Mountain Photo of the Week

This week’s photo comes from the Marble, NC right before dusk in July 2017.

More wonderful views can be seen daily.

Thinking about moving to the Western NC or Northeast Georgia area?

Call me at (828) 557-8868 or email me at [email protected] and let me know how I may assist you!

Sincerely,

Marie Kumar

Ravens Cliff Near Helen, GA

There are several things to do in the Mountains of Georgia. One of them is taking a hike to Raven’s Cliff.
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It is a lovely 2.5 mile hike one way along a creek.

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There are several waterfalls to see along the way. OCT 21 142

 

 

 

The main feature is at the end where you will see a great cliff. Inside that cliff is a long cascading waterfall in between a crack of this cliff. Here there are several rocks where you can sit and take a breather or perhaps have a picnic lunch before heading back. OCT 21 145 OCT 21 143It is a must see at anytime of the year. However, the best time to see it is after fall so you can get a better look at the waterfalls that are usually hidden behind the leaves.OCT 21 175 OCT 21 173 OCT 21 131

Charley and Deer 001

Who Let My Charley Out?

On Saturday, May 9th, my dog Charley and I got up out of bed early to participate in Murphy’s Elementary School’s Who Let the Dogs Out?  5K race. 

It was great to see all the children, grades 3-5 achieve their goal of finishing this race.

Charley and Deer 005Charley would like to thank all these children who motivated her to start off strong and finish this race.  Aside from the occasional potty and sniffing breaks, she still managed to achieve a personal best of 36 minutes and I can’t remember out many seconds.  Believe me, it was a record that’s for sure! Charley and Deer 003

Congratulations to all the children of Murphy Elementary for a Job Well Done!

P.S. For those of you who are wondering, Charley is now sporting her new summer hair cut.  Done just in time for this race.Charley and Deer 008

Mountains Are Getting Greener!

Green 008

The mountains of North Carolina are now painted in bright shades of green.   Birds have already started their nesting. Green 019 Most of the fruit tree blossoms have fell and green leaves are taking their place.  That means we are getting closer warmer weather.

Time for more fishing, floating down the rivers, jumping into lakes, hiking and camping. Green 006 Granted some of us hard core people have continued doing this all through the winter months.  However, we will be soon be joined by many seasonal residents and other visitors who flock here during their summer vacations.  Green 002So, join me in welcoming these folks back home to the mountains!  Enjoy your stay!

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Springtime In The Mountains

Sidewalk

Sidewalk

I love this time of year!  The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer.  My favorite thing about spring is see all the pear and cherry trees in bloom.

Cherry Tree

Cherry Tree

Entrance

Entrance

I was glad that I came back from my trip in time to see is amazing display.  Here are some of the many trees that are showing off their beauty this year!

Some of these pictures were taken in downtown Murphy.  Others were taken at the park.  There is also one was even taken where I work.

At Work

At Work

Pretty soon the rest of the trees in the area will sprout their leaves and painting the mountains green again.

For right now, I am going to enjoy these blossoms, because they don’t last long.  Enjoy!

In Town

In Town

GOFORTH Creek

GOFORTH 4

GOFORTH 1

Recently I had to travel to the St Louis, Missouri area. The best way to go from Murphy, NC is by HWY 64 West to Chattanooga. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to travel. After a week of nothing but clouds and rain, I welcomed the sunshine. Even though I had a long way to travel, I couldn’t help but stop at a few places along the and enjoy the scenery. There are many places to stop along the river, but one of my favorite is GOFORTH Creek. GOFORTH 10 Even if you have to be somewhere, this stop will not set you back too far on your travel time. Not far from where the 1996 Olympic Whitewater activities took place, this lovely creek feeds into the Oconee River and is a popular stop along the route along the river. Flowing down from the top of the mountain, the creek actually turns into a beautiful little waterfall just before its water joins the river. GOFORTH 5There is plenty of room for a parking approximately eight cars at the base of the falls. GOFORTH 8You can stand on top of any large rocks along the edge of the creek and take in some awesome views of the falls. So, if you are ever traveling on HWY 64 along the Oconee River, be sure to look for the sign that says GOFORTH Creek and stop for a moment to enjoy this beautiful water fall!   You will be glad you did!GOFORTH Sign

A Stroll Along the River Walk

Snowy Path

Snowy Path

Leech Place Overlook

Leech Place Overlook

One of my favorite past times to do is go for a walk with my dog Charley at the River Walk in Murphy, NC. The river walk was constructed and is now maintained by volunteers, who dedicate their time and energy so that visitors can enjoy the views along the Valley and Hiawassee Rivers.  Charley and I are forever grateful for their hard work and dedication that comes from a love for this area.

On The Board Walk

On The Board Walk

This River Walk is another reason why I am glad to call the mountains my home.  The walk is approximately three miles from start to finish.  Along the way, there are many areas that you can stop and relax, have a picnic or cast a  fishing line.

Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge

Charley and I recently went for a stroll along the River Walk.  These pictures were taken shortly after a rare and substantial snow fall.  However, most of the snow had already melted during our walk.

River Bank

River Bank

Since autumn has paved the way for more unobstructed views of theriver that might be normally hidden by the leaves in the summertime, I took the opportunity to take some photos to share with you.

Right now both rivers are very shallow which creates many areas for the waters to rush along the rocks.  In the summertime the Tennessee Valley Authority releases more water into the rivers, allowing more water for boating and fishing.

Going Toward The Lookout

Going Toward The Lookout

You will also have more opportunity to spot the otters at play as you enjoy your walk or float down the river.During the spring and summer there are always a variety of flowers and plants along the way to enjoy.  Oh course, in the fall you have the beautiful autumn leaves.Whether you want to take a stroll, go for a run, walk your dog, sit andrelax by the river,  go fishing or have a picnic, you will enjoy spending  time at the River Walk in Murphy, NC.

Where the Two Meet

Where the Two Meet

Train Trestle 2

Train Trestle 2

A Lovely Day for a Walk

Launch Point

Launch Point

One of the things that I most enjoy about living here is walking on this trail along the Nantahala River, located within the Nantahala National Forest. Here is also the launch point for the many rafters and kayakers that visit here each year. This paved trail starts at a bridge next to the launch point and travels along the river, approximately one mile to another bridge that crosses over the river to another parking area.

Paved Path to Walk or Bike

Paved Path to Walk or Bike

 

There are several trails along the way that take you down to the river’s bank, where you can see and listen to the beautiful flowing river. This is also great for your furry friends to get a drink and cool off in the clear river water. It is a favorite to many bicyclists and walkers alike. Depending on the season, you may see several types of wild flowers in bloom along the way

 

The river splits along this island

The river splits along this island

Toward the end of the trail

Toward the end of the trail

During the peak rafting months, you will need to park at the opposite end of the launch point during the approximate hours of 10:00 AM -5:00 PM , as several rafting companies use this launch point area to stage their rafts for their clients.

Your view from the bridge

Your view from the bridge

 

Guess How Far This Waterfall Is From My Home!

This is near my home!

This is near my home!

This is one of the closest waterfalls from my home. This picture was taken during the wintertime. One of the great things about winter here in the mountains of North Carolina is that it is easier to see magnificent sites like this. If you want to be part of this adventure, contact me.