Cool Places - Mountains & Lakes of North Georgia

Summer is the best time to explore some of North Georgia largest lakes & recreational facilities.

The many activities range from fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and canoeing. Many Georgia State and county parks offer camping or picnic facilities with beaches and playgrounds. You can also vacation at one of the resorts that have everything from lodging, restaurants, and packaged activities. Real estate and rental companies also offer cabin or house rentals for a weekend stay.

No matter what time you spend exploring North Georgia’s lakes, several marina’s offer everything you need from fishing equipment, to rentals of pontoon boats, jet ski’s, or paddle boats. You can also take a relaxing Sunset Lake Cruise to cool off from the hot summer day.

Smaller lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, in the Georgia State Park facilities are worth the trip for a quiet day of fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, or a day to picnic by a cool mountain stream in the National Forest.

This season’s rainfall has helped all lakes to be at full capacity and is the perfect time to getaway for a summer destination. Just a short driving distance from Atlanta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Asheville, NC; or Greenville, SC – spend an affordable vacation that is fun for the entire family.

Please use this guide to help you plan your trip to North Georgia Lakes in the Mountains.

LAKE NOTTELY is a 4,180 acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline and is popular with those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. Marinas and several public boat ramps offer access at different points. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities. Travel nine miles north on US Highway 19/129, turn left onto Georgia Highway 325, two miles to view 184 foot dam.

Cozy Cove Marina & Cabin Rentals ............................ 706-745-2468

Lake Nottely Campground............................................ 706-745-4523

Nottely Marina ................................................................... 706-745-3638

Poteete Creek Campground ......................................... 706-439-6103 also: Deaver, Canal Lake, and Jacks Creek Boat Ramps

LAKE CHATUGE is a 7,050-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir located on the North Carolina border. Sport fishing is popular at Chatuge, both in the reservoir and in the Hiwassee River below the dam. Wade fishing for trout is popular. Check with the State for all Fishing and boating regulations.

Boundary Waters Resort & Marina .............................706-896-2530

Chatuge Dam Reservation ............................................423-876-6706

Clay County Park ..............................................................828-389-3532

Jackrabbit Mtn Recreation Area ..................................828-837-5152

Lake Chatuge Recreation Area ....................................706-745-6928

Towns Co. Park/Georgia Mtn Fair ................................706-896-2600

LAKE BLUE RIDGE - Located on the Toccoa River in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia. It stretches 11 miles southeast from the Blue Ridge dam. The river flows northwest into Tennessee, where it’s called the Ocoee River. TVA operates this 3,290-acre reservoir on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, GA. The river is noted among fishermen for its sunfish, trout, and bass. There’s a scenic overlook above the dam and a shaded picnic area near the powerhouse. The canoe and kayak launch site below the dam gives non -motorized boaters access to the Toccoa River.

Blue Ridge Dam Reservation ........................................423-876-6706

Blue Ridge Recreation Area ..........................................706-632-3031

Lake Blue Ridge Marina ..................................................706-632-2618

Lakewood Landing Ramp .............................................706-632-3031

Morganton Point Recreation Area.................................706-632-3031

LAKE BURTON/ LAKE RABUN is a 2,775-acre reservoir near Clayton featuring beautiful scenery and large lakeside homes. Its source is the Tallulah River, where the lake is formed by concrete gravity dam managed by the Georgia Power Company, Lake Burton, has 62 miles of shoreline and holds an impressive quality spotted bass fishery.

LaParades Marina ...........................................................706-947-0010

Moccasin Creek State Park ............................................706-947-3194

Tallulah River Boat Ramp ...............................................706-947-3112

Lake Rabun Marina ..........................................................706-782-4936

Rabun Beach ....................................................................706-947-3112

Tallaulah Point ...................................................................706-947-3112

CARTER’S LAKE embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Carters Lake is popular for camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, and mountain biking. Located between Calhoun and Ellijay on the Coosawattee River, this reservoir that was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers is Georgia’s deepest, has 3,220-acres, with steep bluff banks and undeveloped shoreline.

Carters Lake Marina & Resort ....................................... 706-276-4891

Doll Mtn. Campground .................................................. 706-276-4413

Damsite Areas ....................................................................706-334-2248

Woodring Campground..................................................... 706-334-2248