Union County Georgia Lakes

fishing hiking Swimming bathrooms picnicking

The mountains, lakes and pristine waterways make Union County so special.  Lake Nottely lies in the central northern end of the county. This man-made lake constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority forms a 4,180-acre utility lake. The lake reaches full pool status from May through August and is fed by the Nottely River as well as other creeks and streams.

Lake Nottely

Lake Nottely in Blairsville GeorgiaSurrounded by small mountains and ridges are the crystal blue waters of Lake Nottely. Also seen from the Nottely Dam overlook located along Nottely Dam Road, is a spectacular southern view along the horizon of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountain Range. A TVA plaques tells the story of these man-made lakes.

Spring and Summer are the seasons draws the most visitors with boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing and camping, on and along its fresh crystal blue waters. Lake Nottely Dam is located at the northern end of the lake where the lake waters are the deepest and broadest. Dozens of miles of channels make up the majority of the lake's bountiful waters with quiet coves and special fishing spots. A pontoon boat trip can drift away the hours offering a leisurely journey lost to the outside world.

The lake is located in the central northwest region of Union County. The lake’s most southern point begins along the outer western edge of Blairsville and ends at the dam along the northern end above the Nottely River and powerhouse.

Poteete Creek ParkThe lake is 20-miles long with 106-miles of shoreline, and has 4,180-acres of water surface at normal capacity. The dam was built in 1941 and is under the control of Tennessee Valley Authority. A large portion of the lake is bordered by the Chattahoochee National Forest, where as the shorelines are also populated with vacation homes and full time residences. The lake is ideal for watercraft recreation, swimming and fishing. Lake Nottely was constructed as a reservoir-utility lake for flood control and power generation. Campgrounds are also available along the shoreline including the popular Poteete Creek Park and Campground.

The Nottely River, local creeks, and streams, provide the majority of the waters feeding Lake Nottely. The lake was also constructed with numerous channels, which are ideal for quiet fishing holes, that anglers enjoy so much. The lake’s watercraft recreation access is supported by two privately operated marinas, and several boat launches. Lake Nottely is stocked by the state of Georgia and noted for its excellent fishing opportunities. Lake fish consist of black and striped bass, walleye, rainbow trout, bass and more.

Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park

Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State ParkLake Trahlyta a 22-acre lake in Vogel State Park, is located along US/19/129 at roughly 2,500 feet in elevation. Lake Trahlyta is named after the Cherokee princess Trahlyta. This mountain parkland offers a cool temperature advantage during the summer heat. Vogel State Park is considered one of the finest state parks in all of Georgia. Cradled deep within a cove along the lower northern slopes of Blood Mountain, the parkland is uniquely laid out forming a mountain atmosphere like non-other.

Vogel State Park offers access to a Visitor's Center , campsites, cottages, picnic shelters, tables and grills, restrooms, showers, and a picturesque lake stocked with trout. Licensed fishing is allowed. Lake Trahlyta’s access to water recreation includes a swimming beach and paddle-boats, only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake.

Lake Winfield Scott

Lake Winfield ScottLake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is a hidden gem of tranquil beauty whose crystal blue waters are complemented by the towering mountains reflecting off the lakes shimmering pristine waters. The 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott, is located along GA/180 along the edge of the upper valley community township of Suches. This recreation area offers fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, a swimming area, camping, and a boat launch.

Anglers will be delighted to know that the lake and local streams are stocked with rainbow trout. Only electric motor driven boats and self-propelled watercraft are allowed on the lake. There’s a large pavilion overlooking the lake that is ideal for group gatherings and picnics both large and small. A hiking trail follows along the entire lake shoreline.

There are two entrances to Winfield Scott Recreation Area. The eastern parking area nearest to the dam is for day visitors, casual hikers or anglers. Up the road a piece is the main western entrance to the campground and recreation area. Located in the recreation area is an inviting swimming area, a boat launch, a pavilion, picnic tables, and other trailheads for hiking.

Dockery Lake

This lake is managed as a put-and-take trout fishery with approximately 9,000 cacheable trout stocked annually by the Georgia Game and Fish Division. The Forest Service operates a camping area adjacent to the lake. Fishing is normally limited to the regular trout season is the last Saturday in March through October 31st each year.