“With our combined areas of expertise and the continued investment by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians on outdoor recreation we feel like this will be the perfect fit for expansion in serving up something special for outdoor enthusiasts. We hope that you will continue to support us in this new venture as we lay tracks further up U.S. 441. Our committed and loyal customers have fostered this opportunity, and we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for Cherokee,” said owners Cory McCall and Rob Gasbarro in a public statement announcing the new store. 

Outdoor 76 launched eight years ago in the summer of 2010 as a small shop on Main Street in Franklin. The business has since become a hub for Appalachian Trail hikers seeking expert outfitter’s advice and has taken an active role in raising money and awareness for the community it calls home. In recent years, McCall and Gasbarro have pondered what their next step should be, thinking that it would be great to somehow get closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After receiving a call about the possibility of partnering with Motion Makers, Outdoor 76 decided to go for it. 

Cherokee is located next door to America’s most visited national park, and the opening of the 10.5-mile Fire Mountain Trail System last year has caused it to become a priority destination for mountain bikers.