Making Travel Plans? Check out our Trip Itineraries!!

• Morning:
  Start your trip with a visit to Rarebird Emporium for a morning boost of caffeine before a scenic drive on the Cherohala Skyway (about 1.5 hours from Murphy). This 43-mile National Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of the changing fall foliage, high mountain vistas, and several scenic pull-offs for photos. Or nearby, check out the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, about an hour from Murphy, where you’ll find towering ancient trees and peaceful trails. This forest is ideal for a morning hike to see the vibrant fall foliage and rare old-growth forest. This is the way closer to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, so see if they have any special events happening if you like whitewater activities or book a canopy zipline tour.

• Lunch:
  • On your way back to Cherokee County, stop in Andrews, NC, for lunch at Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. and try one of their local craft beers with a wood-fired pizza. If you are just thirsty, check out Snowbird Mountains Brewery or FernCrest Winery’s Tasting Room.
  • Plan ahead to see if you can catch a ride on the Andrews Valley River Rail Tours. This attraction has really put Andrews, NC on the map. They offer pedal-assist options also so you have options!

• Evening:
  Stop by the newly renovated Harrah’s Valley River Casino & Resort to try your luck in the poker room, on the slot machines, or bowl with the family at the Family Fun Center.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Lakes

• Morning:
  Drive to Helton Creek Falls in Helen, Georgia, the Charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The waterfall is a short walk making it a kid-friendly activity. Plan to take your time as Oktoberfest draws lots of visitors this season. If you have little ones along with you, the Cabbage Patch Doll Factory is located nearby in Cleveland, GA.

• Afternoon:
  Spend the afternoon at Lake Chatuge, located near the NC-GA border, about 30 minutes away from Murphy. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lake, or simply relax by the water. Drive up to Bell Mountain if the time is right to catch the sunset with panoramic lake and mountain views to remember.

• Evening:
• If you’re still in Hiwassee at dinner time, check out Marina Station for a family fun evening of Top-Golf or a nice meal at The Oakes Lakeside Kitchen. Or, head back to Hayesville and check out Rib Country for a casual dinner. If you want a special treat, check out the Copper Door where reservations are usually required, but it is a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Back in Murphy, check out Legend’s Steakhouse for a good meal. Afterward, enjoy a drink at Buck Bald Brewing Company or Cherokee Cellars. If you would rather take something back to your cabin, check out the Fairy Cross Bottle Shop for an extensive selection of wines, snacks, and even Jewish bagels overnighted from New York!

Day 3: Nature and Culture

• Morning: Visit Fields of the Wood Bible Park, just a short drive from Murphy. This park is unique with large outdoor biblical displays, once the largest Ten Commandments in the Country. Take a walk to the top Ten Commandments Mountain for a panoramic view of the park surrounded by fall colors. Don’t forget the Pslams Prayer Garden.

• Panther Top Lookout is a great scenic spot in the fall, so if you are up for a small hike, look it up!

• Lunch:
  On your way back to Murphy, stop at Parker’s Burgers and Sweets for a classic burger and staff as sweet as their homemade desserts! After, head into Downtown Murphy to look around the several shops with something for everyone. Indigo Mountain Traders, Black and White Market, Gray Matters Boutique, Uniques, Journee77, and Vintage Therapy, and Distinctly Original. For art, check out the Cherokee County Arts Council and The M.A.C and Olive’s Porch.

• Afternoon:
  Explore John C. Campbell Folk School (about 20 minutes from Murphy). If you’re lucky, you might catch a fall workshop or live demonstration in traditional Appalachian arts and crafts. Don’t forget to stop by the Craft Shop for unique quality gifts for the upcoming Holiday season and pick up a 2025 Classes Magazine as registration is now open!

• Evening:
  End your trip with a quiet dinner at The Crown in Brasstown, known for its intimate atmosphere and creative dishes that are gluten-free.

• Morning:
  Start your trip by exploring downtown Murphy. Visit the Cherokee County Historical Museum to get an overview of the area’s Native American history and Appalachian heritage. Don’t forget the Cherokee County Arts Council and The Murphy Art Center if you are interested in Art. Both of these offer special events and classes, so check it out!

• Lunch:
  Enjoy a casual lunch at The Mason Bar in Murphy, which offers delicious sandwiches, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.

• Afternoon:
  After lunch, head over to the Harrah’s Valley River Casino or spend the afternoon in nature at Hiwassee Lake. You can rent a kayak or canoe, go fishing, or just relax by the water and enjoy the fall scenery. Check out the Murphy Visitor Center for specific information and vendors. If you want more of an activity, check out the Two Crows Alpaca Farm!

• Evening:
  Have dinner at Chevelle’s, a local favorite with a great selection of beers and hearty pub food and lots of live music events. Afterward, take a stroll down to the L&N Depot or to the Harshaw Cemetery for a nice evening walk.

Day 2: Scenic Train Ride and Wine Tasting

• Morning:
  Take a short drive (about 40 minutes) to Bryson City, and ride the Great Smoky Mountain Scenic Railroad. This 4-hour round-trip train ride takes you through beautiful forests offering incredible fall views.

• Lunch:
  After your train ride, grab lunch at one of the quaint cafes in Bryson City, but check HERE for up-to-date information following Helene.

• Afternoon:
  Head to FernCrest Winery’s Tasting Room or Cherokee Cellars Winery or Valley River Vineyards for a wine tasting experience. Fairy Cross Bottle Shop is a local favorite. Enjoy sampling local wines and take a bottle home as a souvenir.

• Evening:
  Have a cozy dinner at Murphy’s Chophouse, where you can enjoy a nice steak or seafood in a relaxed setting.

Day 3: Hiking and Scenic Drives

• Morning:
  Drive to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (about 1 hour away). This old-growth forest is perfect for a morning hike among towering trees and vibrant fall colors. The 2-mile loop trail is easy and allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

• Lunch:
  Head to nearby Robbinsville, NC, for lunch! Check-out the Fontana Dam if you are a fan of The Fugitive.

• Afternoon:
  In the afternoon, take a drive along the Cherohala Skyway, a scenic byway that connects Robbinsville to Tellico Plains, TN. The drive offers stunning views of the fall foliage and mountains, with several overlooks for photo stops.

• Evening:
  Return to Cherokee County and call in a pizza from Sal’s Brooklyn Pizza to take home and relax.

Day 4: Cherokee, NC and the Great Smoky National Park

• This scenic day trip from Cherokee County, NC, to Cherokee, NC (also known as the Qualla Boundary), offers a delightful mix of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. Begin your journey with a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes along Highway 74 to US-441 N. Your first stop is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where you can explore exhibits on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Oconaluftee River.

• Continuing into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make your way to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), the highest point in the park, where a short but steep hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views. Next, head to Newfound Gap, a popular overlook that offers stunning vistas of the valley below. After soaking in the beauty, venture to Gatlinburg, TN, just a short drive away, for lunch at one of its many charming eateries. As you return, keep an eye out for elk and wild turkeys grazing in the fields near the visitor center.

• Just remember that nightly road closures on Highway 441 occur and no commercial traffic is allowed, so plan your return trip accordingly to avoid any delays.

        Explore Nearby Towns and Waterfalls Option 

• Morning:
  Drive to Franklin, NC (about 1 hour from Murphy). Take the kids to The Factory for games and fun or check out the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts for performances or events!
• Lunch:
  Grab a picnic lunch or stop by one of the restaurants downtown.
• Afternoon:
  After lunch, drive to Dry Falls, a short but dramatic waterfall just outside of Highlands, NC (about 30 minutes from Franklin). You can walk behind the waterfall for an up-close experience, which is particularly magical with the fall colors. Check out road park closure information HERE due to Helene. (Nantahala National Forest Expected to Reopen 10/11/2024)
• Evening:
  On your way back to Cherokee County, stop by Chevelle’s in Hayesville where you can enjoy a variety of items and maybe catch some live music too. If you want an upscale experience to celebrate a special occasion, check out The Copper Door (usually requires reservations).

Explore Nearby Towns and Waterfalls Option 2

1. Your day trip from Murphy, NC, to Ocoee Gorge, known for hosting the kayak slalom during the Atlanta Olympics, will be a wonderful experience. Depart for a scenic one-hour drive. Upon arrival, head straight to Benton Falls for a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to a waterfall. After enjoying the falls, if water levels permit, take some time to walk along the rocks by the river in the Gorge.
2. Next, make your way to Ducktown for lunch at Rod’s Rockin Rolls. After lunch, consider a quick stop in nearby Copperhill to explore its charming downtown or learn about its mining history and don’t forget to stop in at Buck Bald Brewing to refresh.

3. Horse Excursion

• Embark on a day trip from Murphy, NC, featuring an exhilarating horseback riding experience at either Chunky-Gal Horse Stables or Horseshoe Creek Riding Stables. Start your adventure at Chunky-Gal, where you can explore scenic trails through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest and the Appalachian Mountains.

4. Hike and Explore Blairsville, GA

• Morning:
  Drive to Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA (about 45 minutes from Murphy). This park is known for its stunning fall foliage, and the Bear Hair Gap Loop Trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Trahlyta. Springer Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail begins is a big point of interest here.

Lunch/Dinner:

• On your way back to Murphy, stop at Mike’s Seafood Market and Grill for seafood and so much more or stop at the reliable Chik-Fil-A, as long as it isn’t Sunday.

5. Scenic Drives and Waterfalls in Highlands, NC

• Morning:
  Head out early for a scenic drive to Highlands, NC (about 1.5 hours from Murphy). Along the way, stop at Cullasaja Falls, a picturesque waterfall located right off the roadside on the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
• Afternoon:
  After lunch, take a short drive to Dry Falls. This waterfall is unique because you can walk behind it, making for a memorable experience, especially with the backdrop of fall foliage.

6. Spa Day

• Morning:
  Treat yourself to a relaxing morning with a visit to Infinity Salon and Spa or Radiance Aesthetics, Chamber-member spas offering massages, facials, and other rejuvenating treatments.

7. Tallulah Falls State Park

• For a more adventurous and exerting hike, check out the Tallulah Gorge State Park. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful Tallulah Gorge. It is a 2-mile long gorge and descends nearly 1000 feet. There are trails to hike, a swaying bridge, and with a special day permit floor access. They also do aesthetic releases periodically, but this is a great day-trip for some scenery if you don’t mind stairs worth it for a waterfall view.
• If you have little ones along with you, the Cabbage Patch Doll Factory is located nearby in Cleveland, GA.

Thank you to the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce for creating these trip https://secure.smore.com/n/7zvy4