Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit Murphy as the leaves of the mountains create a stunning showcase of colors! While one of the best places to view the gorgeous fall foliage is from the cabins at Mountain Country Cabin Rentals, you can also make several side trips to enjoy this magnificent time of year! Here are 3 great places to see fall foliage near our rental cabins in Murphy NC:
1. Murphy River Walk
One of the pleasant ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Murphy NC is by taking the Murphy River Walk. This 3 mile walking trail starts at the far end of Konehete Park and passes by both the Valley River and Hiwassee River before it ends at the Old L&N Depot by the Hiwassee River bridge. While strolling the Murphy River Walk, you will pass through many natural environments including an open meadowland, marshy wetland and a hardwood forest! The trail has been carefully constructed with respect to the natural environment and its host of native plant and wildlife, making it an ideal location to view the wonderful fall colors. It is also conveniently close to the historic town center of Murphy where you can enjoy various dining and shopping options.
2. Fires Creek Recreation Area
Another great place to see fall foliage near our rental cabins in Murphy NC is at the Fires Creek Recreation Area. This remote area is just a short drive from our cabins and offers excellent hiking opportunities, as well as trout fishing and horseback riding. The highlight of the area is the 25 mile Rim Trail that climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and makes a huge loop. This trail offers sweeping vistas of the mountains as it crosses several areas of high elevation, so be sure to bring your camera along to capture the panoramic views! There is a paved parking lot and outhouse in the Fires Creek Recreation Area, as well as tables where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.
3. Hiwassee Dam
For a truly unique view of the fall colors in Murphy NC, step out onto the Hiwassee Dam. This 307 foot tall dam is surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests, making it a great destination for enjoying the local scenery. There are picnic tables in the area, as well as plenty of shady spots if you decide to return to Murphy during the summer months. The Hiwassee Dam is also a nice stop for those folks who are interested in the history and significance of such a massive structure. The dam was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1936 to 1940 to provide flood control and electricity. The reservoir has a flood-storage capacity of 205,600 acre-feet and has 2 generating units with a net dependable capacity of 124 megawatts.
Check out all of our rental cabins in Murphy NC today to plan your fall trip to the mountains! We hope to see you soon at Mountain Country Cabin Rentals!
