Murphy • Andrews • Brasstown • Peachtree • Ranger • Marble
Cherokee County Western North Carolina
Cherokee County North Carolina, in the far western reaches of Western North Carolina is a haven of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes, offering outdoor adventure to all ages. The county is dotted with historic towns and ancient sites longing to be explored. Mountain ways still survive here at a renowned folk school that has been influencing and inspiring thousands for nearly a hundred years.
Cherokee County was one of the last strongholds of tribal lands belonging to the Cherokee Nation before their final exodus west along the tragic "Trail of Tears." These native lands still echo the language of the Cherokee people in the names of landmarks, waterways and districts. The high mountains of the Nantahala National Forest border the horizons to the north and east, with Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest to the west and parts of North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest to the south.
Three rivers traverse the county's valley floor, joining together at Hiwassee Lake before making their journey to the western valley lands below. The Nottely River flows northward from neighboring Union County, Georgia. The Hiwassee River flows northwest across Cherokee County, finding its headwaters in the northeast corner of North Georgia's mountain country's western divide. The Valley River, which originates in far eastern Cherokee County, flows westward across the mountainous valley regions uniting with the Hiwassee River before merging into Hiwassee Lake in the northern section of the county. This diverse northern backcountry offers an exciting outdoor adventure escape for those looking to getaway from the congested world out into the open spaces.
For the outdoor enthusiast there's camping, hiking, biking, boating, water sports, canoing, kayaking and fishing, along with plenty of white water adventure close by and did I mention scenic driving tours?
Cherokee County is situated between two major white water river gorges. Just outside the west end of the county is Tennessee's wild Ocoee River Gorge. At the eastern end of Cherokee County is the legendary Nantahala River Gorge with both a lower river gorge for white water rafting and kayaking, plus an upper river gorge ideal for fly-fishing with a waterfall canyon setting that you won't believe.For those who enjoy the more leisure atmosphere, there are picture book mountain towns and communities offering charm, hospitality, shopping, dining and lodging along with numerous historical landmarks marking the scene for Cherokee County's earlier days.
Cherokee County is the last and by no means the least of Western North Carolina's counties, the region is considered a natural gateway to the west, or for eastward bound travels its an access to North Carolina's high country.
The county was established in 1839 as the door closed on the Cherokee people who were given lands west of the Mississippi in accordance to the Treaty of the New Echota, signed in 1835 by the United States government and a small faction of Cherokee leaders.
Settlers quickly migrated into the region claiming their new lands by lottery, taking up where the Cherokee left off, temporarily living in some of their homes and harvesting fields planted by the former residents. Most of the new arrivals came from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Tennessee. These early settlers were not the first old world visitors or their descendants to visit the area. Historical markers throughout the county tell their tales and lay their claims to local events, historical events the Blue Ridge Highlander will explore in this Cherokee County profile as we visit each region.
Of our many outlets of choice throughout Cherokee County's towns, communities and local attractions we will begin with the historic county seat of Murphy, North Carolina before reaching into the high country and the valley towns along the local river basins.
Overview of Cherokee County North Carolina
Murphy the County Seat
Brasstown
Andrews, Valley River Country
Peachtree
And the Sidewalks were Paved in Marble
The Western Foothills and Mountains of Cherokee County
Hiwassee Lake and the Unicoi Mountains
Cherokee Legend
Cherokee County...Land of Many Uses
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
Rafting on the Ocoee River
Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Rafting on the Nantahala River
Experience this unforgettable whitewater adventure through the gorge. The Nantahala is exciting, and a great time, but not as wild as the Ocoee. This is a river that you can bring children on as young as seven years old.
Experience the excitement of Patton's Run, the fun and splash of Tumble Dry, the rush and roar of riding Class III Nantahala Falls. For a bigger thrill, try taking one of our Duckies down the river!
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.
All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMountainFishing.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins
Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.
It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.
896 Green Cove Road • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.835.3275 • www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Great Mountain Cabin Rentals
828.835.3275 • GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Heaven's Ridge, Luxury Mountain View Cabin
828.835.3275 • Heaven's Ridge
Perfect View Luxury Pet Friendly Cabin Rental
828.835.3275 • Perfect View Pet Friendly Luxury Cabin
Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC
828.835.3275 • Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin Getaway
My Mountain Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC
828.835.3275 • My Murphy Vacation Cabin
Cozy Bear Cabin
828.835.3275 • Cozy Bear Cabin Rental
Riverside Retreat on the Nottely River
828.835.3275 • Riverside Retreat
Reese's Retreat Close to the Ocoee
828.835.3275 • Reese's Retreat
Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin
828.835.3275 • Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin
Sunset Ridge, Pet Friendly Mountain Getaway
828.835.3275 • Sunset Ridge Cabin
Running Waters, Luxury Hiwassee Riverfront Cabin
Whether it's a romantic getaway, restful family vacation, or a holiday away from home, you'll be treated to comfort in our luxury riverfront 3 bedroom - 2 bathroom home.
828.835.3275 • Running Waters
Wild Wolf Lodge, Luxury Hot Tub Cabin
828.835.3275 • Wild Wolf Lodge
Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
800-562-9382 • 117 Happy Valley Road • Marble, NC 28905 • Murphy Peace Valley KOA Campground
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