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Lake Nottely, Georgia, USA

Also known as:  Nottely Reservoir

Lake Nottely is one of the best kept secrets in Georgia. The small mountain lake with deep clear water is just two hours from Atlanta, yet most water enthusiasts have not discovered it. About 70 percent of the shoreline is United States Forest Service lands, making boating the 4,180 acre lake a scenic treat. Nottely Reservoir, as it is also known, was created by the Tennessee Valley…
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    • All About Lake Nottely, GA

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Georgia - Northeast Georgia Mountains Region -

    Lake Nottely is one of the best kept secrets in Georgia.

    The small mountain lake with deep clear water is just two hours from Atlanta, yet most water enthusiasts have not discovered it. About 70 percent of the shoreline is United States Forest Service lands, making boating the 4,180 acre lake a scenic treat.

    Nottely Reservoir, as it is also known, was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Construction of the Nottely Dam started in 1941. The 184 foot high dam was completed a year later. It stretches 2,300 feet across the Nottely River. The reservoir itself meanders 20 miles through Union County, Georgia, to the town of Blairsville.

    Lake Nottely rests in between the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the southeastern edge of the Tennessee River watershed. Full pond is 1,779 above mean sea level. The water level of the reservoir varies on average 17 feet over the course of a year, with ranges from 14 to 32 feet.

    Nottely Reservoir was created for flood control and power generation, though it only creates 15,000 kilowatts of power which is not enough to meet local needs.

    Lake Nottely is located entirely in Union County, one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Georgia. The area has a higher than average number of second homes and retirees. Its location roughly two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Asheville and Greenville as well as the availability of quality healthcare are selling points to retirees.

    Nottely Reservoir has a beach and camping areas. The lake is a great place to observe the native wildlife of Georgia, and has become a popular hunting spot.

    Cabin and other vacation rentals are available for vacationers. Personal watercrafts and boats can be rented at area marinas as well, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful mountain views from the porches of their vacation rentals or from the water.

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    Lake Nottely, Georgia Vacation Rentals

    There are plenty of choices when it comes to vacation rentals at Lake Nottely, near Blairsville, Georgia. Check out options for homes, condos and other properties for rent.

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    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.

    The average striper weighs in between six to 15 pounds. The number of fish over 20 pounds is low, but some anglers have reeled in trophy-size catches of more than 40 pounds in weight. For the novice angler, area guides are on stand by to show you some of the lake’s fishing hot spots.

    Union County has four distinct seasons. Winters are mild averaging three inches of snowfall annually. The County’s lush vegetation is nourished by the area’s 65 inches of rain a year.

    The topography is distinctive offering elevations of 1,600 feet to nearly 4,800 feet above sea level. Regardless of the season, the mountain range is a backdrop for beautiful views. The mountains burn with brilliant reds, yellows and oranges when the foliage changes in autumn.

    Near Lake Nottely is Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest parks. It is 10 miles south of Blairsville. Its centerpiece is Lake Trahlyta, named after a Cherokee Princess. The 20-acre lake is used for swimming, paddle boating and fishing. Vogel State Park also has cabins, camping and hiking.

    The Appalachian Trial crosses Union County just four miles south of Vogel State Park. The Walasi-Yi Center at Neel’s Gap is a popular stop with hikers traversing the 2,175-mile trail.

    You may also want to take in the view from Brasstown Bald. It is 20 miles southeast of Blairsville. At 4,784 feet above sea level it is Georgia’s highest mountain. From there you can take in panoramic views of four states. Bring your walking shoes. It is a mile and a half hike from the parking lot to the peak.

    Things to Do at Lake Nottely

    These are some activities in the Lake Nottely, GA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • National Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Nottely?

    Lake Nottely has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Spotted Bass
    • Striped Bass
    • Trout
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Nottely

    If you’re considering a Lake Nottely lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Nottely Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Nottely lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Nottely Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Tennessee Valley Authority

    Surface Area: 4,180 acres

    Shoreline Length: 106 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,776 feet

    Water Volume: 61,588 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1942

    Lake Area-Population: 21,300

    Drainage Area: 214 sq. miles

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    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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