HOTELS
Best Western of Murphy 1522 Andrews Rd.
Days Inn By Wyndham Murphy 754 US-64 828-837-8030
Hampton Inn Murphy 1550 Andrews Rd.
Holiday Inn Express & Suite
130 Holiday Dr. 828-837-1111
Murphy Motel 8950 US-64
Quality Inn Andrews 138 Upper Valley River Ln.
Sunset Motel 199 Valley River Ave.
CABIN RENTALS & SHORT TERM RENTALS
Carolina Mountain Homes 5530 US-64 828-837-7322
Mountain Country Cabin Rentals 1151 US-64 828-837-1551
Cobb Creek Cabins 106 Cobb Circle 828-330-4142
Great Mountain Cabin Rentals 10886 Old Highway 64 828-835-3275
River Cove Cabins
1305 Hilltop Rd. 828-644-9979
VRBO & Airbnb Listings 300 plus vacation rental properties
Whispering Pines Log Cabins 668 Whispering Pines Hollow 321-446-4352
