Cherokee County
Cherokee County is full of natural beauty with many lakes, rivers, streams, and mountains. Portions of the county fall within boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest and the Hiawassee River. It is home to 27,444 people and is comprised of the towns of Murphy and Andrews, although Brasstown is partially located there as well.
Cherokee County was established in 1839 and was named after the Cherokee Indians who populated the area before their removal in 1838. In the early 1800’s, President Andrew Jackson approved the Indian Removal Act, which forced Indians to be extracted from their homelands and moved to Oklahoma. Those whose families were able to escape from this terrible time now live on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, NC.
You can experience many different adventures in Cherokee County. With a number of outdoor activities, due to its abundance of natural amenities, you may choose to fish, boat, hike, or horseback ride. There are even extreme activities to engage yourself in such as whitewater rafting or zip-lining. Cherokee also offers more urban events with street fairs, festivals, and farmer’s markets.
Close Tab (no content)
Cherokee Active Living
Natural Amenities
Hiwassee Dam
Raft, kayak, fish, or explore this beautiful and peaceful dam surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests.
Nantahala National Forest
North Carolina, 28906
Park & Recreational Facilities
Andrews Park
This recreational park offers a variety of outdoor activities including: a swimming pool, skate park, baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and other amenities. The park is also surrounded by 5 lakes, 2 whitewater rafting rivers, and lots of other open space.
160 Park Street
Andrews, NC 28901
Bobby Neil – Park Manager
828.321.2135
Konehete Park
Enjoy the outdoors with amenities such as, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a river walk. This park also offers a pool and gym complex on the grounds.
699 Connehetta Street
Murphy, NC 28906
Phil Davis – Park Director
828.837.6617
Private Facilities
Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center
A community focused fitness center providing a variety of classes and services. They also feature an outdoor swimming pool that is enclosed during colder months.
695 Connehetta Street
Murphy, NC 28906
828.835.3700
www.hvpwc.com
Cherokee Healthy Eating
Farmer’s Markets
Cedar Valley Farmers Market
Everything is handmade or homegrown. From vegetables and fruits, to jams and bread, to even handmade pottery and art, there is something for everyone. Open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, April through October.
N Depot Downtown
Murphy, NC 28906
www.doylescedarhill.com/farmers-market
Andrews Farmers Market
Family fun, music and community produce every Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm or until they sell out, June through October.
First Street
Andrews, NC 28901
828.321.5960
Community Gardens
Marble Community Garden
This garden is designed to offer public gardening classes for people who do not have the property or do not know how to grow. 10% of the produce grown goes to local charities.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility
U.S. 74 West
Murphy, NC 28906
Mountain Folk Center Community Garden
This once industrial park was revived into an agricultural complex bringing more than just a garden into the community.
65 Folk Center Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
Local Food Providers
Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant
Fine mountain cuisine made from vegetables harvested in their own garden.
925 Andrews Rd
Murphy, NC 28906
828.837.3400
doylescedarhill.com
Blue Mountain Coffee & Grill
From burgers to homemade soups, Blue Mountain offers something for everyone, including diabetics and vegetarians.
30 NC Highway 141
Murphy, NC 28906
828.837.1362
Cherokee Tobacco Free Living
Success Story
SADD But Tru
In Cherokee County, the youth are leading the way with tobacco free initiatives for their communities. Andrews and Murphy Middle Schools are proud sponsors of SADD But Tru clubs, which are active in their area with tobacco-free education and activities. The clubs’ work include billboards, sponsorship of a community “Celebrate Sober” free movie night, school campus environment scans, assistance with the Sheriff Department’s Operation Medicine Drop and Drug Free Family Day, and participation in the WNC TEEN Institute Leadership training. These kids have been a big help in educating and encouraging Cherokee County to become tobacco-free!