Over 2,500 types of apples are growing in the United States, but did you know that several of those varieties were developed by Cherokee people who lived in the southern Appalachians before their removal to Oklahoma?
The Cherokee farmers quickly adopted domestic fruit tree cultivation as soon as the produce arrived on the continent. Thanks to research by Barbara McRae, we know that apple husbandry and breeding were common around Noquisiyi and growers were very focused on their craft, developing new cultivars that proved desirable to orchardists. Some of those varieties include Junaluska, Alarka, Beecher and Nickajack.
Barbara McRae was the former Vice Mayor of Franklin, Editor of the Franklin Press, and a founding member of the Noquisi Initiative. She enjoyed studying history and discovered that apple husbandry and breeding were common practices among the Cherokee who lived around Noquisiyi, which is now a part of Franklin, NC. Barbara imagined an apple orchard that would honor the original residents of this area and highlight their contribution to modern food and lifestyle. Barbara passed away in March of 2021, and the Noquisi Initiative’s Board of Directors voted to honor her vision by naming this orchard path the Barbra McRae Cherokee Heritage Apple Trail.
On March 5, 2022, the Noquisi Initiative, with help from partner organizations and volunteers, planted nine apple trees and two peach trees, most of them cultivars developed by Cherokee farmers. These varieties include Cullasaga, Junaluska, Horse and Cling Peaches. This will create a living link to history that will provide visitors with fun and engaging ways to learn and maybe the chance to enjoy a nice crisp apple, too!
The Barbra McRae Cherokee Heritage Apple Trail is located along the Little Tennessee River at the half-mile marker on the Macon County Greenway when entered from the Big Bear Pavilion. As you stroll along the path, you can hear the sound of the river. It is within walking distance of the Noquisiyi Mound.
The Trail is within walking distance of downtown Franklin, the county seat of Macon County.
