Murphy’s Best Kept Secret – Lake Hiwassee

Whether you live in an area, are moving to an area, vacationing, or are planning to buy a vacation home somewhere, an important question to ask is, “What is there to do?” While we have many great resources and places to go here in Murphy, North Carolina, there’s one major asset that deserves attention – especially this time of year.

Lake Hiwassee.  Yes, many areas of the entire United States have lakes, and beautiful ones at that. So why would Hiwassee be any different or better than another? Why should it influence a decision to move to Murphy or spend your days here in Western North Carolina?

Fisherman, skiers, boaters, swimmers, and all those who spend time on the water – have you ever been on a lake where the boats are so thick in the water you can’t get a truly relaxing moment? What about a place where the water is so choppy it beats you to death when you’re moving or skiing? What about a lake with so many homes and people along the shoreline that you can’t “get away?” That describes many of the lakes in the United States. They’re incredibly commercialized to the point you can’t enjoy the water in the way you hoped and intended.

That’s what makes Lake Hiwassee different. It’s surrounded by US Forest Service on 93% of Lake Frontage, so you can enjoy the lake as God and nature intended it. When you consider the lake itself, it is roughly 6,280 acres – that’s a lot of natural lake! To top this off, the fact the mountains of Western North Carolina surround the shoreline of Hiwassee and act as a barrier to holding back winds. This creates glasslike water and the perfect environment for water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding – you name it. Smooth water is sought after and found regularly on Hiwassee.

For fishermen, Hiwassee provides many great opportunities. Swimming within the waters, you’ll find Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Pike, Brim, Bluegills, and many more varieties of fish. With so many coves branching off the main channel, you’ll find lots of great fishing spots to spend your day with friends, family, or just a peaceful evening to yourself.

Four marinas bless the banks of Lake Hiwassee. If you would like to rent a boat or if you need gas and/or supplies, you’ll find them there. Duke’s Hideaway Marina, Shook’s Marina, Mountain View Marina, and Harbor Cove Marina are the four you’ll find. They’re all excellent places to start your day on the lake and you should certainly get going while the water is high and the temperature is perfect!