Hanging Dog Recreation Area, located 5 miles north of Murphy on Hiwassee Lake, offers a boat launch at the end of SR 1447 (accessible June-October for motor boats) and an accessible fishing pier, plus picnic facilities with a large pavilion and vault toilets.

The area features two 1-mile hiking trails and the moderately-difficult 8-mile Ramsey Bluff Mountain Biking System, making it suitable for day-use recreation year-round, though note that the campground has been permanently closed since 2018.