Come Enjoy The Great Smoky Mountains, National Forests, Lakes, Rivers, & Historic Small Towns.

Located where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet The Great Smoky Mountains you will find some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and protected forest land in all of the mountains. Whether it is fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, whitewater rafting or enjoying peace and quiet this magical area has it all. Located about 90 miles north of Atlanta, GA, bordering 3 states, beautiful mountain towns and endless forest. This location is one of the best places to explore and purchase property. Murphy, NC, McCaysville, GA, Blue Ridge, GA, Blairsville, GA and Ducktown, TN are all within a short drive.

Murphy, North Carolina

Small town life at the very best! Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains where The Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. Murphy is an old town with its origins dating back to the 1830s. Downtown is beautiful with flower lined streets and several historic buildings. Murphy has restaurants, unique shops, and other interesting establishments all within walking distance in the heart of town. Recreational activities are unlimited from local trout streams to mountain biking. Hiwassee Lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. Murphy offers something for every sports enthusiast. If you are looking for a beautiful small town in the mountains, look no further.

Lake Hiwassee

Lake Hiwassee is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, and offers spectacular scenery. Lake Hiwassee is primarily fed by the Hiwassee, Nottely, and Valley rivers. The lake covers 6,090 acres with almost 180 miles of shoreline; it measures 22 miles long and more than 200 feet deep in places.

Lake Cherokee, Murphy NC

Cherokee Lake is always full year-round and is formed from the Persimmon Creek where it then runs into Hiwassee Lake. This is an absolute treasure. The Cherokee Lake Recreation Area has coved or uncovered picnic tables looking out onto the lake. There is also easy walking trails and a dock for fishing. There is no cost for admission and the park is open during daylight hours.

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, NC is an exciting casino that delivers a variety of entertainment. Strategize at the poker tables, dine on delicious casual fare, place your bets at the full-service Caesars Sportsbook, and head to cozy accommodations. At Harrah's, everything comes together for a winning getaway.

Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina, lying in the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina. The Nantahala is the second wettest region in the country, after the Pacific Northwest. Due to its environmental importance and historical ties with the Cherokee Nation, the forest was officially established on January 29, 1920, by President Woodrow Wilson. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee derived word, meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. This was part of the homeland of the historic Cherokee Nation and their indigenous ancestors, who have occupied the region for thousands of years.

Things to Do in Murphy, NC at the River Walk on the Valley River

One of the best places to visit while you're in Murphy, NC is the Murphy River Walk. You'll love how peaceful it is along the river and trails and how much you can do around the park area. You'll wish you had a place like this back at home! Check out these 4 things to do in Murphy, NC at the River Walk

Go on a Walk
When you're looking for things to do in Murphy NC, walking along the trails at the River Walk is definitely one of the most fun. If you start at Konehete Park, you'll find paved walkways that are great for jogging, running, or walking. The whole family will find these walkways easy to maneuver. You'll probably see all kinds of creatures from birds to squirrels. At the end of the paved walkway, you'll find the start of the gravel path. You will walk around the fisherman's loop then parallel with the river. This path also has boardwalks and bridges so you can watch people canoe on the river or fish or swim. You'll feel peaceful walking through the less populated areas, plus you'll be getting exercise!

Canoeing on the River
At the end of Payne Street, you will find the canoe put-in where you can start canoeing on the river. When the river splits at Confluence Loop, you can go left or right. If you go left, you'll pass The Leech Place and the Fisherman's Loop. You can then split off to the left or right again. If you go right, you'll go a short distance before the river ends. If you go left at this fork, you'll be able to get out at the parking area on Thomas Street. If you choose to go right at the first split, you'll ride past Confluence Loop into Hiawassee River. You'll be able to exit at the upriver canoe put-in area. While on the river, you'll be able to see all kinds of wildlife up close. You'll also get plenty of exercise and get to enjoy being in nature.

Have a Picnic
You'll find plenty of places where you and your family can bring food for a picnic along the River Walk. Grab a spot by the river along the paved walkway and spread out a blanket for your picnic lunch! You can watch ducks swim leisurely in the water and possibly see fish swimming too. If you don't want to sit on the ground, you'll find other areas where you can set up your picnic on a table. They also have charcoal grills available to use for hamburgers and hot dogs. The whole family will love spending a day finding things to do in Murphy, NC at the River Walk!

Play on the Playground
In Konehete Park, you'll find a playground for your children to play on. They'll love climbing on the jungle gym and chasing each other all over the different features. You can watch them from a bench or the grass nearby. You can always join in the fun on the playground, too! Slide down the slides together to make awesome memories with your kids. You'll love spending the day on the playground together!

ENJOY ALL THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN TOWNS, RIVERS, LAKES AND 1000'S OF ACRES OF NATIONAL FORESTS!

MCCAYSVILLE, GEORGIA
A river runs through the mining towns of McCaysville and its twin city, Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins. Cross over the steel bridge crossing the Toccoa/Ocoee River and go from Georgia to Tennessee (or vice versa) in just a minute or two! Be sure and visit the McCaysville Visitor Center, located beside the Toccoa River adjacent to the concrete bridge. Visit beautiful Horseshoe Bend Park along the Toccoa River, a great place to trout fish. Musicians gather and perform throughout the park, it is free to the public, May through September. Other amenities include playgrounds, a volleyball net, picnic tables, a walking trail and dog parks.

BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA
It's one of the coolest mountain towns in North Georgia. There is a vibrant arts scene and bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Between the restaurants, boutique filled downtown, the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there's fun to be had for everyone.

CLAYTON, GEORGIA
Originally inhabited by Cherokee tribes, the town of Clayton was incorporated in 1821 by European settlers. The mountain community is known for its thriving downtown, unique lodging, outdoor recreation and restaurants, earning it the title of Farm to Table Capital of Georgia. The nearby wineries make for a popular day trip, each offering stunning views.

LAKE BLUE RIDGE
The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offer campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina, public swimming and picnic areas. Blue Ridge Lake is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed; the remainder is land in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

THE SCENIC TOCCOA RIVER
This scenic river is actually the headwaters of Tennessee's famous Ocoee River but changes its name to the Toccoa River when it crosses the line into Georgia. Tubing has become a very popular family activity in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river is a dam-controlled river and TVA releases water as they deem necessary-sometimes daily. Water levels and speed can change significantly after water is released from the dam. Before water is released, the river is shallower and slower. Toccoa River tubing & kayaking are perfect float trips for families with children too young for whitewater rafting. The Toccoa River in north Georgia is also ideal for those who just want to relax and enjoy the gentle flow of the water.

OCOEE RIVER
The Ocoee River and Toccoa River are the names in use for a single 93-mile-long river that flows northwestward through the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It is a tributary of the Hiwassee River. The 1996 Olympics where held on the Ocoee River in Ducktown, TN at the Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Center in the Cherokee National Forest.

CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
The Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways, and the Ocoee Whitewater Center where you can enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail.