4 minute read
Community Spotlight
Find peace in the still mountain waters of Blairsville, Georgia
Have you dreamed of sitting beside the still blue waters in a Mountain Paradise? Look no further than Union County and the beautiful surrounding mountains of Blairsville, Georgia.
Known for its year round recreational areas The Chattahoochee National Forest in Union County covers more than 98,000 acres. A vast and endless watershed from the Tennessee Valley flows down the Nottley River and creates lakes, creeks, streams, and branches. As the river continues to flow south it creates many branches known as the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area. These clear waters run along miles of hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.
Just off Hwy. 129 / 19 North is Lake Nottley, one of Georgia’s best kept secrets that has 70 percent of the shoreline located in US Forest Service lands. This beautiful 4,180 acre lake has a dam reservoir that features a beach, camping area, hiking and is a popular place for viewing wildlife. Lake Nottely is also known for its diverse population of fish. The most common types are largemouth bass, spotted bass and crappie. There are also black and striped bass, walleye and rainbow trout. The state stocks the water to give anglers more opportunities. Many water sports outlets provide fishing supplies, seasonal boating & jet ski rentals to help you enjoy this beautiful scenic mountain paradise.
The centerpiece of Blairsville sits off the four lane with a round-about circling the Old Courthouse which was built in 1899 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places with a Museum that is open to the public. Visitors enjoy hearing the nightly bell music from the tower and Friday Night Concerts of local bands and Gospel singings May – October.
History in downtown Blairsville also continues at the Mountain Life Museum, which replicates life in the early days. The Mock House circa 1906 and Payne Cabin, Barn and Corn-crib is restored for visitors to see early life of settlers. Other historical sites include The Reece Farm & Heritage Center, homestead of the famous poet Byron Herbert Reece as you continue down Hwy. 129/19 South.
Just to the south of those historical sites sits 233-acres of recreation at Vogel State Park. See the clear blue waters of Trahlyta Lake as you follow walking trails around it and view Trahlyta Waterfalls. The park offers Hiking trails, campsites, cabins,
picnic facilities, and activities like geocaching. The 22 acre lake is great for fishing or non-motorized boating activities.
Many visitors also enjoy the rushing cascades of Helton Creek Falls which has a vertical drop more than 100 feet. The trail accesses the lower falls at both the bottom and top of the falls and ends at the bottom of the upper falls. The rocks are deceptively slippery around these falls, so please exercise caution. The trail to the falls are located off Hwy. 129/19 South on Helton Creek Road.
Further down the Nottley River Corridor of Hwy. 129/19 is Desota Falls Trail , a 650-acre recreation area. There are five beautiful waterfalls along the 3-mile section where hikers can access three of the falls, designated as the lower, middle, and upper DeSoto Falls. The lower falls cascade 20 feet, while the middle and the most scenic falls drop 80 feet. Water at the upper falls surges down a granite rock incline for almost 200 feet and may be viewed from the flat, granite formation which overlooks the falls.
To get away from it all, Lake Winfield Scott is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers a 18 acre lake that is quiet for camping or hiking and has a swimming and pavilion area. From Highway 129/19 take Hwy. 180 and follow the signs.
The remote community of Suches is picturesque and features the historic stone structure of Woody Gap School on Hwy. 60 and is home to the small, yet beautiful Woody Lake. The popular autumn season ‘Indian Summer Festival’ is held in Suches annually with arts and entertainment.
Many people come to Blairsville because of their year round events. Visitors love the festivals throughout the year that include Spring Arts & Music Festival, Blairsville Scottish Festival, The Butternut Creek Festival and the Annual Sorghum Festival for great food and entertainment. The recreational opportunities and beautiful scenery invite people to lodge in cabins, retreats, and campgrounds located throughout Blairsville for family vacations, weddings, and weekend getaways.
