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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.

Google Map coordinates for Piney Knob Trail

Leading Ladies & A Plate Full O’ Blues

August 1, 2019

The month of August offers a little comic relief with the Leading Ladies performance August 9-11; 16-18 and the legendary Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues concert on August 24th.

Lunch at Red Brick Deli

July 26, 2019

Wwhatever you order, it’s going to be amazing. You may leave with a to-go container, but you won’t leave hungry. So plan a lunch date and enjoy some Red Brick Deli. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 – 3:00 and Wendy and Bram will happily welcome you for a delicious lunch and some of the best service you can find in Downtown Murphy.

Summer Art Around Town

July 4, 2019

School may be out…but The MAC Summer Art Program is in! Throughout July, art classes are offered to kids in downtown Murphy. An exhibition featuring these young artists and their work will be Friday August 2, 5:00-8:00 pm during the Murphy Art Walk.

Business Cards & Bojangles’

July 2, 2019

Each month Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce hosts an AfterHours networking event. Bojangles’ will be our host on July 18th in Murphy from 5:00 – 7:00pm. We invite our members, local businesses, and entrepreneurs to join us! We offer door prizes and select our Member of the Month and Ambassador of the Month from those in attendance. Be sure to bring your business cards and stay a while!

Dinner for Three

June 26, 2019

Our first segment of “Party of Three” is dedicated to Murphy’s Chophouse and the nationally renowned chef/owner, Chef James Reaux. As recent winner of our Forks and Corks – Local Savor event for “Best Food” by popular vote this promised a culinary experience for our crew. I mean, if so many folks voted for them…

For the Five

June 6, 2019

Chick-fil-A may be located in Blairsville, Georgia but they’re great neighbors that reach out in their community and the surrounding counties: Cherokee, Clay, Towns, and Fannin. They truly are “For the Five!”

Wine Tastings & Craft Beer

June 6, 2019

The Murphy Co. has an impressive assortment of wine, craft beer, and cigars right in downtown Murphy. This new business has expanded quickly with a new tasting room where you can enjoy their casual atmosphere and a glass of wine. Check out their weekly tastings

A Taste of Brooklyn in the Mountains

June 6, 2019

There’s no need to go to New York to get a taste of the city. Sal’s Brooklyn Pizza offers made to order deck oven baked Brooklyn style NY pizza right here in Murphy. He doesn’t just stop at pizza though, he has a full menu including calzones with all fresh ingredients and just the right amount of cheese!

Award Winning Tastes

June 5, 2019

Jan and Kurt Olson are quite active in the community, so you will often see FernCrest Winery at festivals in Andrews, Murphy, and throughout the region, including our very own Forks and Corks – Local Savor.

Carolina BBQ at The Rib

June 4, 2019

You can keep it simple with BBQ and all the sides, or go all out with whole pig pickin! Join us at Forks and Corks – Local Savor for true Southern Hospitality and Carolina BBQ.

 Need Help Getting Around?

Do you need help getting around or planning your next adventure in the great outdoors? Start with our "outdoor life" business directory listing and find the service that can help make your visit to our region memorable.

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