Lake Nottely is one of many reservoirs of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It has become a popular recreation lake for North Georgia residents including many of those who have vacation and secondary homes on the lake. It is located in entirely in Union County known as Blairsville, Georgia. It consists of mountain backdrops from all parts of the lake and has a lot of fingers offering a lot of shoreline. Formed in 1942 by the damming of the Nottely River, Nottely Reservoir extends 20 miles (30 km) upstream to the town of Blairsville. Its area is 6.531 mi², surface elevation: 1,776 ft., maximum. depth is 30 meters (98 feet). It is a popular fishing lake and the different species of fish reported include rainbow trout, striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie and spotted bass. Approximately 70% of the shoreline is under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service and undeveloped. That means that despite rapid growth in vacation and full-time home ownership on the lake, a large majority of the lake will remain undeveloped. It also guarantees that trees and foliage that produce spectacular fall color will be unaffected by new construction. In recent years, many new homes and properties have contributed to Lake Nottely’s growing importance for recreation. Its proximity to Atlanta (2 hours) is resulting in increased use of this reservoir.
A Little History of Lake Nottely
Construction of Nottely Dam began in 1941 and was completed in 1942. The dam is 184 feet (56 m) high and stretches 2,300 feet (701 m) across the Nottely River. Lake Nottely is approximately 20 miles (32 km) long and 102 feet (31 m) wide as well as an average depth of 10.6 meters (35 ft), a max depth of 98 feet (30 m) at the dam and has a flood-storage capacity of 61,588-acre feet (75,968,000 m3). Its primary purpose was for flood control in the Tennessee River watershed, but in the 1950s a single 15-megawatt generator was installed for power generation.
It’s hard to find The Lake on a map. Yes, that’s how most of us refer to lakes that are considered home, a treasured retreat, or a gathering place to meet friends and family.
Just The Lake. The Lake is familiar. “We’re heading up to The Lake.” “We’re loving living on The Lake.” “We’re looking forward to getting away to The Lake.” For many, in and around Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Fannin and Union counties, Lake Nottely is The Lake. And don’t worry, it’s actually easy to find on a map – about smack-dab central to Atlanta, Knoxville, Asheville and Chattanooga. For those living in those mid-size and big cities, The Lake is an escape from all things that come with higher population density and general city hubbub. It’s recreation, its fabulous views, and it’s quiet time together. But mostly, Lake Nottely is a place to relax. The beauty of life on the lake translating to a sense of peaceful calm and serenity is well documented. It’s also pretty darn obvious. You can feel it in a brilliant sunrise, a stunning sunset and a breathtaking 50-mile view.
While Nottely was first formed as a Tennessee Valley Authority power and flood control project way back in 1942, it has morphed from a power generator into a recreation destination and regional economic driver. Lakes, mountains and beaches tend to do that. People love water, not only for recreation, but also somehow as a reassurance that life on this planet is really quite okay. Water to drink, water to swim in, boat in, and bathe in – it’s all there, you can see it.
Although Lake Nottely has been around for quite a while, somehow, these days, it feels like it’s just being discovered, thanks in part to the growing appeal of Blue Ridge, Blairsville and Murphy, NC as travel destinations. The charm of regional towns — and the North Georgia Mountains in general and especially the growth of the wine industry and craft breweries, as well as festivals and events — all contributes to an overall feeling of well-being. Fourth of July holidays and summer season as a whole is popular on Lake Nottely as well as other area North Georgia Lakes including Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Chatuge.
Public Access
For avid boaters and anglers, Lake Nottely offers quiet back bays, ideal habitat for a wide variety of fish, including black and striped bass, walleye, rainbow trout, crappies, sunfish and bluegill; and open channels enhance the boating experience and encourage boating. Four public boat ramps and two private marinas provide even more of the services boaters need.
For those looking for a bit of intrigue, it’s been rumored that if you scuba dive you might find the remains of the town that flooded when Lake Nottely was created, but if you’d prefer to stay above the water, a 1.7 mile wooded trail winds around the Nottely Dam on the north side of the lake.
There are no hotels on Lake Nottely, but Poteete Campground has 59 campsites, a boat dock and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers; and there are cabins and vacation properties galore.
Lake Nottely is a lively centerpiece in a growing region that’s just hitting its stride as a popular place to vacation or live full-time. If you are considering relocating to the region around Lake Nottely, in Blue Ridge, Blairsivlle, or Murphy, North Carolina, call the local experts who are the Leading Name in Real Estate, Nathan Fitts & Team LLC. To check out local real estate on Lake Nottely,
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Lake Nottely is The Lake for the North Georgia Mountains and located centrally to Atlanta, Knoxville, Asheville and Chattanooga. For those living in those mid-size and big cities, Lake Nottely is an escape from all things that come with higher population density and general city hubbub. With 70% of its shoreline under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service a large majority of the lake will remain undeveloped.
Lake Nottely is one of many reservoirs of the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is located entirely in Union County, Georgia in the United States and within the Chatahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Formed in 1942 by the damming of the Nottely River, Nottely Reservoir extends 20 miles upstream to the town of Blairsville. Wikipedia
Soak up the sun and enjoy a day out on the water! Lake Nottely, a 4,180-acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline, is nestled in the mountains just northwest of Blairsville. The full pool is at 1,779 feet above M.S.L.
This popular lake is great for those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. There are two marinas and several public boat ramps that offer access at different points on Lake Nottely. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities.
There are two marinas and public boat ramps along the Lake. Union County Recreation Department includes Poteete Creek Campground with 59 sites for campers and tents and is open April 1 thru October 15th. There is also a boat ramp, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach area, pavilion, and public restrooms.
