Where the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers converge at the edge of the Smokies — your gateway to waterfalls, trails, and small-town soul.
Plan Your VisitNestled in the far-western corner of North Carolina where the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers converge, Murphy is the county seat of Cherokee County and the perfect base camp for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Forest, and the legendary Waterfall Byway.
From the Cherokee Historical Museum inside a historic Carnegie Library to the gentle 2-mile River Walk that traces the town’s waterways, Murphy blends Appalachian heritage with small-town charm and endless outdoor recreation.
From whitewater rafting and horseback riding to goat farms and historic landmarks — here’s everything worth your time in and around Murphy.
A scenic 2-mile trail winding along the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Easy, peaceful, and right in town.
160 miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and pontoon cruises. Stunning mountain views in every direction.
40 miles of world-class mountain biking trails along Fontana Lake. Also offers hiking trails and horseback riding with ridge-top views.
This scenic drive begins in Murphy and winds past 200+ waterfalls along the Nantahala National Forest — including Fire Creek Falls and many hidden cascades.
Just 5 miles from downtown, Ramsey Bluff trail system offers hiking and biking with sweeping views of Hiwassee Lake. Lake access too.
Tucked in Nantahala National Forest, this hidden gem offers swimming holes, hiking trails, camping, and picnic spots along a pristine mountain creek.
The town’s hub for recreation: ball fields, basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, walking trails, picnic pavilions, and a fishing area along the river.
A short drive from Murphy, this peninsula on Lake Chatuge offers hiking and biking trails with panoramic water and mountain views.
13.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on 700+ acres of the Murphy Watershed. Paved access, IMBA-standard singletrack, just 5 minutes from downtown.
TVA hydroelectric dam with panoramic views of Hiwassee Lake. Adjacent park with lake access, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a prime spot to watch the sunset.
20 minutes from Murphy, the Olympic-class Ocoee River delivers Class III–IV rapids. Guided trips with Carolina Ocoee on the same whitewater that hosted the 1996 Olympics.
Tube and kayak floats on beautiful Brasstown Creek near Hayesville. Covered outpost with food, drinks, and a deck overlooking the creek. Family-friendly fun.
Pontoon boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals on Lake Hiwassee. Fuel, fishing supplies, and slips available. The easiest way to get out on the water.
Guided horseback trail rides on 250 private acres in Mineral Bluff, GA. Beginner to advanced, creek crossings, mountain views — 30 minutes from Murphy.
18-hole mini golf with mountain views, a covered gem mining sluice, hand-dipped ice cream, and a gift shop. One of Murphy’s favorite family stops.
State-of-the-art bowling alley, arcade games, sports lounge, and live entertainment at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. Fun for all ages under one roof.
Historic downtown movie theater built in 1934. Two screens with digital projection, $5.50 tickets, and vintage charm. First-run movies at yesterday’s prices.
North Carolina’s first railbike tour! 9-mile round trip on historic tracks through Andrews Valley to the hand-carved Valley River Tunnel. Railbikes, passenger carts, and speeder rides.
Meet the goats at this charming family farm! Book a goat encounter, browse farm-made soaps and lotions.
Sustainable alpaca fiber farm with an art gallery featuring handcrafted goods. Free tours by appointment. 56 alpacas, llamas, and guardian dogs on a scenic property.
Working alpaca farm & pet-friendly log cabins on 24 private acres. Meet alpacas, dwarf goats, and mini donkeys. The historic Cobb homestead dates to 1861.
Biodynamic farm & glamping resort bordering the Nantahala National Forest. Tipis, canvas tents, and lodge apartments with beekeeping, farm tours, and cooking classes.
Pet-friendly cabin & RV resort with gem mining, mini golf, fishing, and wagon rides. Lakeside lodging with a 2,000 sq ft event center for weddings & retreats.
Saturdays 9am–1pm (April–October). Local produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and live music in a classic small-town market setting.
Housed in a 1917 Carnegie Library, this museum holds 2,000+ Cherokee artifacts, pioneer relics, and exhibits tracing the region’s deep Appalachian history.
Murphy’s oldest surviving structure, built 1869 in Greek Revival brick. Just restored and reopened in 2026. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The MAC on Peachtree Street showcases regional painters, jewelers, potters, and fiber artists. First Friday Art Walks feature live music & local crafts.
Housed in a 1923 Classical Revival church in downtown Andrews, this arts center on the National Register hosts gallery exhibits, performances, and classes.
A Brasstown institution since 1925, offering 800+ classes in Appalachian craft on a 270-acre campus. Visit the Log Cabin Museum, History Center, and Craft Shop.
A 200-acre Bible-themed park featuring the world’s largest Ten Commandments carved into a mountainside — 300 feet wide. Trails, picnic areas, a chapel, and the Garden Tomb replica.
A Tennessee State Historic Site just 20 minutes from Murphy, chronicling the Copper Basin mining boom (1843–1987). Exhibits, mine ruins, and a 350-ft mine collapse overlook.
Permanent display of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights on Valley River Avenue. A replica of the National Archives arrangement in downtown Murphy.
Downtown Murphy has 30+ shops within a few walkable blocks — antique malls, clothing boutiques, gift shops, specialty foods, and the town’s own craft brewery.
The anchor of downtown Murphy’s antique scene — a sprawling multi-vendor mall with new consignment daily. Furniture, vintage collectibles, art, gifts, and civic artifacts. Open 7 days at 41 Peachtree St.
Farmhouse-style decor, candles, pottery, upcycled antiques, and locally made goods in a beautifully restored 121-year-old building at 40 Valley River Ave. Say hi to Reece, the shop dog — the freight elevator still works.
Trendy women’s clothing in sizes Small through 3X, plus unique jewelry, prom and wedding accessories, purses, and scarves. A favorite downtown style destination at 41 Tennessee St.
100% natural handmade body care since 1999 — soaps, lotions, bath salts, essential oils, and lip balms. Owner Rachel Elise also offers yoga classes and soap-making workshops. 26 Valley River Ave.
Taste and browse 65 varieties of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars at The Mill Building, 104 Tennessee St. A unique downtown experience you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
A nature-inspired gift shop filled with hiking and camping gear, spiritual items, home decor, and mountain souvenirs. The perfect stop before or after exploring the trails. 33 Tennessee St, downtown.
Murphy’s only craft brewery with 16 brews on tap and a wood-fired brick oven pizza. Burgers, gyros, salads, and homemade desserts in a cozy downtown taproom at 71 Tennessee St.
From downtown tasting rooms to vineyards tucked in mountain valleys — explore 11 wineries within a 35-minute drive of Murphy.
A family-run vineyard and winery on Martin’s Creek Road with tasting, live music, cookouts, yoga, and seasonal events. Open weekends 1–6pm. Try their Southern Appalachian wines.
Downtown Murphy’s very own winery, inside the historic 1947 Trailways bus station. Gold and silver medal wines made from local grapes. Tastings Wed–Sat, April–October. 23 Hickory St.
A family farm since 1820, this 10-acre vineyard produces Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and more. Old World, hand-crafted wines with minimal intervention. Fri–Sat noon–6pm. Murphy.
Hand-crafted wines named after ferns, perched on a crest in the Snowbird Mountains. Dog and child friendly. Live music and wine slushies. 1060 Main St, Andrews. Thurs–Sun.
Tucked in the Nantahala National Forest near Hayesville. Blue Ridge wines served on a covered porch with live music. A peaceful mountain escape 20 minutes from Murphy.
European vinifera — Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminette — grown at the foot of the Nantahala National Forest. Live music Saturdays. Open Mar–Nov, Fri–Sun. Hayesville.
A boutique vineyard at River Oaks in Hayesville, set in the rolling hills of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA. A quiet, scenic stop less than 20 minutes from Murphy.
In the shadow of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. Two tasting rooms — the Stone House with panoramic views and the Farmhouse Coffee & Wine Bar. Live music. Young Harris, GA.
Three-time Best of Georgia winner on a 70-acre farm with panoramic Blue Ridge views. Wine, hard cider, and 12+ draft beers. Live music, food trucks, dog & family friendly. Blairsville, GA.
A family vineyard named for the red-tailed hawks soaring above. Estate-grown wines, wine flights, and live music Thu–Sun. Opened 2024 in the Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA. Blairsville, GA.
Small family-run winery on a quiet stretch of mountain land near Blairsville. Relaxed, unpretentious tastings that feel like visiting a neighbor. Wines that reflect the North Georgia highlands.
From upscale chophouses to down-home diners, Murphy’s food scene punches above its weight. Every restaurant listed here is locally owned — no chains.
A retro-themed American diner serving burgers, shakes, and comfort food with a side of Route 66 nostalgia. Live music and a full bar.
Bar & grill with craft beer, wine, and live music. Indoor and outdoor seating at the downtown Murphy location adjacent to the winery.
Homestyle comfort food, country fried steak, meatloaf, and daily specials. No-fuss cooking that hits the spot every time.
Homestyle American fare cooked from scratch. A cozy stop in Marble for classic breakfast and lunch standards.
Sports bar with American comfort food, cold drinks, and TVs tuned to the game. A friendly Hayesville hangout.
Comfort food, pizza, fried chicken, and hearty country plates in downtown Andrews.
Hearty American breakfast and brunch classics. A straightforward spot for a solid meal on US-64.
Homestyle Southern cooking at its finest. Catfish, fried pickles, biscuits with apple butter, and homemade desserts.
Classic breakfast and lunch buffet diner. Affordable, no-frills American fare served in downtown Murphy.
Neighborhood restaurant, bar, and music venue. Farm-to-table Southern fare and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
Scratch kitchen with craft coffee, burgers, bagels, pancakes, and baked goods. A downtown Andrews gem.
Brewpub in Hayesville serving pizza, craft cocktails, teriyaki bowls, and wings. Live music and a lively outdoor patio.
Burgers, chicken tenders, hand-dipped milkshakes, and homemade desserts. A family-friendly spot on US-64.
Burgers, pizza, subs, and American classics in a casual downtown Andrews setting.
A local favorite for crab legs, seafood, steak, pasta, trout, and quiches. Big portions and friendly service on Peachtree Street.
Gulf Coast-inspired grill with steaks, seafood, burgers, wings, and gumbo. A lively spot on Valley River Avenue.
Chinese buffet with dine-in and takeout options. A reliable spot on Tennessee Street for familiar favorites.
Asian fusion with pad thai, lo mein, bao buns, and sticky ribs. A colorful addition to Hayesville’s dining scene.
Poke bowls, ramen, sushi, bao buns, and fusion tacos. Fresh and inventive Asian fare in Hayesville.
Japanese steakhouse with sushi and hibachi. A go-to in Murphy for teriyaki, tempura, and fresh rolls.
Family-run Asian restaurant for 40+ years. Pad thai, sesame shrimp, Mongolian beef, and classic Chinese-American dishes done right.
Brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, and Southern sides. Started in Murphy and now serving four locations across the region.
Smoked pork, chicken, turkey, and ribs with homemade sides. A downtown Andrews barbecue joint worth seeking out.
Texas-style BBQ with grass-fed Angus beef from Groves Farm. Smoked low and slow in Hayesville.
Slow-smoked over hardwoods: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and famous fried pies. A Murphy institution on US-64.
Locally smoked meats from “BBQ Dave.” Downtown Murphy’s go-to for authentic mountain barbecue.
Award-winning craft brewery with a rotating lineup of food trucks. Try the BigHead brisket burgers when they’re on site.
Small-batch craft brewery in Hayesville with Hayesville Q BBQ food truck parked out front. Beer and barbecue, pure and simple.
Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican dishes with a full margarita bar. A Hayesville favorite for date night.
Mexican classics — carnitas, tacos, burritos — plus an attached Mexican grocery. Family-owned on Andrews Road.
Mexican buffet with margaritas in a family-friendly setting. All-you-can-eat favorites on US-64.
Mexican-inspired bowls, salads, and lighter options. A fresher take on familiar flavors.
Authentic Mexican with tacos, fajitas, and margaritas. A reliable, flavorful stop on US-64.
Mexican and Latin American dishes with a grocery store attached. A taste of home in downtown Andrews.
Jalisco-style Mexican street food: tacos, burritos, and molé. No-frills, big flavor on Blairsville Highway.
Family-run pizza, stromboli, and eggplant parmesan in downtown Hayesville. A local staple.
Scratch-made pizza with fresh dough and sauce daily. Delivery available on US-64.
Family-owned since 2001, voted Best Pizza in Cherokee County 2023. Arcade games and a classic pizza parlor vibe on Hiwassee Street.
Italian classics: pizza, pasta, and sandwiches in downtown Andrews. Hearty portions, family atmosphere.
Brick oven pizza and craft beer brewed on site. Trivia nights and a welcoming Andrew main street spot.
Italian fare with pizza, pasta, and homemade sauces. A solid choice for Italian comfort on US-64.
Thin-crust pizza, subs, Piggy Sticks, and a lunch buffet. A Murphy takeout tradition.
Pizza, chicken alfredo, and a salad bar. A straightforward, family-friendly pizza joint in Hayesville.
Authentic New York / New Jersey-style pizza with fresh ingredients daily. The real deal on US-64.
Brewpub with wood-fired pizza, gyros, Philly cheesesteaks, and craft beer brewed on site. Live music on Tennessee Street.
New American fare with a Southern twist and a sushi bar. Modern, warm, and surprising for a town this size. 29 Tennessee St.
OpenTable Top 100 Restaurants in America. Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and French/Louisiana technique in Hayesville.
Family-owned mother-and-son steakhouse. Steaks, seafood, and Southern hospitality on Tennessee Street.
Prime cuts, craft cocktails, and a warm wood-and-brick atmosphere. The go-to for a celebratory dinner in town.
Our favorite! USDA Prime steaks cut in-house, fresh seafood, and a full bar in a cozy downtown pub. Open Tue–Sat, dinner at 5pm.
Unwind, reset, and recharge with local fitness centers, spas, massage therapists, holistic health practitioners, and outdoor outfitters.
Luxury spa services brought to your cabin, rental, or home. Massage, facials, body treatments, and couples packages — fully mobile throughout the Murphy area.
Cherokee County’s premier fitness facility with heated pool, sauna, HydroMassage, group fitness (yoga, Pilates, Zumba), personal training, and 24/7 access.
Family-owned 24-hour gym with free weights, cardio machines, tanning, and personal training. RFID key fob access lets you work out anytime.
Yoga, massage therapy, Touch for Health applied kinesiology, Pranic Healing, and crystal therapy in the Brasstown, Murphy, and Hayesville area.
Licensed massage therapist offering Swedish, deep tissue, sports, neuromuscular therapy, and headache relief protocols. Evidence-based therapeutic massage in Murphy.
Deep healing massage, meditative chakral alignment, Good Medicine facials, and soul alchemy readings using organic products and steam towels.
9,600 sq ft luxury spa at Harrah’s with 6 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, plunge pools, full-service salon, couples packages, and Carolina berry rituals.
Massage therapy, reflexology, deep tissue, and relaxation massage. Also carrying Elemental Bliss all-natural products. Customized treatments for every client.
Chiropractic massage therapy with Thai, Swedish, sports, prenatal, hot stone, and deep tissue massage. Also offering chiropractic adjustments.
Wholistic wellness center: chiropractic, cold laser, craniosacral therapy, reiki, sound/color therapy, ionic detox footbaths, EFT, and wellness coaching.
