US-74 (w/US-19/129) Nantahala Gorge
US-74, leading east from Murphy, is 4 lanes. Ah, a freeway, you say. Don't hold your breath. It soon becomes two-lane and, as you climb the mountain, curvy two-lane. But the sight you are about to see on the other side the mountain will be worth the drive for many folks. For the next twenty miles you'll be in the famous Nantahala Gorge - the wild river (one of the most popular world-class white-water rafting spots in the USA). Early spring (during snow melts and spring rains) the gorge becomes ferocious but - unless there has been a long-term drought - the gorge is usually very much alive. You may find it interesting to stop in one of the parking areas (parking space is very dear so don't try to be too picky) and watch the kayaks manuver through the rapids. Most of them are so good they make it look easy: it isn't.
The Nantahala River and US-74 part company at Wesser. A little beyond Wesser NC-28 West splits off to the left and, just before reaching Lauada, you will cross the Little Tennessee River. These two rivers join just north of here and then form Fontana Lake. NC-28 West would take you to Fontana Lake and, if you wish, on into Tennessee. Continuing a little further on US-74 to Lauada, NC-28 East will takes you over the mountains to Franklin if you wish a different, very beautiful route back to US-64.)
Just east of Lauada you will rejoin the 4-lane divided highway - which it remains all the way to Asheville. This 4-lane highway is often overlooked as one of North Carolina's scenic highways - especially in autumn when the colors are really spectacular.
Note: You can put the section of this route between the Robbinsville turn-off of US-129 (start of the Santeetlah Lake route) and the Fontana turn-off of NC-28 (start of the Fontana Lake route) which allows you to make a nice loop through some of the most scenic mountain land in the United States. Driving time for the entire loop (depending upon pauses to enjoy the scenery) is about 2 to 2½ hours.