The Hiwassee Dam is a little bit of a detour from Murphy, NC. But I highly recommend a stop. The…read moredam is hydroelectric and is remarkable to see just the size of it. You can drive over it too. I wasn't sure at the time if I could take a walk on it so I behaved myself this time. There appeared to be sidewalks on both sides in sections so I will do that next time. The dam is 307 feet high and holds 67 billion gallons of water. Hiwassee Lake is about 22 miles. The dam took 1600 men four years to build before being completed in 1940. At the time it cost $24 million to build. The dam generates enough electricity for 28,000 homes. The views are breathtaking here so if you are in the area this remarkable piece of work.

If you're in the Murphy area, or planning a trip out to the falls, and enjoy being outdoors, be…read moresure to take a quick detour and venture into easily accessible Hiwassee. Surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests - This cozy and colorful park has a lot to offer, including a rich habitat for deer, wild turkey and other animals. Have your camera ready to snap memorable moments, scenery and wildlife. Built in the 1940's, the Hiwassee Dam is largely known to locals as 1 of 32 dams built & planned to provide flood control, navigation and electricity for the region. Today, this piece of history is known as one of the top 5 things to do/points of interest for those visiting Murphy. Upstream from Apalachia Reservoir, the river stretches for 22 miles northwest to southeast. The Pros: - Great for picnics. - Free and easy to locate parking. - The area features a day-use park that provides access to boating, fishing and paths for exploring the Hiwassee Reservoir and its tributaries. - The area is isolated and not overloaded with people/tourists (even during season). On most occasions you will find yourself alone and have this stunning area all to yourself. It's well suited for canoeing & rafting. - The dam is close to Cherokee, the falls and many of Murphy's other "must-see" areas. Prior to your trip, consider these tips: - Check out & research the weather conditions prior to making your plans to venture out onto the roads, or into the water. The reservoir comes from deep below the surface and the water temperature is super chilly, even in the summer. - Keep an eye out for snakes! - If it's summer, be sure to pack bug spray and sun screen. Fun Facts: - The dam is known as a historical landmark used by the Navy Bureau of Ordnance for torpedo testing into the deep water, and the isolation provided by its mountainous environs. - The dam is currently operational and still providing electricity today.

Early on a Saturday afternoon, the Cherokee County Courthouse in Murphy was all buttoned up and…read moresecured, which somehow made it even more striking as I walked the quiet square and took in that big presence that really dominates the block. The Classical Revival design hits you right away with those tall columns and the kind of symmetry that feels like it was built to impress. The 1927 construction date shows in all the best ways with that sturdy early 20th century confidence. With no one around, it was easy to stroll the perimeter and just let the building show off in the afternoon light. Cherokee County was formed in 1839 and Murphy has been the county seat from the start. When you see how this courthouse anchors the town, you get why they never moved it. Even locked up, it feels like a place that has seen a lot of local history roll right past its steps. The combination of its scale, the stonework and the mountain backdrop gives it a kind of quiet authority that sneaks up on you. It is impressive and imposing in the best way, and it makes for a surprisingly satisfying stop when you are wandering around town on a slow Saturday. [Review 514 of 2026 - 4609 in North Carolina - 25696 overall]

After jumping through all the hoops to find what I was looking for, paying online for the info,…read morenever received the report.

*Everyone* who works there is so pleasant, and knowledgeable and creative in their own ways! The…read morelibrary itself is amazing, with a great selection, and even if they don't have what I'm looking for, they can put books on hold for you, which is free! They also offer free computer services, offer faxing, printing, and copying at great prices, and even offer scanning (also free). The library is wonderful and welcoming, but the staff really make it special.

This is a great library! I really appreciate the kind and patient young librarian. I like my…read moreinteraction direct and limited.

Hardman Farm was a nice walk from my hotel. There is a gift shop however, they do not allow pets…read moreand walking I had my dog with me. So that was disappointing that I couldn't go in and explore. we could walk around the grounds and explore the barns and areas of the farm. There are some fantastic views. The main house is gorgeous. The barns are cool. I liked seeing the dairy barn. The land is one of my dreams. The walk back to the hotel was just as nice under the shade of trees following the river.

Stopped in on a whim and just caught a guided tour heading out...so glad we did. Faye was our tour…read moreguide and she moved at a good pace and had some interesting history to share. The house is preserved to it's original state as much as they could (they've added electric lighting, etc) and there's lots of art and personal items to check out. Great way to spend an hour or two if in the area on a nice day. You will walk outside for a good portion of the tour so dress appropriately! There is a lovely gift shop that I'll keep in mind if I'm ever in the area and need a little present or hostess gift :)

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center is located in Downtown Hayesville. They…read morehave dedicated parking spots out front. They do have a 15 minute limit but I think I was inside longer. This office went above and beyond my expectations. I was first shown an area with all the ongoing events then the upcoming events. Then provided brochures to help me find my type of things to do. I was even given a website for more information . They have a section promoting local authors and a gift shop as well. It is small but they have local items and postcards! I was thrilled with what I found. If you ever get to Clay County make sure to stop at this friendly office.

They have an incredibly updated website and a monthly "after hours" so that you can get to know…read moremembers. If you're new to the area, check out their business section for suggestions on food, shopping, etc.

Came to Brasstown Bald Observation Tower for the views and it was a sight to see! It's not everyday…read more(at least where I live) that you can stand in such a high place and be able to see mountains spanning across 4 different states. The entry fee was 8 per adult (kids are free) which also includes a van ride to the overlook. Or you can choose to hike which wasn't a long hike but steep from what I saw. A must do for anyone visiting the area! Ohh... and make sure you watch the little movie at the top, it's very cool to see how one place is its own little world in different seasons and the history behind the place.

The current Brasstown Bald observation tower was built in 1965, replacing an earlier stone tower…read morethat was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935. The original 1935 stone tower was torn down in 1947 and replaced with a steel tower before the current structure was built - we'll folks looks like it's time to build another tower this one is in a state of disrepair. I came here to observe 4 states from the highest point in Georgia, but apparently the observation tower is in such bad shape that it is now closed to the public and your adventure will end after climbing a few flights of stairs ending at the base of the observation deck yeah there's a view from the lower level but in my opinion not worth the price of admission. Thankfully there's a shuttle van that takes you from the parking lot level to the top it runs about ever 10 minutes, our driver was very friendly and tried his best to entertain us during the short drive to the top but there's not much to say - the museum at the top is okay and takes about 2 minutes to tour it then time you walk the lower deck and wait for the shuttle back down - I purchased a refrigerator magnet for the RV from the gift shop and headed for the truck. I guess I am fortunate that I came and saw this, although it was never on my bucket list, I'm still trying to figure out why there's an old train engine in the museum it's quite the anachronism...

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD…read more The Union County Historical Society is housed in the local historic court house building which was built in 1899. My absolute favorite part of this building was the top floor which housed the courtroom. I felt as if I was stepping into a scene from "To kill A Mockingbird" because this room reminded me of the courtroom scene from the movie. It was so cool, that words cannot express how it felt to be transported back in time. I experienced this room from every possible position, the audience, the jury, the defendant, the jury and even the Judge's chair. When you yell guilty!, there is a nice echo! Love it! This courthouse was super simple, besides the main room there were two smaller rooms used for jury deliberations and as the judge's chamber. This space is now used for Friday night concerts where you can hear Bluegrass, gospel and other forms of music. On the lower level is the main office and several rooms that reflect the towns history. The specific rooms reflect sports, religion, education, local politics, and military history. You will also find some interesting artifacts in the main hallway. I was surprised that there wasn't any information on the civil war just later wars. You must step outside and view the front of this building from a distance as it is truly breathtaking. I am so glad that a group of passionate citizens decided to fight the planned destruction of this building and its contents. It was absolutely worth being saved and is now the pride of this community. This courthouse is an absolute must see on your visit to the area!.

An absolutely gorgeous facility with an equally stunning view…read more I accompanied some friends. They attended a meeting, I just hung out enjoying the grounds. I chatted a bit with the most charming and informative Sheila at the desk. She gave me a lot of great information. She also provided a good restaurant recommendation, of which we partook and thoroughly enjoyed. Next visit to the area I'll definitely stop in and dine at The View Restaurant onsite. It's closed on Mondays. In the immediate future, the entire place will be transformed into a Christmas Wonderland. I may just make an excuse to make another road trip.