Hiking Near Murphy, NC

Discover hiking and things to do around Murphy, North Carolina — from guided goat tours to hiking, dining, and outdoor adventures near Candy Mountain Goat Farm.

  • Goat Encounter Tourfarm

    Walk with the herd on a guided goat tour at Candy Mountain Goat Farm. Pet, brush, and feed the goats on this family-friendly experience. $15/person, Tuesday-Saturday at 1:00 PM.

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  • Goat Picnic Experiencefarm

    Arrive early for a picnic with grills, yard games, and extra goat time before the 1:00 PM guided tour. $75 for groups of up to 6 guests.

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  • Bear Paw Trailmoderate

    This route starts by crossing a unique bridge that crosses over the Ocoee River, offering great views and a great start to your hike. You then go around the Bear Paw Trail, which has some great elevation changes on a well-marked trail. The area can get muddy in spots, so it is recommended to wear waterproof shoes for this hike.

  • Beech Creek Trailmoderate

    Check out this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail near Murphy, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Location is 20 mins from the farm.

  • Benton Falls / McCamy Lakeeasy

    Both the lake and trail are an easy walk from the parking lot ($3) with some amazing views and a great swimming lake. The 1.5 mile trail to the falls is an easy hike to a 65 foot waterfall. Upon returning, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach with a designated swimming area. It is located about 40 minutes from the farm.

  • Blue Hole Ocoeefree

    Numerous trails and a great family swimming and snorkeling place. Numerous swimming holes in river, some 10-15 ft. deep; jumping and snorkeling, very clear water. Tunnels that one can swim through.

  • Cherokee Recreation Areaeasy

    Seasonal nice picnic site on a small lake with numerous trails. Cross the dam and explore another lake as well (Left at farm entrance, Right on Candy Mtn, Right on 294 - 5 miles on left - easy)

  • Coker Creek Falls Trailmoderate

    Experience a 4.7 mile out-and-back trail where you'll escape the heat of summer and experience a number of waterfalls and swimming holes. Trail head is about 30 minutes from the farm.

  • Fire Creek Fallseasy

    This remote area offers excellent trout fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The 25-mile Rim Trail in the Fires Creek Backcountry Area, is a hiking trail, however, some trail sections are open to horses. As the name implies, the Rim Trail climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and makes a large loop. The trail offers vistas as it crosses several highelevation balds. Some of the trails are paved, others are improved, hiking is easy to moderate. (1 hr)

  • Gee Creek Falls Trailmoderate

    The trail to Gee Creek Falls in the Gee Creek Wilderness offers a scenic hike through lush forests and striking rock formations. Starting at the end of Gee Creek, the path winds alongside the creek, showcasing multiple waterfalls along the way. Hikers should be prepared for technical sections that include rock scrambles and creek crossings. Its a 2.5 mile trail and located within a 30 minute drive from the farm. Check website for details.

  • Goforth Creek Trailheadeasy

    Try this 3.7-mile out-and-back trail near Turtletown, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 31 min to complete. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking (35 mins).

  • Hanging Dog Recreation Areamoderate

    Numerous hiking trails, lake access, swimming, and picnic areas complete the Hanging Dog Recreation Area. Find the old lost cemetary or daycamp by the lake. FREE.

  • Hibbert Mountain to Persimmon Creekeasy

    Enjoy this 4.7-mile out-and-back trail near the farm. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Left on Wehutty (out of farm) - Right on Candy Mountain, Right on 294 (1 mile) to Friendship Church Road (on left) to Sierra Circle - approx 15 minute drive from the farm.

  • John Muir Trail #152moderate

    Located about 20 minutes from the farm, this scenic segment of the John Muir Trail #152 between SR 68 and FS 22B in the Cherokee National Forest offers trail-goers a peaceful and immersive journey along the banks of the Hiwassee River. The natural-surface path winds through dense hardwood forest with gentle elevation changes, occasional rocky sections, and serene riverside views. Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, or a quiet nature walk, this stretch of trail highlights the tranquil beauty of East Tennessee’s wilderness and is perfect for those seeking a scenic, moderately challenging backcountry experience.

  • Lake Cherokee Traileasy

    Trailhead is located about 20 minutes from the farm. Experience this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail near Murphy, North Carolina. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 54 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through June.

  • Murphy River Walkeasy

    This beautiful greenway follows the Valley River and the Hiwassee River surrounding the historic town center of Murphy, North Carolina. The 4-mile walking trail includes a center loop at the confluence of these two rivers on the backwaters of Lake Hiwassee. Whether you take the trail on foot or put in for an easy paddle along the canoe trails, you'll enjoy the ecology and cultural heritage along the way. Access from the Murphy Recreation Center on the north or L&N Depot on the south. See website for more information.

  • Nottely Reservoir Traileasy

    The Nottely Reservoir Trail is a dirt surface multi-use trail approximately 2.6 miles in length (round trip) and easy to moderately difficult. Parts of the trail wind through a predominantly pine forest and other sections meander along the edge of the shoreline offering scenic views of Nottely Lake. There are many opportunities for wildlife observation and photography along the trail and it is open walkers, hikers, bikers, and runners. The trail can be accessed from two parking areas and includes an emergency access point.

  • Ocoee River Loop Traildifficult

    Located along the Ocoee river in the canyon, about 30 mins from the farm are a number of trails including this one. It is a great run offering a grinding uphill start followed by several miles of twisting and winding single track through the Little Frog Wilderness Area. The trail has 2 creek crossings and some mud along a creek trail, but it is very quiet and secluded, offering a perfect trail running experience.

  • Old Copper Road Traileasy

    The Old Copper Road Trail features a wooden bridge crossing the Ocoee River. As hikers follow the trail upstream, they experience a transition from gravel to dirt paths. Along the way, visitors are treated to views of Ocoee Dams Number One and Two and the Ocoee Flume Line and Diversion Dam, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

  • Panther Topeasy

    short hike along with several mountain biking trails to an observation tower with fantastic views. Left on Wehutty, right on Candy Mtn Rd., right on 294 for four miles, left on Panther Top Road, then turn onto Forest Rt 85

  • Rock Creek Traildifficult

    Get to know this 9.8-mile loop trail near Ducktown, Tennessee. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 50 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

  • Seed Orchard and Beech Creek Loopmoderate

    Enjoy this 5.0-mile loop trail near Murphy, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Trail head is 20 mins from the farm.

  • Thunder Rock Trailmoderate

    Discover this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Ducktown, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 11 min to complete. This trail is great for camping and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are February through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

  • Turtletown Fallsmoderate

    Check out this 3.8-mile loop trail near Farner, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 41 min to complete. There are several waterfalls along the trail.