14 Best Things to Do in Murphy, NC: Lakes, Trails & Quiet

Way out at the western tip of North Carolina, Murphy sits closer to Georgia and Tennessee than to Raleigh. People come for that distance. You’ll find clear mountain lakes with few marinas, a riverside walk through a small downtown, and a hillside display you have to see to believe. If you like your mountains without the traffic, you’ll like it here.

The town of Murphy, North Carolina, next to the Hiwassee River — Murphy and the Hiwassee River. Photo: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The best things to do in Murphy, North Carolina are boating on Hiwassee Lake, seeing Hiwassee Dam, walking the Murphy River Walk, visiting Fields of the Wood, exploring Fires Creek, and catching a movie at the old Henn Theater.

Information on small towns like this goes out of date quickly, so call ahead for anything you’re driving out specially for. And don’t miss #4, the strangest stop on this list and the one you’ll still be describing to friends later.

1. Get Out on Hiwassee Lake

Hiwassee Lake surrounded by forested mountains in western North Carolina — Hiwassee Lake, near Murphy. Photo: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Hiwassee Lake is often called the area’s top attraction, with about 180 miles of shoreline inside the Nantahala National Forest. Take a boat or kayak out, or bring a fishing rod. Seasonal lake tours have also been listed, generally from May to September, so ask what’s running when you visit.

2. See Hiwassee Dam

You can see the Hiwassee Dam for free, and the views over the water are big. There’s no visitor center and no restrooms, so plan on a short stop. Add it to a drive around the lake, particularly on a clear morning.

3. Walk the Murphy River Walk

The Hiwassee River and the town of Murphy. Photo: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Murphy River Walk follows the water through town and is free from dawn to dusk. Expect an easy, peaceful stroll and a chance to see local wildlife. Do it before dinner downtown to work up an appetite.

4. Visit Fields of the Wood

A giant Ten Commandments display laid out on a hillside at Fields of the Wood near Murphy — Fields of the Wood. Photo: John Foxe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

About 8 miles from downtown on NC 294, Fields of the Wood is a free religious park known for what’s billed as the world’s largest Ten Commandments display, with letters over five feet tall laid out across a hillside. Whatever your beliefs, you won’t see anything else like it. Nearly everything is outdoors, so save it for a nice day and wear shoes for the climb.

5. Picnic at Hanging Dog

Hiwassee Lake, where Hanging Dog sits on the shore. Photo: Jgperry1776 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hanging Dog Recreation Area on Boiling Springs Road is a free, year-round day-use area on the lake. Come for a picnic and a swim or a paddle. Bring what you need, and read the Forest Service rules, since facilities can vary by season.

6. Go Quiet on Lake Apalachia

Lake Apalachia above Apalachia Dam. Photo: Tennessee Valley Authority via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

For real solitude, head for Apalachia Lake, described as one of the least developed lakes in the Southeast, with no marinas or gas stations. Bring a kayak, or book a seasonal tour. Out here, you could believe the last hundred years never happened.

7. Hike Fires Creek

Fires Creek Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest. Photo: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Over in nearby Hayesville, the Fires Creek Recreation Area is known for its clear creek, waterfalls and easy trails. Access is listed as free, and people love it on a hot summer’s day. Watch your footing on wet rocks, and leave no trace.

8. Catch a Movie at the Henn Theater

The Henn Theatre in Murphy. Photo: Warren LeMay via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

At 38 Tennessee Street, the single-screen Henn Theater is the kind of small-town cinema most places lost decades ago. Tickets have been listed at just $5.50, or $4 before 6 p.m. Go on a rainy evening, sit down with the locals and enjoy it.

9. Browse the Cherokee County Historical Museum

The old Carnegie library in Murphy, now home to the Cherokee County Historical Museum. Photo: Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Cherokee County Historical Museum at 87 Peachtree Street covers this corner of the state, including the painful history of Cherokee removal in this area. Listed hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with $5 admission for adults. Call ahead to confirm.

10. Wander Downtown and Antique Shop

A historic photograph overlooking the town of Murphy, North Carolina — A historic view of Murphy, from the National Archives. Photo: Tennessee Valley Authority via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Downtown Murphy is small and walkable, with places like Marketplace Antiques at 41 Peachtree Street. Konehete Park at 699 Connahetta Street is home to the Charter of Freedom monument, and you can visit for free. Nobody moves fast here, so plan to stay awhile.

11. Taste Local Wine

Visitors at a wine and cheese tasting — Illustrative photo: visitors at a wine and cheese tasting. Photo: Daniel Case via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Nottely River Valley Vineyards at 1150 Old Culberson Road has been listed with a tasting room open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. A mountain vineyard makes for a pleasant afternoon, but confirm hours, as small wineries can change their schedules.

12. Find Gems at WagonMaster Ranch

Children at a gem mining sluice — Illustrative photo: children at a gem mining sluice. Photo: Share Bear via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

At 490 Peaceful Valley Road, WagonMaster Adventure Ranch and Gem Mine is a seasonal family stop, with gem-mining packages listed from $15 to $50. Kids tend to love sifting through buckets for treasure. Call to make sure it’s open before you go.

13. Try Your Luck at the Casino

About five minutes out of town, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino stays open around the clock, with free parking. You must be 21 to enter the gaming floor. If gambling isn’t for you, keep it in mind for a late meal.

14. Day Trip to the Great Smokies

Hazy blue ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains seen from Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome — The Smokies from Kuwohi, formerly called Clingmans Dome. Photo: Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about two hours away, close enough for a long day out. Entry is free, but parking tags are required for stays over 15 minutes. If you’d rather stay closer, the Nantahala National Forest surrounds you, with plenty of trails and waterfalls.

Best Free Things to Do in Murphy

Fields of the Wood, Hiwassee Dam, the River Walk, Hanging Dog, Konehete Park and Fires Creek are all listed as free. For a cheap thrill, stargaze from a dark spot near the lake. There’s so little light out here that the sky can be remarkable.

When to Visit Murphy and How Long to Stay

Summer is the time for lakes, with warm water and long evenings. Fall is beautiful and much quieter than the Parkway. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers, and winter is quiet, with many seasonal businesses closed. A long weekend is enough for most people, especially with a boat day.

Where to next? Try our guides to Waynesville, Asheville and Black Mountain, or see the best places to visit in North Carolina for the bigger picture. You can also browse all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: most details here come from a single published travel guide and were reviewed in November 2026. Hours and prices in small towns can change, so please confirm with the venue before you go.