Cherokee County: Culture, Trails and River Experiences

A historic Carnegie Library dating from 1922 houses the Cherokee County Historical Museum; at the Murphy River Walk, open meadows, wetlands, hardwood forests and rocky cliffs alternate. Cherokee County can be explored through a wide range of interests: history and art sit alongside hiking and biking trails, water activities and craft experiences. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can start by organizing your plans around these interests.

History, Art and Crafts

The Cherokee County Historical Museum features exhibits on Cherokee traditions, the Trail of Tears and the continuing cultural heritage of the Cherokee. Its collection includes thousands of authentic objects, among them Civil War memorabilia, early Appalachian tools and artifacts from Arthur Palmer’s private collection. The museum is located in the historic Carnegie Library dating from 1922.

In Murphy, Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery is a historic Methodist chapel and cemetery at the intersection of Church Street and Central Street. For art and performances, the Cherokee County Arts Council presents an annual series of six concerts and three storytelling events in the performing arts. The Open Studios program lets visitors see working artists demonstrate their processes. Hands-on workshops and classes in visual art and traditional crafts are open to adults and learners of all skill levels. The Valley River Arts Guild offers classes for children, teenagers and adults.

The campus of the John C. Campbell Folk School also brings together crafts and trails through the landscape. Winding bark-mulch paths lead through forests and scenic pastures; there is also a walking path along Little Brasstown Creek. Guests can tour studios and observe classes. The Craft Shop sells a curated selection of handmade works by more than 300 local and regional artists.

Hiking Trails and River Landscapes

The Ramsey Bluff Mountain Biking System has eight miles of trails in the Hanging Dog area. The Piney Knob Trail System has 15 miles of recreational trails for hiking and mountain biking. The two systems therefore differ in their stated length; both activities are specifically listed at Piney Knob. As a virtual trail guide, the interactive Cherokee County trail map points visitors to hiking trails, waterfalls, recreation areas and public lands.

The Murphy River Walk passes through open meadows, marshy wetlands and hardwood forests, as well as along rocky cliffs. It follows the Valley River to its confluence with the Hiwassee River and to the lake’s backwater areas. On calm waters, paddlers can travel along rivers and coves and between trees, while observing birds, wildlife and fish species. In Murphy, Mountain View Marina offers boat rentals on Lake Hiwassee.

Activities and Special Places

Fields of the Wood covers more than 200 acres of valleys, mountains, streams and wooded areas. Concrete markers depicting the Bible on stone are located throughout the park. Admission is free. Bear Creek Adventures has an 18-hole miniature golf course with mountain views; visitors can search for real gemstones at a covered sluice. WagonMaster Ranch Resort also offers miniature golf and gemstone mining, along with gold panning, nature trails and picnic areas.

Horseshoe Creek Riding Stables offers trail rides for visitors of all ages. Rides are available by appointment only, tailored to each group and follow historic trails. Another way to experience the landscape is with Andrews Valley Rail Tours, which offer electric-assist railbikes, cart rides and speeder rides on a trip to the tunnel. The tour includes a 30-minute stop at Valley River Tunnel. Southern Railway workers hewed it by hand out of the rock in the 1890s; it was completed in 1894.

For a tasting, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company carries 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Visitors can sample oils and vinegars and explore different combinations before buying.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Marble, Murphy, Graham County, Greene County, Wilkes, Hertford County, Davidson County, Union County.

For the main travel overview: North Carolina.