This time of year, when many places in the Sunshine State can feel like a hair dryer on full blast, one needs a respite, something beyond what a dip in a backyard pool or a dive into the intracoastal can provide. One needs the chill of clean mountain air as a reminder of how to breathe deeply, the winding trails of a long hike to calm the mind, a cultural immersion in a folk-art festival or class to spark the imagination or just a change of scenery (and of pace) to reenergize the spirit. To find this little slice of solace, all Floridians need to do is head north into the Appalachians, to Cherokee County, North Carolina, to the towns of Andrews and Murphy.

In the far western reaches of North Carolina, where the state meets Tennessee and Georgia, there’s a three-state crossroads where all the reasons to flock north in the summer intersect. From winding through the Great Smoky Mountains on a scenic day drive to soaking up culture at nearby art museums to indulging yourself at local restaurants or (no judgment) simply kicking back to enjoy the Instagram-worthy views from the porch of a charming cabin, we’ve narrowed down some of our top reasons to set up basecamp for a weekend, or perhaps an entire summer, in Cherokee County.  

Ways to Unwind

It’s Cherokee County’s proximity to so many legendary spots that make it a good jumping off point for the outdoorsy type, from national parks to hiking trails to waterways.

The Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile footpath that traverses the East Coast, begins its journey just 45 minutes north of the center of Cherokee County at Springer Mountain. From that southernmost point, there are dozens of nearby spots to drop in for day hikes. Also nearby is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a haven for cyclists and hikers with 150 trails cutting through native wilderness. There are also plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, especially in the city of Cherokee and the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary, the historical homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Cherokee County is known for its thriving creative community nestled in the mountains.

Hike within Cherokee County on the Piney Knob Trail System, which ranges from leisurely walks to challenging climbs. Downtown, the Murphy River Walk follows the gentle rapids of the Hiwassee River. Other outdoor points of interest for hiking, biking or paddling can be found nearby. After a long hike, cool down in one of the multiple lakes and rivers in and around Cherokee County. Today, the Ocoee River (site of the 1996 Olympic slalom course) is home to several whitewater operations offering a variety of trips over the class three and class four rapids. For those looking for more family-friendly rafting experiences or to simply cast for trout from the riverbanks, the Nantahala River is situated on the other side of Cherokee County. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, with its historic locomotive steam engine, connects Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge, offers open-air seating and is a great way to see the Appalachian Mountains on a road less traveled. Pedal a rail cart with Andrews Valley Rail Tours or ride an e-bike on Nantahala National Forest service roads with Nantahala Adventures. 

An Intersection of Arts and the Outdoors

Cherokee County is known for its thriving creative community nestled in the mountains. The Cherokee County Arts Council and the Valley River Arts Guild offer year-round classes, events, dances and other activities that attract artists and art enthusiasts alike. The Murphy Art Center organizes an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month from May to December. The Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Center is home to the Andrews Art Museum and a historical society that works to provide a venue for performing and visual arts and preserve local history. Tucked in the hills about seven miles southeast of town, the John C. Campbell Folk School offers classes in art, music and crafts and a long list of events open to the public, including yoga, tai chi, concerts and set-dancing lessons. Founded in 1925 and modeled after a 19th century Danish folk school, Campbell remains the oldest and largest folk school in the country, attracting visitors, well-known instructors and artists to Cherokee County to teach and take classes.

Fly on Over

It’s not uncommon in western North Carolina summers to see Florida tags on what feels like every other car. It’s like that, too, at the airports. While there are no commercial flights out of Cherokee County’s Western Carolina Regional Airport, Floridians with private planes fly here for their mountain adventures. In recent years, the airport has made improvements to add precision approach lights, self-service pumps and a courtesy car for incoming pilots. There’s no restaurant, but drinks and snacks are available—with an honor system for payment. 

The Casino in the Valley

The outdoor and art scenes may be the original draw to Cherokee County, but among the biggest attractions these days is the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. There’s 75,000 square feet of gaming space, with 1,300 slots and 60 traditional game tables. Attached to it is The River Tower, a seven-story hotel with 300 rooms. A $275 million expansion is expected to be completed later this year, adding a 12-story hotel building and another 300 slot machines. There will also be a new 25,000-square-foot room dedicated to World Series of Poker games and a massive 12,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant as well as a spa. Afterward, hopefully with winnings in your pocket, you’ll be heading back out into the western North Carolina mountains of Cherokee County, where the casino, upgraded airport and rich art scene cross paths with the wilds of nature. To learn more, visit CherokeeCountyChamber.com.

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