Murphy is a lovely town in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s 30 minutes from Carolina Ocoee Rafting and Carolina Outfitters Rafting, making it the perfect place to stay if you wish to raft both the Nantahala and the Ocoee rivers. The town offers a wide variety of outdoor activities which are a great alternative when you’re running low on vacation funds. Check out these 5 free things to do in Murphy.
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
Hiwassee Dam
Hiwassee Dam, in Murphy NC, was built in the late 1930s to bring electricity and flood control to the area. During the 1940s and 1950s it was also used as torpedo testing by the Navy Bureau of Ordnance because of its depths of over 250 feet in some areas. Hiwassee Dam is surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests where you might get a glimpse of the area’s rich wildlife. Walk across the dam and look out at the beautiful lake and surrounding wilderness. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of vacationing. Bring a picnic lunch and relax.
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
Fires Creek Falls
Want to head out and do some hiking or go somewhere to get away from a hot summer day? Fires Creek Falls is less than 30 minutes from Murphy, NC, and is a great place to get outside and breathe some fresh air. For those who want a more vigorous adventure, the Fires Creek Rim Trail is a 25 mile long hiking trip, taking you into the backcountry. Hiking isn’t the only activity to enjoy. Fires Creek offers swimming, horseback riding, camping, and more.
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
Ye Olde Goat Farm
Go pet a goat, or stare at them, whatever makes your happy little heart smile during your vacation. I bet you’ll smile at Ye Olde Goat Farm while you pet and, if you’re lucky, bottle feed baby goats. Children will love the energetic baby goats as they frolic and jump around the farm. There is a small gift shop at the farm offering crafts and paintings locally made. Make sure you call ahead before visiting the farm so the owners are available for visits.
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
Cherokee Lake Recreation Area
The Cherokee Lake Recreation Area is a peaceful place to spend some time and, if you’re looking for a less touristy place to get away for the day, it’s not overly crowded. Picnic tables are available for lunch before or after a leisure stroll along the lake. Enjoy some fishing from the dock or sit under a tree and read for a spell. It’s a beautiful place to visit every season of the year.
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
Valley River Vineyard & Winery
Valley River Vineyard & Winery boasts a great wine experience. It’s a unique addition to your vacation itinerary. Learn about the winemaking process and the different types of wine. They offer camping near the vineyard where you can enjoy the wildlife and even do some picnicking or hiking.
Bonus Adventure
Photo source: Town of Murphy
Visit the Cherokee County Historical Museum (a small charge of $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children applies). Learn about Cherokee history and culture as you view over 2,000 artifacts, some dating back to the Civil War. The museum also includes a replica of the log cabin dwellings used by the Cherokee Indian residents in the 1800s.
