This 67-mile trail between Vonore, TN and Murphy, NC follows an historic trade and war path that predates written history. Along the way you can stop to visit historic sites and museums that reveal the many layers of history that unfolded along this ancient route. A restored 2-mile section of the original roadbed allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, fur traders, European explorers, soldiers, and livestock drovers. The route was also used during the infamous Trail of Tears to march over 3,000 Cherokee people from Fort Butler (near Murphy, NC) across the mountain and on to Fort Cass (at Charleston, TN). Â More About Sites Along the Way
Historical Background on the Unicoi Turnpike Trail | Printable Unicoi Turnpike Map
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