Things to do Near Murphy, North Carolina

Western North Carolina Wagon Train

Andrews is a beautiful, peaceful small town located within the heart of North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains. Nature lovers can enjoy many outdoor activities in the area's unspoiled streams, rivers, mountains, and ridges. There are also many thriving small businesses in town, including restaurants, retail shops, bed and breakfast inns, and artists' galleries and gift shops.

Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery is a historic 1869 Methodist chapel and cemetery. The chapel was built by Joshua Harshaw, who was a prominent slaveholder. Rumor has it that Abraham Lincoln’s mother is buried here.  Calaboose Cellers is located in an old stone building with bars that was used by local lawman to lock up the hooligans until they went before the magistrate, but now the jailhouse  incarcerates wines.

Go llama trekking into Nantahala National Forest with Hawkesdene Llama Treks. 
Wander through the country side on horseback or zip through the trees with RidgeRunner Ziplines. WagonMaster Adventure Ranch is a unique and affordable fun park and gem mine perfect for families and groups. It has activities for kids and adults including mini golf, gem mining, wagon rides, and target galleries for paintball and air-soft BBs.

Lake Hiwassee is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, and offers spectacular scenery and is primarily fed by the Hiwassee, Nottely, and Valley Rivers. Boater, canoer, and kayakers will find easy access to the water at the Hanging Dog Recreation Area on Lake Hiwassee with a campground, picnic area, hiking trails, and a boat launching ramp. In Murphy access is available to the Hiwassee River. This Class I and II whitewater  river is 18.3 miles long. Because Appalachia Lake has no developed recreation areas, it is an excellent option for those seeking solitude during the busy summer season.

Brasstown
The John C. Campbell Folk School is well-known and a very special place in the mountains for North Carolina.  It provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening and offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.

Murphy
Murphy is the county seat of Cherokee County located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The town dates back to 1839.  Downtown has beautiful tree lined streets and many historic buildings restored to their original state with restaurants, many unique shops, and other interesting establishments all within walking distance in the heart of town. Recreational activities are unlimited from local trout streams to mountain biking. Hiwassee Lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. Murphy offers something for every sports enthusiast.

Cherokee County Historical Museum tells the historical story of Cherokee County.  The Museum has more than 2000 authentic artifacts of the Cherokee Indians and a mineral collection.  The museum reflects the life of the Cherokee Indian during the time of the Cherokee Nation before their removal along the "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma and features a collection of more than 800 dolls, the oldest doll dating back around 1865.