Sightseeing
Hiwassee Dam
The Hiwassee Dam is surrounded by the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Both the Hiwassee and the Appalachia Reservoirs offer a rich habitat for deer, wild turkey, and other animals. Below Hiwassee Dam, a day-use park on Apalachia Reservoir provides access to boating, fishing, and paths for exploring the reservoir and its tributaries. Above the dam, Hiwassee Reservoir is beautiful and well-suited for canoeing, rafting, and fishing.
Hanging Dog Recreation Area
Located about 24 miles from The Eagle's Glen Cabin, Hanging Dog Recreation Area offers year-round access to Hiwassee Lake, a popular place for fishing and boating. Water skiing and kayaking are also popular on Hiwassee Lake. In the Hanging Dog area, there are several opportunities for mountain biking. Hike or ride your mountain bike on the moderately-difficult Ramsey Bluff Mountain Biking System which provides 8 miles of trails.
Cherokee Lake Recreation Area
Cherokee Lake Recreational Area is only 9 miles from The Eagle's Glen Cabin. This peaceful lake has a nice walking path that follows the shoreline and crosses over Cherokee Dam to the other side of the lake. There are picnic tables, grills, a covered picnic pavilion, and restrooms. You can fish from the pier, or kayak on the lake. The road to the parking area is only open seasonally, from April-December. ****Note: There have been reports of aggressive bees along the trail near the first outlook. I do not recommend going here if you are allergic!****
Fields of the Wood
Fields of the Wood is a biblical-themed park encompassing more than two hundred acres of beautiful valleys, mountains, streams, and wooded areas. Concrete markers are placed throughout the park depicting the Bible on stones. The Fields of the Wood is only 8.5 miles from the cabin.
Murphy River Walk
This beautiful greenway follows the Valley River and the Hiwassee River surrounding the historic town center of Murphy, North Carolina. The 4-mile walking trail includes a center loop at the confluence of these two rivers on the backwaters of Lake Hiwassee. Whether you take the trail on foot or put in for an easy paddle along the canoe trails, you'll enjoy the ecology and cultural heritage along the way.
Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. It is one of the Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America. From the cabin, you would drive 30 miles north to the start of the Skyway in Tellico Plains, TN. The 43-mile Byway ends in Robinsville, NC, and it's another 55 miles back to the cabin. The entire loop is 136mi, but plan on it being a full-day trip.
Tank Town USA
DRIVE TANKS. CRUSH CARS.....'nuf said! In Morganton, NC, only 23 miles from the cabin.
Mercier Orchards
Located in Blue Ridge, GA, just 22 miles south of the cabin, Mercier Orchards is a family & veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. Started back in 1943, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 80 years of fruitful harvest! The combination of U-PICK events, Bakery & Market Cafe, Market Store, and the new Farm Winery makes it a great choice for a day trip. Currently, they grow strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples! Be sure to check out their upcoming events to see what’s going on at the orchard!
Casinos & Gambling
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino Resort is 23 miles from the cabin, just north of Downtown Murphy. The casino has 50,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 1,000 slot machines and 70 classic table games. Dine and snack at The Food Market, conveniently located off the casino floor, with delicious selections from Nathans Famous®, Panda Express®, and more, or enjoy a cocktail or a refreshing drink at the casino bar.
Scenic Railroads
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The train journey begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, GA, which is 23 miles from the cabin. Blue Ridge is a small mountain town known as the “antique capital” of Georgia and a hub for art and live music. Choose either a vintage, climate-controlled or open-air rail car for the 26-mile trip along the Toccoa River. Riders will enjoy the lush Appalachian foothills and farmlands in a way only possible aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
During a two-hour layover, you’ll have time to visit the small southern sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Located on each state’s line, also known as “The Blue Line,” guests have the unique opportunity to have a foot in Georgia and Tennessee at the same time. While in the towns, we also recommend that you visit Toccoa-Ocoee Street. On this street, guests can explore delightful eateries, antique and specialty shops, and art galleries before boarding the train for the hour-long return.
Great Smoky Mountain Railway
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot is located 66 miles northeast of the cabin, in Bryson City, North Carolina. A round-trip on the train is an ideal way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.
Choose from steam-powered with the official “Steam of the Smokies” or climb onboard an excursion powered by diesel locomotives. A variety of passenger round-trip train options and special event trains — including THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — makes this the perfect attraction for making memories and experiencing the true form of railroading.
Tennessee Valley Railroad
