Nottely River in Union County Georgia
Beginning in the upper reaches of the Chattahoochee National Forest in the south central mountainous regions of Union County along the Eastern United States, Western Continental Divide is Nottely River. The watershed of its headwaters follows a steep path down the mountains before entering the fertile valley and pasture-lands of central Union County. This is gold-county a land once laden with creeks sparkling with gold washed down from the gold quarts along the steep slopes of the mountain interior. Gold can still be found here by enthusiastic gold seekers who have a knack and a touch of gold fever, yet it's the Nottely River and its tributaries that now sparkle with mountain trout just waiting for the opportunity to latch onto line and sinker or the draw fly fishermen or women's lure.
The Nottely River's gentle current flows across the valley lands of Union County working its way northward grazing the historic mountain town of Blairsville before filling the shoreline of Lake Nottely. Lake Nottely and its many channels journey across the north central section of Union County and are popular with fishing persons and boating recreation. With so many channels Lake Nottely seems endless with miles and miles of shoreline with many quite coves to fish and explore before the lake breaks open into a much larger expanse of deep lake water, a great destination for bass fishing water skiing and leisure boating.
Lake Nottely is not a year round Recreation Lake, it's a utility lake created by the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority. During the winter the lake is mostly void of water, what's interesting is that the Nottely River reemerges as it follows the lowest path through the bottom of the lake, giving life back to the river's full length claiming its original route for the winter season each year.
Leaving Lake Nottely Dam behind Nottely continues winding northward crossing the state line and entering North Carolina's Cherokee County. A short journey thru Cherokee County delivers the waters of Nottely River into Lake Hiwassee were Nottely River joins hands with the Hiwassee River in the Nantahala National Forest. From the waters and shore line of Lake Hiwassee you get the feeling of being lost deep in the Western North Carolina mountains due to its locked away position behind high ridges and steep mountains. The historic mountain town of Murphy in Cherokee County lies near the southeastern edge of the lake just beyond the Hiwassee River Gorge, the town is not at all visible from any part of the lake or major roadways, isolated in seclusion just off the beaten path. You're going to want to keep your fishing gear handy the many channels on Lake Hiwassee are idea for dropping a line. Nottely River is not a long river just a great river in a popular mountain region.
Plan your Trip and Save it in Your Back Pack
Overview of Union County Georgia
Blairsville Georgia, the County Seat
Township of Suches Georgia
Wilderness Areas & Trails
Appalachian Trail Access
Blood Mountain Wilderness
Brasstown Bald & Wilderness
Brasstown Bald Trails
Chattahoochee National Forest
Cooper's Creek Wilderness
Cooper's Creek Wilderness Trails
Duncan Ridge Trails
Community Resources
Farmers Market & Cannery
Butternut Creek Golf Course & Community Center
University of Georgia Department of Agriculture Mountain Research and Educational Center
History & Culture
Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center
Trackrock Archaeological Site
Union County Georgia History
Union County Historical Society & Museum
Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls
Lake Nottely • Lake Trahlyta • Lake Windfield Scott • Dockery Lake
Nottely River
Parks & Recreation Areas
Meeks Park & Trails
Vogel State Park & Trails
Waterfalls
Scenic Road Trips
Gold City Tour
Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway
Other Union County Scenic Road Trips
Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville GA • Every Tues & Sat ~ June through October
The Union County Farmers Market has over 60 covered vendor spaces in our outdoor setting.
148 Old Smokey Rd • Blairsville, GA • 706.439.6000 • CCFarmersMarket.com
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins
224 Blue Ridge Dr • McCaysville, GA • 877.628.3353 • www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com
Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts
Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Juanita Greenspan • Linda Thompson • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Billy Reynolds • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole • Marla McCormick • Don Milsaps
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 ish - 5:00 ish
10079 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC • 828.835.9982 • www.HighlanderGallery.com
Great Mountain Properties & Cabin Rentals in now accepting additional cabins
Whether you purchased your mountain home as an occasional getaway, an investment, or the destination of your future retirement, we realize the importance that it be respected as your home first and foremost.
It is our objective to provide you with both quality property management as well as a rental program to help offset some of the expense of owning a 2nd home. Through the combined knowledge of all of us at Great Mountain Cabin Rentals, we have the expertise to help you understand and create a Great Mountain Cabin Rental.
896 Green Cove Road • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.835.3275 • www.GreatMountainCabinRentals.com
Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips
So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMountainFishing.com
Rafting on the Ocoee River
Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Rafting on the Nantahala River
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River
Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.
Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275 • GreatMtnAdventures.com
Adventure Camp on the Ocoee & Nantahala Rivers
Catch the surge and ride the rapids on the exciting Ocoee River in Tennessee or North Carolina's Nantahala River for an experience you won't forget. Challenge your skills on the high ropes just for the thrill. Sit tall in the saddle for a leisure ride through the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp out or stay in log cabins while letting the kids sleep in groups in one of several bunkhouse's. We will help you create a custom retreat for you or your group.
tara@greatmountainretreats.com • 828.835.3275 • GreatYouthRetreats.com
Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina
When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.
10886 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902 • 828.557.1009 • GreatMtnRealEstate.com
Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker
224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA • 706-964-6470 • RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com
The Blue Ridge Highlander logo, all photography, design, graphics, artwork, writing, digital images, etc are the Copyright © of C. Wayne Dukes and Sherry Bell Dukes, 1996 to current day, except where otherwise stated. All rights reserved, reproduction, downloading, and/or duplication of any sort is strictly prohibited, all violations will be prosecuted. Legal Policy. If you have any questions, or comments, regarding this site, e-mail the Highlander.