There are tons of things you can do right in Murphy, North Carolina. There’s even more to do within a short drive. So while you are here in the mountains of Murphy NC, here are just a few of the things you can get out and enjoy:

• 4th of July – Murphy has a great celebration! Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show, the Peanut Drop, live music, the greased pig chase, crafts, vendors, food, games, jumping toys, face painting, Valley River fishing tournament for the kids, and tons more! Check it out at our downtown Konaheeta Park if you’re lucky enough to be in town for the event.
• Antiquing – right in the heart of downtown, you’ll find several great antique shops. Not only that, you can hit the flea markets and find antiques there, too!
• ATVing – this is one of my FAVORITE things to do here in Murphy. If you own real estate especially, you’ll find trails all around you – just make sure you don’t trespass somewhere you’re not wanted 🙂 You also have state parks like Beasley Knob and Davenport.
• Biltmore Estate – a Western North Carolina Favorite, Biltmore Estate offers a little bit of everything. You can check out the massive home, sample wine, hike the grounds, and see many of the seasonal specials and celebrations they do. Learn more at the Biltmore Estate website.
• Boating – whether you’re on a high speed boat, pontoon, kayak, canoe, or anything else, you’ve got lots of options. Lake Hiwassee is the main lake in Murphy NC. Within a short ride, you can visit Lake Chatuge, Nottley, Blue Ridge, Nantahala, and a few others.
• Brasstown Bald – as the highest point in the state of Georgia, it has several great hikes and a great viewing tower. See pictures, more details, and directions to Brasstown Bald.
• Cabin Rentals – if you’re going to be in the mountains of North Carolina, what better place to stay? A cabin beats the Holiday Inn and you can learn more by visiting Mountain Country Cabin Rentals.
• Cade’s Cove – as one of the most visited parts of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cade’s Cove is a must see in the mountains. As you drive the loop, you’ll see lots of animals – bear, deer, you name it. Not only that you’ll see lots of history, old cabins, and so much more. If you don’t love the mountains after seeing Cade’s Cove, there’s just  no hope for you 😆
• Camping – if you love to get outside, there are lots of places you can camp here in Murphy and in surrounding areas. There are trails to hike, and you can be right by Lake Hiwassee. Not only that, there are TONS of places you can camp that are limited only by your imagination.
• Car Shows – if you like old cars, hot rods, and more, Murphy has lots of options for you. Every year, there’s a huge hot rod show that closes down the streets of downtown and is PACKED full of gorgeous vintage vehicles, new ones, and everything in between. There are also smaller ones all around the area throughout the year. Also, there’s one each month in Blairsville GA and Cleveland TN.
• Casino – The Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino is located right here in Murphy NC. There is also the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee which is only about a 45 minute to an hour drive away.
• Chamber of Commerce – The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is a spectacular way to meet a few friendly faces and get some great information on the area. They even have the best map of Cherokee County you can buy! Be sure to tell them The Poltrock Team said hello 🙂
• Cherohala Skyway – this is a beautiful ride through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, hence the name “Chero-hala.” Rising above 5,400 feet in elevation, it’s a gorgeous and scenic drive. It’s hugely popular for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. No matter what you drive, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views at every turn. There are lots of hiking trails that are wheel chair accessible all the way to more rigorous adventures. Learn more at the Cherohala Skyway Website here.
• Cherokee – the Cherokee Indian Reservation has a lot to offer from Native American specialties, the famous play Unto These Hills, and the Harrah’s Casino.
• Cherokee Lake – This is an awesome spot to spend the day picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the water. Click the link to learn more about it and see pictures.
• Chili Cook-off – on the second Saturday in October, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Chili Cook-off! With lots of great folks and food, you won’t leave hungry and will have lots of fun!
• Christmas – if you’re here to enjoy Christmas, you have all sorts of activities such as Christmas Parades (almost every town around us has one), Singing Christmas Tree at First Baptist Church, and lots of plays and cantatas.
• Churches – a great way to get closer to God and meet some great people, socialize, and more. No matter your denomination, there’s a great option for you. Check out our Church Directory.
• Deals Gap – see Tail of the Dragon
• Dining – see Restaurants
• Driving – Murphy is one of the prettiest places to take a drive. Take a map with you and just go. The less of a plan you have, likely the more fun you’ll have! You’ll be amazed at the sights you’ll see and places you’ll find.
• Fall Leaf Season – this is the great thing about all the hardwoods we have here in Western North Carolina. When the Fall Season is here, the leaves boast an amazing show of colors that rivals any fireworks show you’ve ever seen. If you want to see beauty, you need to see Murphy in October.  Be sure to read our post on the 2015 Leaf Season.
• Farmer’s Market – every Saturday on the square of downtown Murphy, you’ll find a gathering of folks selling all sorts of things from fruits, vegetables, crafts, honey – you name it! It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of things and give you a chance to shop on the square too.
• Fishing – If you love to fish, your options are endless. You can fly fish our local trout waters, bass fish on the lakes, and so much more. Some great options are Lake Hiwassee, the Nottley River, Hiwassee River, Valley River, Davis Creek, and tons more. One of the best sites for more details on this is the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Check out our page on Trout Fishing in Cherokee County that even has a downloadable map of the trout fishing waters.
• Flea Markets – If you love flea markets, Murphy NC has you covered! We have the Tuesday Flea Market, which as the name suggests, is open Tuesday mornings and is located on the 4-lane just a stone’s throw away from our office! The most popular are Decker’s and Foster’s Flea Markets which are at the intersection of 19/129 and 64. They’re open on the weekends and are full of folks. Some of the shops there are open during the weekdays as well.
• Festivals – I love the festivals! There are constant festivals throughout the year, especially in the Fall. Locally, the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival, Heritage Day Walk, Sorghum Festival, Apple Festival, holy cow, the list goes on!
• Fields of the Wood – no matter your denomination, Fields of the Wood has an impressive sight to see – the World’s Largest Ten Commandments! It has some other attractions that you certainly need to see as well. Not only that, their cafe serves up an awesome burger and they have a great gift shop! Visit their website.
• Flying – With Western Carolina Regional Airport right between Murphy and Andrews, your love of aviation can easily be filled. With flying lessons, an airshow, and so much more available, you should certainly check it out. 828-837-5527
• Folk School – See below to John C. Campbell Folk School.
• Forest Service Land – Cherokee County is about 1/3 US Forest Service and public use land giving you a wide array of things you can do that this page simply can’t cover. To find out all that’s available, call or stop in at the Nantahala National Forest Service Ranger Station or call 828-837-5152.
• Geocaching – one of my favorite and fun ways to explore the mountains of North Carolina. No matter where you’re at, there’s a geocache nearby. All you need is a GPS, good shoes, and an adventurous spirit! Think of it as a high tech treasure hunt. You can visit the official Geocaching website to get coordinates of caches and learn more
• Georgia Mountain Fair – usually around July, the fair is a lot of fun! You can always see what’s going on at the fairground’s website. There are a lot of other events held throughout the year, so it’s worth checking out even if it’s not fair time.
• Golf – enjoy golfing? Then you have LOTS of options! There are several golf courses within a 30 minute drive of Murphy. In just about any direction you go, you’ll hit another great course!
• Gym – Murphy has their own gym and pool that is owned by the town. It’s a great facility and it’s there for you to use! You can work out and get a pass by the day, month, year, you name it! Learn more by calling 828-835-3700 or visit their website.
• Halloween – if you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains on Halloween, then you definitely need to check out all the festivities. There’s always something going on at Konaheeta Park, then at night, it’s Duke Street! The Police close off the street for trick-or-treaters. It’ll be packed and is lots of fun! We go every year 🙂
• Heritage Walk– Always right around Labor Day, the Heritage Walk is the perfect opportunity to learn, first hand, about the history of Murphy NC. Lots of people will be there, there’s great food, and you even get to see some of the historical homes in the area.
• Hiwassee Dam – is a great sight-seeing opportunity. It’s Murphy’s hydroelectric dam that is responsible for making the Hiwassee Lake. At 307 feet tall, it’s worth your time to see.
• Hiwassee Lake – is one of Murphy’s most beautiful scenes. Surrounded by 93% US Forest Service Land, you can go on the water and enjoy nature as it’s intended to be. It’s a great place to fish, water ski, swim, and just relax. There are several marinas on Lake Hiwassee you can enjoy. You can rent boats on the lake, get fishing supplies, and so much more.
• Hiking – The coveted Appalachian Trail is super close to us! You can enjoy this world renowned trail – and many others! We have lots of smaller trails and even ones that you’ll find scattered throughout Cherokee County. The Forest Service Station is a great way to learn about all the options available to you. You can call them at 828-837-5152. We also like the AllTrails.com website and app that are great for finding local trails here and all over.
• Homes – Love the mountains and want to own your own home here in Murphy? Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496. You can also use our online services to search our listings and search every listing available using our exclusive MLS Search Tool.
• Horseback Riding – Love horses and want to see the mountains on one? Then Chunky Gal Stables is for you! Give them a call to arrange your ride at 828-389-4175.
• Hunting – now that’s a fall and winter favorite around here. You can talk with the US Forest Service about your options there or even better, talk with locals around here. They can tell you where some of the best hunting around is and even get you permission to hunt on other folk’s property. One of the best sites for more details on what’s in season and much more is the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
• John C. Campbell Folk School – Here’s one of Murphy’s most well known attractions. The Folk School is a place where you can take weekend and week long classes on virtually anything you want – from basket weaving, fly fishing, to photography and more. They even host their famous Fall Festival each year on the first weekend in October.
• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest – want to see the biggest trees you’ve ever seen in your life? Then Joyce Kilmer is a great spot you need to check out. It has a roughly two mile figure 8 trail that’s an easy hike. There are HUGE trees that are so big it takes four or more full grown men to reach around from one side to the other.
• Konaheeta Park – Murphy’s downtown park. I personally think this is the best park around because you have lots of choices – you have the Murphy Fitness and Wellness Center, tennis courts, the Murphy Riverwalk, a playground for the kids, ball fields, and more.
• Land and Lots – we know, and love, land! If you’re looking to buy land in Murphy NC, we’ve got you covered. We know land better than anyone and have building lots all the way to properties that are hundreds of acres. You can search our listings, search the entire Murphy NC MLS, or just call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496.
• Mercier Orchards – This is an apple lover’s haven – and sweet lovers too! They have a wonderful bakery, the BEST apple cider ever, a large variety of apples grown right there, an awesome gift shop, and so much more. It’s only a 20-30 minute drive from Murphy and well worth the trip. Check out the Mercier Orchards website for more information.
• Mountain Biking – much like hiking, there’s tons of places here you can go Mountain Biking at. You can ride just about anywhere in Cherokee County or even go on the US Forest Service Land. You’ll be amazed on your ride how many beautiful sights you’ll see riding through God’s Country.
• Movies – who doesn’t love movies?! Well… I know a few 😉 You’ve got some good ones to choose from – the Henn Theater, Andrews Twin Cinema, and even the Fieldstone in Hiawassee. So kick back and enjoy a good flick!
• Museum – Cherokee County has its own museum you can check out! Located right downtown, you can learn about the history of the area and so much more. It’s worth the trip to check it out. Call them for more details at 828-837-6792.
• Music – Love music? There are lots of choices! The John C Campbell Folk School is one of the most popular spots, and they have music and dancing just about every weekend! Not only that, you’re sure to find local music – gospel, blue grass, some rock, and so much more.
• Panther Top Tower – it’s not open year around, but when it is, it’s truly breathtaking. Click the link fore more details.
• Peacock Playhouse – never disappoints! I’ve been several times and enjoy it every time. You can watch plays ranging from mysteries to comedies to dramas. If you enjoy plays, you absolutely have to see their shows. View the Licklog Player’s website for more.
• Pickleball! Check out the Valley River Picklers on Facebook Groups.
• Pool – love to swim? You can go to the Murphy downtown pool to do laps, exercise and more. Everything from day passes to yearly memberships are available.
• Quilting – I’m not a quilter, but I know that the Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop in downtown is an awesome place for those who are. Several of our clients over the years are avid quilters and have clubs and get together on occasion. Give ’em a jingle at 828-835-4900.
• Racing – that’s right! We have our own dirt track right here in Murphy. There are some great races on the weekend you’ll really enjoy, and they even have special events like demolition derbies and more. Get more info by calling 828-837-3815.
• Real Estate – now that’s a topic we know about ! 🙂 If you’re looking for real estate in Murphy NC, we’ve got your back. Homes, land, you name it. You can Search Our Listings, Search the Entire MLS System, or call us Toll Free 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496.
• Relax! – sometimes you need to not do anything! The mountains are a wonderful place to enjoy nature and God’s gifts. So kick back, take a break, and don’t do a thing! 🙂
• Restaurants – Murphy has managed to maintain mostly local restaurants offering a wide variety of food from Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Steak Houses, Cafes, Coffee Shops, and more. Live life, eat well!
• Rotary Club – if you’re an avid Rotary Member, Murphy has a very active club that has some of Murphy’s finest folks.
• RV – if you are an RV’er, there are lots of opportunities here for you. We have several like the Peace Valley Campground (828-837-6223), another on Nottley River in the Ranger Community, and several more scattered around. It gives you the chance to live in your home-away-from-home and enjoy the mountains!
• Santa’s Land – A great place for the kids where it’s Christmas year around! Give’m a call 828-497-9191 to learn more about hours of operation and more.
• Scott Hogsed Memorial Youth Day– the kids are bound to love this. It’s always in August and on a Saturday and it’s a great way to get your kids outdoors and try their hand at bow shooting,  fly fishing, regular fishing, and so much more. They can even win some awesome prizes! If you’re here in August and have kids, you’ve gotta come.
• Shooting Range – The US Forest Service maintains a great shooting range! It’s located at the end of Panther Top Road (take 64 west to a right on 294. Follow a mile or so to a right on Panther Top Road. Go to the end and stay right on the gravel road and you’ll see it a mile or so in). It’s an outdoor range that’s covered and complete with a handgun range, rifle range (up to 100 yards), benches, and more.
• Shop – Like to shop? Well, there are some great opportunities for you here! Nope, we don’t have a mall, but we have a lot of other things. We have a great bakery, shoe stores, furniture stores, antique shops, boutiques, quilt store, outfitter, coffee shop, wine store, book store, trinkets and gifts, hardware stores (for the guys 🙂 ) and much more. Just check out down town – it’s a great place to start! Then, you’ll find lots of places to go from there.
• Skeet Shooting – located in Benton TN, it’s a blast to test your talents with a shot gun! Complete with 15 shooting stations, it’s more than just shooting your standard skeet! Call to find out more details at 423-338-6034.
• Snow Skiing – If you’re looking to hit the slopes, you can hit ’em at Cataloochee. It’s about two hours away and you can snowboard, ski, and even tube! Learn more at Cataloochee’s website.
• Swimming – whether you want a pool at the downtown Wellness Center or nature’s pool, you have options! You can swim in a number of the rivers, Lake Hiwassee, and many more! It’s a great way to cool off in the afternoon.
• Tail of the Dragon – this famous stretch of road has 318 curves in 11 miles. It’s a gorgeous ride and motorcycle enthusiast’s favorite.
• Thrift Stores – this is a lot like antiquing, yard sales, and shopping, and has great prices and benefits a good cause! You have choices here like the Valley River Humane Society Thrift Store (right beside RE/MAX) or REACH for women right on the 4-lane.
• Tri-County Raceway – see Racing
• Tubing – want to take an easy day floating down the river? You have several great places to float down. Our two favorites are in Helen GA and Deep Creek in Bryson City.
• Wagon Master Adventure Ranch – Looking for a good place to take the family, get outdoors, and more? This is a great spot! They have gem mining, target paintball arcades, a bounce castle, mini golf, wagon rides, and more . Check out the Wagon Master official website for more details.
• Waterfalls – there are lots of waterfalls all around us and can be found easily. The hardest part is figuring out which one to go to! I recommend getting a book about local waterfalls from the Forest Service Ranger Station or from a local bookstore. See our post of our trip to Helton Creek Falls and Bald River Falls.
• Wine Tasting – Love wine? Check out Cherokee County’s wineries. Winner of many awards, you’ll beamazed at just how good our wines are. Not only that, you can check out the famous Biltmore Estate Winery within a two hour drive to Asheville.
• Whitewater Rafting – a Western North Carolina favorite! We have some of the best white water anywhere. You have the Ocoee River just over the TN line, which is where the 1996 Olympics were held. (Sadly the Ocoee Whitewater Center was completely lost to fire in April 2022, but we hope it’ll be rebuilt soon!) There’s also the Nantahala River with some of the coldest white water you can imagine. There’s lots of rafting companies up and down the river that’ll get you a guide and get you in the water.
• Yard Sales – if you like yard sales, there are tons! Ride up down 64 on a Saturday afternoon and go through down town and you’ll find them all over the place!
• Zip Line – Now that would be fun! There are zip lines near both the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.iLoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team