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Trails, restaurants and history in Murphy, North Carolina

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Murphy, North Carolina is a charming small town located in the heart of the Appalachians. Known for its beautiful hiking trails, cultural events, and delicious steak houses, Murphy is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike.

vacation in murphy north carolina

Cassie and Ren enjoyed the hike at Fires Creek just a few miles out of town.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Murphy is hiking. The town is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, which offers miles of scenic trails for hikers of all skill levels. One of the most popular trails is the John Campbell Folk School Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop that takes hikers through a beautiful forest and along a rushing stream. Another popular trail is the Murphy River Walk, a 2-mile trail that runs along the Hiwassee River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

fires creek murphy nc

Lisa and Atlas enjoying the beautiful rapid-side trails at Fires Creek.

Murphy is also home to a rich cultural heritage, and there are several events throughout the year that celebrate this heritage. One of the most popular events is the Cherokee Indian Fair, which is held each October and features traditional dance, music, and food. Another popular event is the Murphy Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays from May through October and features local produce, crafts, and live music.

murphy's chop house

Hot and flavorful French Onion soup at Murphy’s Chop House

When it comes to dining, Murphy is home to several excellent steak houses. One of the most popular is the Bear Claw Steakhouse, which is known for its delicious steaks, fresh seafood, and friendly service. Another popular steakhouse is the Riverside Steakhouse, which offers a wide variety of steak and seafood dishes and has a beautiful riverside setting.

Legends Steakhouse Murphy North Carolina

A perfectly seared Ribeye Steak from Legends Steakhouse

Legends Steakhouse in Murphy, North Carolina is known for its delicious and juicy ribeye steak. This familyowned restaurant has been around for over 30 years and has been serving up some of the best steaks in the area. Their signature ribeye steak is no exception. The ribeye steak at Legends Steakhouse is made with a delicious blend of spices that give it a unique flavor. The steak is then grilled over an open flame to perfection. This gives the steak a beautiful char that adds to the flavor. The steak is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of side dishes to accompany the ribeye steak. From mashed potatoes to mac and cheese, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines and beers to pair with your steak. The staff at Legends Steakhouse are friendly and knowledgeable. They are always willing to answer any questions you may have and make sure you have a great experience. They are passionate about providing excellent service and making sure your meal is perfect.

riverwalk murphy nc

Beautiful backdrops at the Riverwalk in Murphy, NC

Murphy is also the site of the beginning of the Trail of Tears, a dark period in American history when the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their homeland and forced to migrate westward. A memorial to commemorate this tragic event can be found at the Trail of Tears Memorial Park, which serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against the Cherokee people and serves as a call to honor and respect the history and culture of all native people.

ocoee river tennessee

Hiking on the Ocoee in Tennessee

Overall, Murphy, North Carolina is a wonderful destination for those who love the outdoors, culture, and delicious food. With its beautiful hiking trails, cultural events, and steak houses, Murphy is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.