Cherokee County is located in the western part of North Carolina, and is bordered by Graham and Clay counties. The county covers an area of 584 square miles, with a population of 27,444 people according to the 2010 census. According to dictionaryforall.com, the county was established in 1839 and was named after the Cherokee Indians who once inhabited the area.
The county seat is Murphy, which is also the largest city in Cherokee County. Other notable cities include Andrews, Marble, Ranger, and Topton. The county has several attractions for visitors to enjoy including Ocoee Whitewater Center which offers whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River; Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Nantahala National Forest; Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest; Blue Ridge Parkway; and Lake Hiwassee which provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.
In addition to its natural attractions, Cherokee County is home to several famous people including actor/musician Corbin Bleu from High School Musical fame; country music singer Crystal Gayle; professional wrestler Bobby Lashley; former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake; basketball player Devin Ebanks; NASCAR driver Chase Elliott; and professional golfer Davis Love III.
Cherokee County also boasts a rich cultural history that can be explored at various museums such as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee or at historic sites like Fort Butler Historic Site near Murphy. There are also several annual festivals held throughout the year such as Springtime on the Square in Murphy or the Blackberry Festival in Andrews which celebrate local culture and heritage. Finally, Cherokee County has plenty of shopping opportunities with stores located throughout Murphy and Andrews as well as specialty stores like Ashe’s Antiques & Collectibles located near Marble.
Climate and weather in Cherokee County, North Carolina
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Cherokee County, North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature for the county ranges from lows of 24°F in January to highs of 84°F in July. The county typically experiences precipitation year-round, with an average annual rainfall of 48 inches. Snowfall is also common during the winter months, with an average annual accumulation of 7 inches.
The county is prone to severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Summertime thunderstorms can bring damaging winds, large hail, and torrential downpours that can cause flooding in low lying areas. Winter storms can bring snowfall and freezing rain that can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Tornadoes are also possible during the spring and summer months when warm air clashes with cold air over the region.
Cherokee County experiences some extreme temperatures throughout the year as well. The record high temperature for the county was set at 103°F in August 1930 while the record low temperature was set at -14°F in January 1985. Despite these extremes, Cherokee County generally enjoys pleasant weather throughout most of the year that makes it a great place to live or visit.
Transportation in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Cherokee County, North Carolina has a variety of transportation options that make it easy to get around the area. The county is served by several major highways, including US Highway 19/74, US Highway 64, and NC Highway 28. These highways provide easy access to surrounding areas such as Murphy, Andrews, and Franklin. Public transportation in the county is also available through the Cherokee Transit System which operates bus routes throughout Murphy and Andrews.
The nearest airport to Cherokee County is the Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews which provides flights to and from Atlanta and Charlotte. The nearest international airport is the Asheville Regional Airport located about an hour away in Asheville. The closest Amtrak station is located in Murphy which provides rail service to other parts of North Carolina as well as other states in the region.
For those who prefer to travel by car, there are several rental car companies located near Murphy and Andrews that offer a wide range of vehicles for rent. There are also several taxi companies located throughout the county that can provide transportation services for those who need them. Finally, there are several shuttle services that can provide transportation from nearby cities such as Atlanta or Charlotte to destinations within Cherokee County.
Cities and towns in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Cherokee County, North Carolina is comprised of several cities and towns that offer a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. The county seat is Murphy, which is the largest city in the area and home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Other cities in the county include Andrews, Marble, Peachtree, Ranger, Topton, Warne, and Wolf Creek. See top 3 cities in North Carolina.
Murphy is a bustling city located near the Appalachian Mountains and offers plenty of activities for visitors including hiking trails, fishing spots, art galleries, museums and more. The downtown area also has an array of unique shops selling handmade crafts as well as several antique stores. Andrews is another popular city in Cherokee County situated near two large lakes that are great for swimming or fishing.
Marble is a small mountain town located at the base of the Smoky Mountains with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities including camping sites and hiking trails. Peachtree is home to one of the oldest churches in western North Carolina as well as many historic buildings such as a log cabin built in 1835. Ranger is a rural community situated along the Hiwassee River with several historic buildings including an old train depot that was built in 1906.
Topton has been nicknamed “The Valley Town” due to its location at the base of Cowee Mountain and offers plenty of outdoor recreation such as hiking trails and waterfalls. Warne is a small community located just outside Murphy that features several historic buildings including an old post office building from 1909. Finally, Wolf Creek lies on top of Wolf Mountain offering breathtaking views from its summit while providing numerous outdoor activities such as camping sites and hunting spots.
Cherokee County has something for everyone with its variety of cities and towns offering unique attractions sure to make any trip memorable.