Valley River Refuge: Downtown Escape with Hot Tub + Stunning Mountain Views!

Our cozy 2-bedroom (+ sleeping loft), 2-bath cabin is the perfect retreat, featuring breathtaking views, a hot tub, and a fire pit. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Valley River Refuge is a secluded getaway less than 5 minutes from all the downtown fun, 12 minutes to Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino plus a short driving distance to endless adventures! It offers ample space for a large family, couples with kids, or a group offriends.

Valley River Refuge
* Stunning Views: The deck offers incredible mountain views, perfect for your morning coffee or evening sunsets.
* Cozy Interiors: The open-concept living area features a stone fireplace with gas logs and vaulted ceilings with long range mountain views.
* Private Amenities: Relax in the secluded hot tub and enjoy evenings by the fire pit under the stars.
* Convenient Layout: Two comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms plus a loft provide ample spaces for a large family or two couples with kids. The loft is a versatile space perfect for additional sleeping, a quiet reading nook, or a relaxing retreat.
* Fully-equipped kitchen with pass through to a dining room with seating for 8!
* Grill!
* Games!
* Outdoor dining!
* Pet friendly!
* Highspeed Internet and TVs in the living room and both bedrooms.
* Equipped with a coffee bar and tea!

Attractions:
Explore Murphy's Vibrant Downtown Scene
Stroll through our charming downtown and discover unique shops, art galleries, and a thriving food and drink scene. From farm-to-table restaurants to lively bars and local breweries like Valley River Brewery and Buck Bald Brewing, there's something for every palate. The live music scene is alive and getting even better with the current construction of a new outdoor music venue as part of the downtown revitalization! As a Main Street America affiliate, Murphy is dedicated to preserving its historic charm while fostering a vibrant and welcoming community.

More Nearby Attractions
* The Murphy Riverwalk: Enjoy a beautiful, well-maintained trail that follows the Valley and Hiwassee rivers, perfect for walking, jogging, and scenic views.
* Farmers Markets: Check out local farmers markets for fresh produce, artisan goods, and a taste of local culture. The Murphy Market is at the historic L&N Depot downtown every Saturday from April to October.
* Flea Markets: For those who love treasure hunting, Murphy has a bustling flea market scene. Check out Deckers Flea Market and the Ranger Flea Market for a wide variety of items from antiques to produce and handmade goods.
* Piney Knob Trail System: For hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, this trail system offers a challenging and rewarding experience just minutes from downtown.
* Casino Fun (12 min away!): Try your luck at the nearby Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. Inside the casino, you can dine at Ramsay's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, featuring signature dishes from the multi-Michelin-starred chef. For gaming, test your skills in the WORLD SERIES OF POKER room, enjoy games of blackjack, or try your luck at one of the endless slot machines. Other typical casino activities like craps and roulette are also available.
* Other Outdoor Activities: Explore pristine lakes like Hiwassee for boating, fishing, and canoeing, and discover stunning local waterfalls.
* Hiwassee Dam: Drive up to see this impressive TVA dam and enjoy panoramic lake views.
* Cherokee Lake Recreation Area: A quiet spot perfect for fishing, picnics, and easy walks, located off of Highway 294.
* Hanging Dog Recreation Area: This spot on Hiwassee Lake is great for fishing, hiking, and boating, with a boat launch available.
* Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Oconaluftee Visitor Center: About a 75-minute scenic drive away, this visitor center is a gateway to the park and features cultural history exhibits, the Mountain Farm Museum, and fields where you can often spot elk.
* Folk School Charm: Immerse yourself in the arts at the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School, which offers concerts and unique craft or dance classes just a short drive away.
* Fields of the Wood: A unique, Bible-based theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains featuring the world's largest Ten Commandments on a mountainside, a replica of Golgotha, and Prayer Mountain. A truly one-of-a-kind destination that offers both natural beauty and spiritual reflection
* Nantahala River Rapids and Tubing: Experience the thrill of whitewater rapids or a relaxing float down the scenic Nantahala River, with options for all skill levels. Several outfitters nearby offer guided trips and rentals.
* The Tail of the Dragon: For thrill-seekers, the world-famous Tail of the Dragon (US-129) is a short drive away, offering 318 curves in 11 miles for motorcycles and sports cars.
* Cherohala Skyway: Awarded Hagerty's 2025 Road of the Year, this scenic 43-mile byway is just under an hour away. It connects Robbinsville, NC, to Tellico Plains, TN, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
* Wellness and Relaxation: Find your zen with wellness options in town. Blue Moon Elise offers a variety of yoga classes, massage services, and organic body care products. While not a consistent schedule, Buck Bald Brewing occasionally hosts special yoga events. Indulge in some pampering at the Valley River Spa by Mandara located in Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. They offer massages and a variety of tranquil amenities.
* Right in the middle of several of Southern Living’s 20 Must-Take Fall Trips Across The South.

Taste Local Flavors
* Wineries & Bottle Shops: Relax and sip local wines at places like Valley River Vineyards, Cherokee Cellars Taphouse, and the nearby Nottely River Valley Vineyards. Be sure to also check out FairyCross Bottle Shop in downtown Murphy for a fantastic selection of wine and beer!

A Quick Trip to Blue Ridge, GA
Just a short and scenic drive away (about 30 minutes), the charming town of Blue Ridge, GA, offers even more to explore:
* Downtown Blue Ridge: Experience a bustling downtown with unique shops, art galleries, and diverse restaurants.
* Scenic Railway: Take a relaxing trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, winding through the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest.
* Mercier Orchards: A must-visit landmark for seasonal fruit picking, delicious baked goods, and cider.
* Breweries, wineries, outdoor activities and so much more!