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Hiawassi Outdoor Playground

The Dam Store & Cafe is convenietly located in on the Hiawassee River rd in Cherokee County, in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The Hiwassee Dam area near Murphy is best known for its incredible mountain and lake recreation. People visit the area for:  

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(Call ahead to pick up your to go order)

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  • Boating & Kayaking on Hiwassee Lake, which has more than 180 miles of scenic shoreline surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.

  • Fishing for bass, trout, and walleye in the lake and the Hiwassee River.

  • Hiking & Mountain Biking at nearby places like Piney Knob Trails, Hanging Dog Recreation Area, and Fires Creek.

  • Whitewater Rafting on the nearby Ocoee River, famous for its Olympic-level rapids.

  • Camping & Picnicking around the lake, recreation areas, and waterfalls.

  • Scenic Drives & Overlooks, especially around the dam itself, where visitors come for mountain sunsets and panoramic lake views

 

Locals and visitors often describe the area as peaceful, undeveloped, and perfect for people who love the outdoors and mountain life.

conveniently located right off hwy 294 Murphy
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The Panther Top Lookout Tower in Murphy, North Carolina
features a moderately challenging 2.3-mile round-trip trail. Located at an elevation of 2,293 feet in the Nantahala National Forest, the 30-foot historic fire tower rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Unicoi, Snowbird, Valley River, Tusquitee, and Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain ranges.

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