Located in downtown Murphy, North Carolina, the
Murphy River Walk, when completed, should travel around 3 miles. With it's
completed section traveling along Valley River, Murphy River Walk offers a
mixture of shade and sun as it passes the trees along the river. The paved,
family oriented section of trail along the north side of the river travels
from the Hiwassee Valley Pool
& Wellness Center and city playground, under Valley River Avenue and
enters Konehete Park. |
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Traveling along the river through Konehete Park, Murphy River Walk
passes the city baseball/softball fields. In addition to it's ball
fields, Konehete Park offers restrooms at several locations. At the end
of Konehete Park, Murphy River Walk reaches it's end.
River Walk Bridge |
Traveling across
the bridge (above) located at the city playground and Hiwassee Valley Pool &
Wellness Center takes the walker to the south side of Valley River.
Remaining paved for some distance, Murphy River Walk becomes a gravel
walk to it's present end along Tennessee Street. The trail continues
along the Hiwassee River offering some great views of the river, and
rock formations. Ending at the L & N Depot, you may return as you came,
or turn left and travel along the sidewalks of Murphy, passing several
great shops, restaurants, coffee shops and even an old fashion soda shop
located within
Parker's Drugs.
A personal note. I walked this with my Daughter, Keela (4
years old at the time). We traveled from the tennis courts, crossing the
bridge and following the trail to the Depot. At this point my Keela was
beginning to reach the end of her distance ability. Faced with carrying
her back along the trail, I bribed her into town with the promise of ice
cream. Traveling uphill along the sidewalks of Murphy we stopped at
Parker's Drugs. Taking a break at their soda shop inside, Keela was
re-energized for the downhill (mostly) walk back to the park/car. Of all
the hikes we have traveled, this is by far the most memorable for me and
one she still talks about.
More Photos taken along Murphy River
Walk |
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To view a map of Murphy River Walk, with trailhead and parking
locations visit:
http://www.heritagepartners.org/River%20Walk%20Map%206-09.pdf
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