Hiking and Biking Trails
For the latest information regarding National Forests in North Carolina, please check out the Forest Service website.
Our public lands offer more than 245 miles of bike trails. In addition, forest roads are also open for mountain biking, unless otherwise signed.
The Ramsey Bluff Bike Trail System is located at the Hanging Dog Campground area, and offers under-utilized adventure in Mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country running. The eight mile labyrinth of trails is actually a group of connected loops, allowing an interesting variety of combinations for repeat visitors to explore. The trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, and range from 1500 to 1900’ in elevation. The trail system has two good access points with parking: the Upper Parking area above the Boat Launch, and Iceberg Hill on Ramsey Bluff Road. Restrooms are near the Boat Launch trailhead.
Jack Rabbit Trail
Jackrabbit Mountain trail system provides access to over 14 miles of trails with a main central loop, which is easy and nearly level, and has junctions with several more difficult side trails, traveling to some interesting destinations such as ridgetops and beaches.
Directions
From Murphy, follow Hwy 64 for 19 miles and turn right on Hwy 175 South. Go 1 mile and turn right to stay on Hwy 175, crossing a long one-lane concrete bridge over an arm of the lake. Go 2.5 miles and turn right onto Jack Rabbit Road. Bear left after 250 ft., staying on Jack Rabbit Rd. The signed parking area is on the left after about 1/2 mile.
Google Map Coordinates for Jack Rabbit Trail Head
Fires Creek Recreation Area
Leatherwood Falls
The 25-mile Rim Trail in the Fires Creek Backcountry Area climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and makes a large loop. The trail offers vistas as it crosses several high elevation balds. From the Leatherwood Falls Picnic Area, a 0.7 mile loop goes to Leatherwood Falls.
Directions:
From Murphy, travel US 64 towards Hayesville. At Hills Store turn left on Fires Creek Road (NC175) for 2.5 miles, left on Fires Creek Wildlife Road (SR 1344) for two miles. The recreation center is on the left after the bridge.
Google Map Coordinates for Fires Creek Picnic Area
Ocoee Whitewater Center
Boasting more than 20 miles of trails, this trail system has it all. This trail has tons of options from a hke with history along the 2.4 mile restored segment of the Old Copper Road Trail, or an easy 1 mile stroll around the Olympic course at the Whitewater Center to a screaming 1.5 mile mountain bike ridge on the Thunder Rock Express.
Directions
Located on Hwy 64 approximately 6 miles west of Ducktown, Tennessee. Day use parking is available in the lower lot at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
Google Map coordinates for Ocoee Whitewater Center
River Walk
The approximate 3 miles of easy walking trails start at the far end of Konehete Park along the Valley River, and end at the Old L&N Depot by the Hiwassee River bridge. Enjoy walking through Konehete Park then along the river past the historic Leach Place and the abandoned railroad trestle to the Historic L&N Depot.
Directions
The Murphy River Walk is located in Downtown Murphy and has several access points including the L&N Depot, McClelland Street, and Konehete Park.
Google Map coordinates for Murphy River Walk
Appalachian Trail
There are two entrances to the Appalachian Trail that are easily accessible from our area and both are 40 minutes away! You can get on the AT at the Nanatahala Outdoor Center in the Nanatahala Gorge on Hwy 74 or you can get on at Winding Stair Gap on the top of Franklin Mountain on Hwy 64. There are many other short day-hike options!
Piney Knob Trail
Piney Knob
Piney Knob Trail System, 22.3 miles of recreational hiking and mountain biking trails on the 700+ acre Murphy Watershed property off of Piney Knob Hill Road. All trails are dirt single-track trails and built in accordance with International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) standards.
Take a Break from the Daily Grind
With all that the Daily Grind and Wine offers, we’re excited to see what tastes await you at the 5th Annual Forks and Corks – Local Savor!
Authentic Italian
Join us at the 5th Annual Forks & Corks – Local Savor for a sampling of authentic Granieri’s Italian Restaurant in the mountains of Cherokee County. Tickets are on sale now at Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Center. Visit us Monday – Friday, 9:00-5:00, and Saturday, 10:00-3:00. 805 US Hwy 64 West in Murphy, NC.
Let the Summer Road Trips Begin
Fastop Market #309 is located in Murphy on what is locally known as “the four lane”. While the highway number may change, this road goes from the Ocoee White Water Center in Tennessee to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, running right through Cherokee County. We’re the perfect place for a road trip to take in the mountains where North Carolina begins, so visit our Cherokee County Welcome Center for free local maps and fuel up at Fastop Market!
Stop by to fill up, grab a bite, and ask about their loyalty program at 650 US Hwy 64 West in Murphy.
Potato Salad & That Key Lime Pie!
Whether you crave something salty or sweet, Red Brick Deli’s got your back…literally. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches, bagels, and salads with a side of your choosing, but we can’t go without recommending the potato salad. The portions are more than most can finish in one meal, but they have to-go boxes so save room for dessert. The brownies and cookies make great options if you’re in a hurry to get back to work, but if you have the time, that pie is life-changing!
Wine Dinners & A World Renowned Chef
Well known for their wine dinners, Murphy’s Chophouse offers lunch and dinner daily, as well as a Sunday brunch. Many enjoy the outdoor patio and bar, but there is also a private room that is perfect for showers, business dinners, and celebrations. In true Murphy fashion, the Chophouse maintains that casual mountain vibe, so enjoy a taste at the 5th Annual Forks & Corks – Local Savor, then make reservations for an evening on the patio in downtown Murphy.
Corned Beef and Beervangelism
It may take a while, but with each visit you can enjoy the company of locals and meet visitors, perhaps even ask a God question, and before you know it, you’ll officially become a Beervangelist. We recommend the Giant Pretzels with Guinness cheese or the Shepherd’s Pie, paired deliciously with a craft beer. Get your ticket to the 5th Annual Forks & Corks – Local Savor and be sure to visit the Parson’s Pub to see what they’re sampling on June 6th at The Hackney Warehouse in Murphy!
Fill Your Gills with Hoppy Trout Brewing
Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. was built by a couple passionate about craft beer. Thomas, the Master Brewer, spent three years practicing his recipes every weekend until his wife, Kristin, insisted the mounting kegs of beer be shared at last. Hoppy Trout is now a well known and respected establishment in Andrews, with their delicious craft beer at a variety of eateries throughout Cherokee County and Western NC. You can get a taste of Hoppy Trout Brewing’s locally crafted beer at the 5th Annual Forks & Corks – Local Savor.
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