Lake Hiwassee Water Levels Lower in October

Posted by John Poltrock on

Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and controlled by the Hiwassee Dam. It’s quite a sight to see! During the off-season, the lake is lowered to control flooding further downstream. Years ago, Nashville and nearby areas were flooding and it was amazing how fast the lake levels shot up to hold water back and keep the flooding from being worse. It’s an amazing engineering feat to be able to do that!

One question I often get is, “what does it look like when Lake Hiwassee water goes down?” There’s no better way to show you than on video! Click play below and see the lake. Want to own a mountain lake home? Let us know or search online! Most of the homes on the water are in Bear Paw Resort. I personally own a home there and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s quite an amazing place!

Enjoy Lake Time & Ice Cream Treats in Murphy, NC

Posted by murphylover on

There’s nothing like spending some time at a cool mountain lake near Murphy, NC. You herd the family into the car (or truck), pack a picnic lunch and some sunscreen and cold water, and get ready to chill out for the day. When you arrive, you soak up some fresh mountain air and decide whether you’d like to swim, fish, or do absolutely nothing. And sometime during the afternoon, you decide to top off this splendid day with a delicious ice cream treat. It really doesn’t get much better than this!

So, decide which beautiful mountain lake you’ll visit today. To make your decision easier, you’ll find all three lakes located along Route 294 just a stone’s throw west of Murphy, North Carolina.

CHEROKEE LAKE
Enjoy a good old-fashioned summer picnic at this scenic lakeside spot with plenty of room for everyone. Bring some sandwiches and snacks from town; or pair some grilled burgers and hot dogs with salads and cold drinks. While you dine like kings, enjoy Cherokee Lake’s serene setting, and soak up the peace and quiet.

After lunch and a quick pit stop, stroll the walking trails, or spend a few lazy hours casting your line from the dock. With a current North Carolina fishing license, and equipped a good rod and tackle, you’ll be ready to face off against those crafty, elusive mountain fish.

Directions: Take Highway 64 West, and turn right on Highway 294. Travel just a few miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 313 to enter the Cherokee Lake picnic area.

HIWASSEE LAKE

Scenic Overlook
As mountain lakes go, Hiwassee Lake is pretty impressive. This sprawling lake covers almost 6,100 acres, has nearly 180 miles of winding shoreline, and extends for a generous 22 miles. In other words, you’ll find plenty to see (and plenty of fish) there.

If you enjoy picture-postcard mountain scenery, you’ll have some stunning photo ops here. Hiwassee Lake is completely nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, and the view from the dam-area overlook is simply amazing. The lake stretches on forever, and it’s bordered by miles and miles of wooded shoreline.

Directions to scenic overlook: Take Highway 64 West, and turn right on Highway 294. Travel several miles, and look for the U.S. Forest Service sign on the right.

Water Activities
Now, let’s assume you’d like to do some serious fishing, boating, or water-skiing. Or, you’ve had enough of the hot, steamy weather, and you’d like to splash around the lake to cool off. Or, maybe you want to enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a leisurely hike through the woods. You can access those activities at Hanging Dog Recreation Area, located just an easy drive from Murphy.

Directions to Hanging Dog Recreation Area (from Murphy): Drive about 4 miles northwest on Peachtree Street, which turns into Joe Brown Highway. Look for the entrance to Hiwassee Lake on the left.

APALACHIA LAKE
If you’ve been looking for a serene, unspoiled mountain lake with amazing views, put Apalachia Lake on your “must see” list. This gorgeous 10-mile-long lake feeds into the Hiwassee River, and the Nantahala National Forest is right next door.

As the crow flies, you’re not too far from Hiwassee Lake, but Apalachia Lake has a remote character all its own. With very little shoreline development, and virtually no recreational facilities, Apalachia Lake is one of the purest mountain lake settings you’ll ever find.

If you want to enjoy some laid-back fishing, kayaking, or canoeing, you can take advantage of a convenient launch ramp. Or, you can meander through the woods on a scenic hiking trail. In other words, you make your own fun at Apalachia Lake, and you probably won’t have much company.

Directions: Take Highway 64 West, and turn right on Highway 294. Stay on 294 for quite a distance, and you’ll eventually see the Apalachia Lake turnoff sign.

ENJOY ICE CREAM TREATS AT THE SWEET TOOTH
Wrap up your lake excursion with some delicious ice cream confections from The Sweet Tooth. This incredibly popular family ice cream shop is located at 658 Andrews Road, not far from downtown Murphy, NC. During the summer season, The Sweet Tooth is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This little walk-up ice cream shop has a quirky character, and the building features lots of ice cream-y photos that you can view while waiting for your order. There aren’t any one-size-fits-all ice cream cups here – perish the thought! Instead, you’ll enjoy your own personal ice cream treat that comes with your choice of toppings. So, dig in and enjoy every bite as you reflect on the perfect ending to a great summer day at the lake.

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

Visit These 4 Scenic Picnic Spots Just a Stone’s Throw from Murphy, NC

Posted by murphylover on

Springtime’s warmer weather makes you want to kick up your heels in the great outdoors. Maybe you like hiking in the woods or playing some softball with your friends. Or, you might take the kids for a stroll along the Murphy River Walk. And if you’d enjoy a good old-fashioned family picnic, with a cooler full of sandwiches, sides, and cookies, you’ve got your choice of destinations.

You’ll find one enticing picnic spot in Murphy, NC, and two more in Cherokee County. Just a short drive away, neighboring Clay County offers another option. So get ready to hop in the car and enjoy some fresh air and good food.

Konehete Park: 699 Connehetta Street, Murphy, NC
This expansive community park borders the scenic Valley River, and is jointly operated by the Town of Murphy and Cherokee County. Besides the baseball and soccer fields, you’ll find a nicely maintained picnic area along with a kids’ playground.

After you finish your feast, stroll down to the river and relax on a bench under the trees. Or, burn some calories by exploring the Murphy River Walk, a beautiful 2-mile wooded walking trail that winds along the Valley River and Hiwassee River. Continue reading “Visit These 4 Scenic Picnic Spots Just a Stone’s Throw from Murphy, NC” →

Our Mountain Region in and Around Murphy NC Overflows With Fantastic Fishing

Posted by murphylover on

Whether you’re a seasoned bass or trout fisherman, or a first-time angler looking for a taste of mountain lakes fishing, you’ll find numerous good fishing holes within an hour’s drive of Murphy, NC. In fact, our mountain region offers eight major lakes, four delayed-harvest trout streams, and countless numbers of rivers and creeks. You could literally fish for weeks in a different place.

To better plan your fishing expedition, decide which species you’ll be stalking. If you’re a confirmed bass fisherman, check out Apalachia, Chatuge, Hiwassee, or Nottely Lakes. Chances are, other nearby lakes and rivers also have their share of bass just waiting to take your bait. While many locations offer banks fishing, some spots also feature public boat ramps so you can better stalk those crafty fish.

If you prefer fly fishing, you’re probably in the best spot on earth for catching trout. Cherokee County boasts several wild trout streams, along with hatchery-supported streams with date-specific releases. For starters, you’ll find wild trout waters in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties; along with world-famous Nantahala National Forest game land.

During trout fishing season, lasting from April through February, you’re likely to find anglers’ trucks parked in varied out-of-the-way spots. If you look closely, you’ll see fishermen standing motionless in their waders, trying to coax a wily trout out of its underwater hollow. For these guys (and ladies), catching the fish is satisfying, but the experience itself provides its own rewards.

Now, let’s say you’ve fallen hook-line-and-sinker for a mountain lakes fishing trip, and you can’t wait to get up here. First, book yourself a cozy mountain cabin from the friendly folks at Mountain Country Cabin Rentals. Next, get onto the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, and purchase a fishing license. In fact, the Sportsman’s License allows you to fish – and hunt – most game in our region. While you’re browsing the site, take advantage of the NCWRC’s great fishing-related resources.

When you arrive in Murphy, NC, round out your fishing gear at Appalachian Outfitters on Tennessee Street. If you enjoy collecting hand-tied flies, you’ll find a great selection here. Best of all, you can talk with an experienced fishing guide, just brimming with local knowledge about current fishing conditions. Chances are, you can hire him for the day, giving you the inside track on those secret fishing spots. And because we like fishing, too, we might see you out there. And if you love being here like we do, make it home! Whether Murphy NC becomes your primary home or second home, that’s ok! We’d love to have you as neighbors 🙂 Check out all our listings and contact us to let us know what we can do to help you find a home right here in Murphy NC.

Our Gorgeous Mountain Lakes Are Perfect for Canoeing in Murphy NC and All Around

Posted by murphylover on

If you take every opportunity to indulge your canoeing passion, we invite you to visit our paddlers’ paradise. With eight sizable lakes just a short hop from Murphy, NC, you can splash your boat in different waters every day of the week. With the proper clothing and safety gear, you can go canoeing no matter the time of year!

Believe it or not, you can start your canoeing adventure right in downtown Murphy. First, stop at Appalachian Outfitters on Tennessee Street, where you’ll find PFDs and other safety gear, plus helpful area maps and local knowledge. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website also provides tons of useful boating information (including launch ramp locations).

Next, explore the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers via the Murphy River Walk Canoe Trails, featuring convenient parking and several put-ins around town. What will you see on your Murphy canoe trip? Well, during the summer months, Hiwassee Lake is filled to the gills with water, which spills into these rivers and backs up into the inlets and marshes. Enjoy life in the slow lane as you drift along, spying birds, fish, and probably a few small mammals that aren’t visible from the nearby walking trails.

If your canoe naturally gravitates toward lakes, plan a trip to nearby Hiwassee Lake, offering over 160 miles of shoreline in its 22-mile length. Much-smaller Apalachia Lake is just a stone’s throw away, and it’s secluded and absolutely beautiful. To reach either lake, put in at the Hanging Dog Recreation Area boat ramp; or launch your canoe below the Hiwassee Dam or Apalachia Dam.

If you’ve gotten the itch to explore more of our regional lakes, you’re in luck: they’re all within an hour’s drive. To the north, you’ll find massive Fontana Lake, with over 230 miles of shoreline and the most impressive dam you’ll ever see. Neighboring Santeetlah Lake offers enticing coves and stunning high-elevation mountains as a backdrop. Nantahala Lake is also worth a visit, as you can ogle the high-dollar lakefront houses while you paddle along the wooded shoreline.

Next, head south to Chatuge Lake, spread equally between North Carolina and Georgia. With 130 miles of shoreline, you’ll find lots of quiet creeks where you can stop for a snack. Finally, explore Georgia’s Blue Ridge Lake and Nottely Lake, just a half-hour’s drive from Murphy, NC. Although all these lakes attract seasonal pleasure boaters, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Boating and Fishing in Fun in Murphy NC – A Previous Post

News Flash! Hanging Dog Campground in Murphy NC Will Reopen for Overnight Camping in 2016

Posted by murphylover on

If you’ve missed your overnight visits to Hanging Dog Campground – just a stone’s throw from Murphy, NC – you’ve probably missed more than the gorgeous scenery on Lake Hiwassee or nature’s sounds. You’ve been pining away for that bacon sizzling on your camp stove each morning – and your piping hot coffee that helps you clear the cobwebs after a good night’s sleep. Well, air out that tent and sleeping bag, because Hanging Dog will reopen to overnight visitors for the 2016 season!

To get new residents and visitors up to speed, Federal Forest Service officials closed Hanging Dog Campground in 2014 because of increasing operating costs and fewer visitors. Although the Recreation Area’s day use facilities are still available, we were all disappointed at losing our overnight camping spot. In fact, we heard rumors of desperate campers sacking out in their pickups or camping in their yards – they just missed the feeling of sleeping in the great outdoors.

Fortunately, our Cherokee County Commissioners have been working behind the scenes to turn this unfortunate situation around. They’ve spent considerable time huddling with the Forest Service, and have also gotten support from United States Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and United States Congressman Mark Meadows. North Carolina Representative Roger West and North Carolina Senator Jim Davis have also helped to grease the wheels on this worthy effort.

As we write this, the Commissioners and Forest Service are hammering out the details of an overnight camping agreement for the 2016 season. As you might expect, Cherokee County will allocate some funds to upgrade the overnight facilities and perform seasonal maintenance work. Even better, the Commissioners are eying future collaborations with the Forest Service, with the goal of expanding recreational opportunities on Forest Service lands.

However, this groundbreaking news comes with one huge catch. If we want Hanging Dog Campground to be open for overnight camping beyond 2016, we must really throw our support behind it. In other words, start planning those overnight camping trips right now and get out there an USE IT!

Get your friends and extended family together, or plan a “get away from it all” weekend for yourself and a special companion. Pass the word on your Facebook page, and post a notice on the community bulletin board. Finally, book that coveted campsite when the website’s reservation portal opens. Remember, the Forest Service is keeping a close eye on this Murphy, NC landmark – for all the right reasons.

Spectacular Hiwassee Lake Front Home For Sale in Bear Paw Resort in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

This spectacular LAKE HIWASSEE in Murphy NC Information DEEP WATER LAKEFRONT home for sale in Bear Paw Resort Information in Murphy NC has SO much to offer! comboTwo 2 massive porches to enjoy the lake, sloping yard, pavilion on the water, and a private dock let you enjoy the lake any way you want –  imagine swimming and boating all summer. The living room has high ceilings and tons of light. The french doors virtually merge the porch to the interior. Inside you have a master suite, loft, and a second bedroom which offers lots of space! The FULL FINISHED basement has a full bathroom and will make a great recreation room, sleeping quarters, and can easily be made to multiple more rooms. Located in Bear Paw, you have many amenities such as the marina, pool, tennis & basketball court, gated entrance, and more!

 

Lake Hiwassee Big Sweep in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on
Here you can see our event co-ordinators, Debbie Weatherly and Trevor Lovin, showing off their huge pile of trash!

Once a year, folks converge on Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC for an event known as “The Big Sweep.” It’s a noble event with a single goal – to remove trash from the shore of one of Murphy’s best kept secrets.

The 2012 Lake Hiwassee Big Sweep was this past Saturday at the Hanging Dog Campground. Albeit a rainy day, especially in the morning, about 60 or so dedicated people showed up and raked in a huge pile of trash! As you can see from the picture, it’s quite a bit of trash. The stockpile included a couple dozen tires, an old refrigerator (how’d that get in the lake?!?!), LOTS of plastic bottles, glass bottles, and other general junk. There’s no telling where it all comes from, I just know there’s a whole lot less out there. And in fact, there was approximately 15,000 pounds of trash removed!

Katie and I arrive geared up to kick some trash!

It’s a great event that’s a lot of fun! You get to spend time with friends, make new ones, get on one of the prettiest lakes you’ve ever seen, and make a positive impact. A good customer and friend, Mike Briggs, even joined us before his house hunting trip! Even he thought it was a great trip and wants to go to it next year. It’s a great cause, so we certainly would love to see you there next year!

Visit The Big Sweep’s Facebook Page

Read our Post about The Big Sweep for 2010

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

 

NC State Record Striped Bass Fish Caught on Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

It’s official! The North Carolina state record has just been broken! Tyler Shields of Murphy NC just caught a 66.1 pound striped bass! It’s a HUGE fish at 47.5 inches long and a 35 inch girth. It was caught using 10 lb. test line with a Zoom worm! It’s quite an amazing story of a record caught right here on Lake Hiwassee. What’s even neater is the previous state record was set in 1991 with a 54.2 lb. fish also on Lake Hiwassee.

Congratulations Tyler!

To everyone else, happy fishing!

Read more of our Posts on Lake Hiwassee.

Mountain View Marina at Bear Paw Resort in Murphy NC on Lake Hiwassee

Posted by I Love Murphy on

I must admit that we absolutely LOVE Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC, and the four marinas that service lake goers are an absolute asset. Mountain View Marina is located right in the heart of Bear Paw Resort. Even though its located within a gated resort, it’s open to the public. Just tell the guard at the gate you’re headed the marina.

Mountain View Marina is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Murphy and close to the Hiwassee Dam. Certainly don’t let the distance deter you! It’s the nicest, most modern marina on the lake. It offers many things like:

  • Boat rentals of well maintained boats
  • Boat slips for on-the-water storage. It is the only marina you can leave your boat on the water year around. All others end up on the bank as the lake is lowered.
  • Boat lifts to keep your boat out of the water in your slip
  • Gas (what good marina doesn’t have gas? 🙂 )
  • A well stocked store with snacks, goodies, gear, ice cream, and everything you’ll need on the lake
  • NC Fishing Licenses
  • and lots more

You can call them at 828-644-5451 or visit their website at mountainviewmarina.com

We keep our boat there and have rented pontoon boats from them in the past. They always have great service, hospitality, and their boats are very nice. They even maintain a great site on Facebook and you can visit their website with more information at www.mountainviewmarina.com

Looking for real estate on the lake? Let The Poltrock Team help you! You can search all the Lakefront Homes and Homes in Bear Paw available here or let us do the work for you by using our dream home finder. See all the lakefront homes on Hiwassee and other surrounding lakes by clicking here. And don’t hesitate to call us on the phone! We’re here for YOU!

Here is a photo gallery of the marina in 2021. You can even see where they are adding additional slips.