Cherokee County North Carolina - Blue Ridge Highlander

Murphy • Andrews • Brasstown • Peachtree • Ranger • Marble Cherokee County Western North Carolina Clusters of mountains collide along the western wall of the Blue Ridge Mountains below the southern shoulder of the Great Smoky Mountains. Long and broad valleys gather rivers and waterways together creating a path whose watersheds flow beyond the western horizon. Steep ancient mountains reach to the sky like rugged stair steps to the heavens. Elongated mountain ridges force narrow peaks out of their crest like that of the red timber wolf's powerful jaw protecting its rightful domain.

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

John C. Campbell Folk School

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

Blue Ridge Highlander's Gallery in Brasstown NC

Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts

When you are visiting the Blue Ridge - Smoky Mountains, a stop by the Highlander Gallery is well worth your time. The Highlander Gallery represents some of the finest artists in the mountains. With a large assortment of Fine Art Photography and Fine Crafts as well.

Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Don Milsaps • Don Blackwell • Juanita Greenspan • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Mike Lalone • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • David Hobby • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole

Wednesday - Saturday 11'ish - 5'ish 10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com

World Renowned Folk School in Brasstown NC

John C. Campbell Folk School

John C Campbell Folk School, is celebrating their 100th year and offers creative, learning vacations for adults in a beautiful natural setting. With classes in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.

Discover why Rand McNally Atlas named the Folk School one of the top 30 U.S. destinations for a day's visit in their Best of the Road listing. Numerous walking trails meander the 300-acre campus, including the Rivercane Walk, a creekside trail with art honoring the strong Cherokee heritage of the Appalachian area.

One Folk School Rd • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 1-800-FOLK-SCH • www.Folkschool.org

Real Estate & Property Management in Cherokee County North Carolina

Tim Noland, Realtor® - Broker in Charge • North Georgia & Western North Carolina

When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 •  GreatMtnRealEstate.com

Property & Cabin Rental Management

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

Cabin Rentals & Lodging in Cherokee & Clay County North Carolina

Great Mountain Cabin Rentals

We are proud to represent the finest cabin rentals in Murphy North Carolina and the surrounding area. We have a nice selection of cabin and vacation rentals with excellent amenities in beautiful and peaceful mountain settings, at very reasonable prices. It is our pleasure to help you find the perfect cabin or vacation rental whether you are looking for a romantic weekend, a girlfriend's getaway, fishing trip for the guys or a family retreat. It is our goal to help you plan the best mountain getaway available.

828.835.3275 • GreatMountainCabinRentals.com

Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC

Luxury Pet Friendly, Cabin Rental located in Murphy NC. Fox Den is a recently built cabin offering mountain views with covered and uncovered decks. This custom designed cabin has upscale furnishing and exceptional decor throughout. Fox Den has 2 Master Bedrooms with private baths. King master has a rustic stone shower in the bathroom. Second Master has a Queen Bed. There is also a Queen size sofa bed in the living room. Fox Den has a 3 large flat screen smart TV's with Cable one in each bedroom and one in the living room, also wireless Internet service throughout. If you are looking to get away to the mountains in style, this is the cabin for you.

828.835.3275 • Fox Den Pet Friendly Cabin Getaway

My Mountain Pet Friendly Cabin in Murphy NC

This sweet cabins offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 fire pits. Just .2 miles of pavement (not gravel here) from Highway 64 and 5 miles from the Tennessee lines allowed quick access to the Ocoee Recreation Area for a great deal of adventure fun. One bedroom (queen) is located on the first floor and the second is the loft (king) offers and additional 1/2 bath and small office area/reading nook. The kitchen is well equipped and has beautiful granite counter-tops. The Flat screen TV offers satellite service and the cabin comes equipped with Internet and wifi. The first fire pit is located in a gazebo off the main deck and is gas for easy convenience.  The second fire pit it down a short walking deck staircase and is wood.  Great for making s'mores and telling stories.

828.835.3275 • My Murphy Vacation Cabin

Cozy Bear Cabin

Sit back and watch your cares float away on the hammock in the large screened in porch; rock till your hearts content in the rocking chairs or sit by the brand new fire pit on the spacious deck. This cabin is within a few minutes to town. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin sleepy 4 comfortably with a queen size bed and private bathroom connected to each bedroom. Brand new large screen smart tv's (living room and bedrooms) will allow you to stream your favorite movies or watch the game.

828.835.3275 • Cozy Bear Cabin Rental

Riverside Retreat on the Nottely River

The ultimate retreat for your mountain get-away! Perfect for the family or a romantic get-away. This comfortably furnished, Non-Smoking, two bedroom, two full bathroom, cabin home is nestled on the banks of the widest portion of the Nottely River. Rumor has it, that the fishing has been great this year. Enjoy spending your morning on the large river front deck as you watch the water go by. The yard is a great place for kids to run around. The winter months you will enjoy the wood burning fireplace.

828.835.3275 • Riverside Retreat

Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin

Mountain View Cabin with Community Hiwassee River Access. This cabin is located only 15 minutes to town and the road is paved the entire way. Pet Friendly and WiFi access, Bear's Den is a beautiful cabin offering 3 bedrooms, one king in the loft and one queen on the main floor and the lower level has 2 sets of twin size bunkbeds, a bonus room with a queen size bed on the lower level, a pull out sofa and 3 full bathrooms. Dog friendly offering a large amount of decking with a gate for your pup to run around and enjoy. A side screen in porch allows for great outdoor dining or that morning cup of coffee, the sunrises are amazing.

828.835.3275 • Bear's Den, Pet Friendly Cabin

Sunset Ridge, Pet Friendly Mountain Getaway

Sunset Ridge offers a wide range of amenities and is the perfect getaway for any occasion. If you are looking for the perfect family retreat, you have found it. Sunset Ridge with Great Mountain Cabin Rentals is the perfect place to escape the big city with your family. With 3 bedrooms, a beautiful scenic porch, and a basement filled with a pong table, foosball table, and air hockey table, there's enjoyment for the whole family. Sunset Ridge has a fully stocked kitchen, indoor fireplace, a gas grill, outdoor seating, and a range of mountain views perfect for sitting by the fire pit and making s'mores with your family!

828.835.3275 • Sunset Ridge Cabin

Running Waters, Luxury Hiwassee Riverfront Cabin

Running Waters sits above the beautiful Hiwassee River in the historic town of Murphy, North Carolina. This wonderful riverfront cabin offers you private escape with scenic views and direct access to the Hiwassee River, a special treat to any getaway.

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

Huge cabin with main level king master suite, and private bath, 2 bedrooms upstairs, 1 with 2 twins, 1 with a king bed, twin beds, trundle twin bed and a private balcony, 2 additional king beds on Terrace Level. Terrace level also has a large recreation room with full size pool table, 2 dart boards, full size bar, brand new flat screen Smart TV, and an over sized battleship game. Step outside to the large hot tub, fire pit area and even a tree-house for the little ones.

828.835.3275 • Wild Wolf Lodge

White Water Rafting Mountains

Rafting on the Ocoee River

The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest white water center in the world.

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

Zipline Canopy Tours

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

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