Lakes
Rivers
Carters Lake

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water at Carters Lake in Gilmer County, Georgia.
Carters Dam is the tallest earthen dam east of Mississippi River. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Carters Lake Project Office
975 Powerhouse Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-334-2248
Carters Lake Marina & Resort
575 Marina Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-276-4891
carterslake.com
Damsite Day Use Area
359 Cove Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-334-2248
recreation.gov
Doll Mountain Day Use Area & Campground
575 Carters Landing Way
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-334-2248
recreation.gov
Northbank Day Use Area
2800 Carters Dam Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-334-2248
recreation.gov
Rereg Dam Day Use Area
10493 Old Highway 41
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-334-2248
recreation.gov
Woodring Day Use Area
5600 Woodring Branch Road
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-334-2248
recreation.gov
DIRECTIONS to Damsite Day Use Area: Head south from Ellijay on Highway 515. Turn right onto Coosawatte Drive, then left onto Progress Road. Turn left onto Old Highway 5 and then right onto GA 382 West. Go 10 miles and turn right onto GA Highway 136 West. After 3.2 miles, turn right onto Carters Dam Road, then right onto Marina Road; and left onto Cove Road.
Cartecay River

Much of the Cartecay River in Ellijay, Georgia, runs along GA 52. While mostly calm, there are some challenging Class I and II rapids.
The Cartecay generally runs from the southeast corner of Gilmer county northwestward, where it meets up with the Ellijay River to form the Coosawattee River.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Rich Mountain: Cartecay Tract
4910 Rock Creek Road
Cherrylog, GA 30522
706-295-6041
Cartecay River Experience
1554 Lower Cartecay
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-531-4746
cartecayriverexperience.com
Ellijay River Outfitters
88 Holt Bridge Road
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-889-8697
tubeellijay.com
DIRECTIONS to DNR Access/Take-Out: From Hwy. 515, head east from Ellijay on GA 52 about 3 miles. Turn right onto Canoe Launch Road, just past the Gilmer County Detention Center, and follow the signs.
Lake Blue Ridge

A birds-eye view of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County, Georgia, showcases the expanse of water and mountains.
The lake is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which releases water from Blue Ridge Dam to generate electricity. The dam also helps reduce flood damage downstream.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-632-2101
Toccoa River & Lake Blue Ridge Map
Capt’n Joe’s Lake Adventures
PO Box 561
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-2165
captnjoeslakeadventures.com
Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area & Boat Ramp
Dry Branch Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-745-6928
fs.usda.gov
Lake Blue Ridge Marina
335 Marina Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-2618
lakeblueridgemarina.com
Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters
26 Bypass Road
Morganton, GA 30560
706-900-4004
lakeblueridgeoutfitters.com
Lakewood Landing Boat Launch
Morganton Point Recreation Area & Campground
475 Lake Drive
Morganton, GA 30560
706-374-1645
cfaia.org website
Wing-N-It Seaplane Adventures
1660 Palmour Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
678-971-9922
wingnitadventures.com
Young Harris Watersports
3676 Highway 76 West
Young Harris, GA 30582
706-896-0834
yhwatersports.com
DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of McDonald’s and Hwy. 5 in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy. 515 east approximately .7 miles to Windy Ridge Road and turn right. Turn left at the stop sign onto Old Hwy. 76 and go 1.7 miles to the dam.
Ellijay River

The Ellijay River meanders 15 miles before it joins the Cartecay River to form the Coosawattee River.
US Forest Service: Conasauga Ranger District
3941 Highway 76
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-695-6736
Ellijay River Vineyards
111 River Birch Lane
Ellijay, GA 30540
770-315-9121
ellijayrivervineyards.com
Harrison Park
0.5 mile from the roundabout on McCutchen Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-276-7700
gilmerrecreation.com
Lake Nottely

Even an aerial view of Lake Nottely in Blairsville, Georgia, doesn’t give you the whole picture.
Lake Nottely (also called Nottely Reservoir) is one of many reservoirs of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Located entirely within Union County, the lake was formed in 1942 by the damming of the Nottely River. Today, Lake Nottely extends 20 miles (30 km) upstream to the town of Blairsville.
With 106 miles of shoreline, 4,180-acre Lake Nottely provides opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. Public access is via two marinas and several public boat ramps. Also, Poteete Creek Park & Campground is a 95-acre facility located on the shores of Lake Nottely. Campers and day visitors alike can enjoy fishing, picnicking and swimming at the sandy beach area. Alternately, visitors to nearby Meeks Park can paddle kayaks and canoes via the Nottely River and into the lake.
For landlubbers, there’s Nottely Reservoir Trail, an easy 1.7-mile trail on the banks of Lake Nottely that’s perfect for hiking and biking. The trail can be accessed from two parking lots about ½ mile from Nottely Dam.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-632-2101
North Georgia WaterSports
2132 Murphy Highway
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-835-1222
northgeorgiawatersports.com
Nottely Marina
86 Doucette Circle
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-3638
nottelymarinainc.com
Nottely Boat Club & Marina
6036 State Highway 325
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-897-9499
coolestplaceingeorgia.com
Wing-N-It Seaplane Adventures
1660 Palmour Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
678-971-9922
wingnitadventures.com
Young Harris Watersports
3676 Highway 76 West
Young Harris, GA 30582
706-896-0834
yhwatersports.com
DIRECTIONS: Nottely Dam is located about 2 miles west of US 11/129 via GA 325 (Nottely Dam Road) in Blairsville. Poteete Creek Campground is another 2½ miles down 325.
Coosawattee River

Relieve the stress of everyday life on a gentle float down the beautiful Coosawattee River.
River Park on the Coosawattee features a 0.75-mile paved walking trail, picnic areas, several pavilions, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, exercise stations, swimming pool and a small playground. It is also home to the Veterans Memorial Bridge & Garden.
Fun fact: The Coosawattee River inspired James Dickey’s 1970 novel, “Deliverance.” Prior to the building of the Carter’s Lake Dam, the river featured extensive whitewater sections of Class III & IV rapids.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Coosawattee WMA
750 Powerhouse Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-295-6041
Coosawattee River Tubing Company
25 Eagle Mountain Drive
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-635-1609
coosawattee.net
Gilmer County River Park
1561 South Main Street
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-276-7700
gilmerrecreation.com
Lake Trahlyta

Vogel State Park in Blairsville, Georgia, is a popular spot for visitors looking to cool off in the lake on hot summer days.
- $5 per vehicle parking fee
- Fishing for trout, bass and perch
- Swimming beach & boat rentals
- Picnic areas & shelters
- Mini golf course & playground
- 17 miles of hiking trails, including an easy lake loop trail
- CCC Museum and general store
- Campsites, rental cabins & event facilities
- Open year-round
Vogel State Park
405 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2628
Vogel State Park
405 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2628
gastateparks.org/Vogel
DIRECTIONS: From Blairsville, take Hwy. 19/129 south about 9.5 miles. Turn right onto Vogel State Park Road.
Toccoa River

Kayakers paddle the Toccoa River in Fannin County, Georgia. It runs north into Tennessee, where it becomes the famous Ocoee River.
The Canoe Trail is great for kayers and canoeists looking for a few rapids and some beautiful scenery. Tubers can relax on a hot summer day and let the river take them downstream. And fly fishermen float and wade the river in search of elusive rainbow trout.
Toccoa River Canoe Trail sections
Deep Hole to Rock Creek Road Bridge: 1.5 miles with good fishing
Rock Creek Road Bridge to Margret: 1.0 miles
Margret to Butt Bridge: 5.8 miles with rapids, campsites and a suspension bridge
Butt Bridge to Dial Bridge: 1.5 miles
Dial Bridge to Sandy Bottoms: 4 miles
Map: Toccoa River Trail
Map: Toccoa River & Lake Blue Ridge
US Forest Service
Blue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6298
A Rolling Thunder River Company
20 Hughes Street
McCaysville, GA 30555
706-492-5720
rollingthunderriverco.com
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking
56 North River Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-258-2411
blueridgemountainkayaking.com
Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters
15 Black Ankle Creek Road
Cherry Log, GA 30522
706-838-0200
jonrontro.com
Shallowford Bridge Tube Rental
70 Shallowford Bridge Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-2462
Facebook page
Toccoa River Tubing Company
340 Toccoa Avenue
McCaysville, GA 30555
706-492-5280
toccoatubing.com
Toccoa Valley Tubing & Campground
11481 Aska Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-838-4317
toccoavalleycampground.com
Toccoa Wilderness Tubing
8436 Aska Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-455-6496
toccoawildernesstubing.com
VanZandt’s Riverwalk Grocery & Grill & Tubing
103 Newport Road
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-838-4158
vansriverwalk.com
DIRECTIONS: The Deep Hole Recreation Area is a USFS campground located off GA Hwy. 60. Launch and parking costs $5 per vehicle. From the McDonald’s restaurant at the intersection of Hwy. 515 and Hwy. 5 in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy. 515 east approx. 4.5 miles to GA Hwy. 60. Turn right on Hwy. 60 and go 0.5 mile to old US 76. Turn left and go 1.5 miles. Turn right on Hwy. 60 and go 14.7 miles to the entrance on the right.
To access the Sandy Bottoms Canoe Take Out: From the McDonald’s restaurant at the intersection of Hwy. 515 and Hwy. 5, follow Hwy. 515 east approx. 0.8 miles to Windy Ridge Rd. Turn right and go 0.2 miles to stop sign. Turn left on old US 76 and go 0.2 miles to Aska Road. Turn right and go 8.5 miles; turn left and cross Shallowford Bridge, then turn right on Shallowford Bridge Rd. Go 1.3 miles to Old Dial Rd. Turn right on Old Dial Rd. and go 0.6 miles to the take out on the right.
Lake Winfield Scott

Lake Winfield Scott offers public recreation areas for swimming, boating, fishing and camping.
- $5 per vehicle day use area for swimming, fishing & boating
- Two picnic shelters available by reservation
- 2-story rental cabin for up to 12 people
- 31 sites for tent and RV camping, plus a group camping area
- Picnic tables, fire rings and grills
- Modern facilities with hot showers
- Open year-round
Cradle of Forestry in America
439 Lake Winfield Scott
Suches, GA 30572
706-747-3816
Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area & Campground
439 Lake Winfield Scott
Suches, GA 30572
706-747-3816
cfaia.org website
DIRECTIONS: From Blairsville, take Hwy. 19/129 south about 9.2 miles. Turn right onto State Route 180 and go 6.8 miles. Turn left onto Lake Winfield Scott Road.
Nottely River

Paddlers in colorful kayaks enjoy the Nottely River in Blairsville, Georgia. A canoe/kayak launch is available in Meeks Park II.
The Nottely River begins below Vogel State Park and travels from south to north through Blairsville into Lake Nottely. Mountain trout fishing is popular, as well as tubing and kayaking. Butternut Creek merges with the Nottely River at Meeks Park, where you’ll also find a canoe/kayak launch area.
Meeks Park
490 Meeks Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-439-6074
unioncountyga.gov
Meeks Park II Canoe Launch
Sid Chandler Road off Old Highway 76
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-439-6074
unioncountyga.gov
Nottely River Campground, Cabins & Tubing
3832 Gainesville Highway
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6711
nottelyrivercampground.com
DIRECTIONS: The Canoe/Kayak Launch at Meeks Park is accessed via Old Highway 76/Blue Ridge Highway. Head west from Blairsville and turn left on Blue Ridge Highway. Go about 1 mile and turn right on Sid Chandler Road (look for the Meeks Park II signs).
Lake Chatuge

Boaters on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Georgia, celebrate Independence Day.
Lake Chatuge attracts boaters, swimmers and fishermen from all over to its shores, which stretch along 130+ miles of coves, inlets and hideouts. Straddling both Georgia and North Carolina, access is easy from both Hiawassee and Young Harris, Georgia. Serious anglers enjoy catching bass (largemouth, spotted, striped and hybrids), catfish, bream and crappie. Rainbow and brown trout can be found upstream in the Hiawassee River.
The Towns County Beach is open free of charge for swimming, sunning, strolling, picnicking and playing on the playground.
Lake Chatuge was created in the early 1940s when the Chatuge Dam was built for flood control and hydroelectric power. Named for an 18th century Cherokee village, Chatuge Dam is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-632-2101
Aqua Tiki
3379 US Highway 76 West
Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-400-2069
aquatiki.net
Towns County Beach & Playground
Highway 76
Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-896-2276
townscountyga.org
Wing-N-It Seaplane Adventures
1660 Palmour Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
678-971-9922
wingnitadventures.com
Young Harris Watersports
3676 Highway 76 West
Young Harris, GA 30582
706-896-0834
yhwatersports.com
DIRECTIONS: The Towns County Recreational Beach & Playground on Lake Chatuge is on US 76 in Hiawassee, across the street from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Hiwassee/Hiawassee River

The Hiwassee/Hiawassee River runs north from Towns County, Georgia, into North Carolina and Tennessee.
Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, Inc.
PO Box 889 / 90 Tennessee Street #D
Murphy, NC 28906
828-837-5414
Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, Inc.
PO Box 889 / 90 Tennessee Street #D
Murphy, NC 28906
828-837-5414