Lake Nottely
Boating, fishing and quiet coves on a 4,180-acre mountain lake, about 55 minutes from Helen
The short answer
A mountain lake near Blairsville
Lake Nottely sits in Union County, surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, and stretches about 20 miles south toward Blairsville. It's a quieter, more wooded lake than the big Atlanta-area reservoirs, which is the whole appeal: mountain views, long coves and not much noise.
The Tennessee Valley Authority built Nottely Dam in the early 1940s, mainly for flood control and to help regulate flow at Hiwassee Dam. It's a 184-foot-high earth-and-rock dam, 2,300 feet long, and a small generator was added in the 1950s, according to Wikipedia.
Where to get on the water
Start with a marina if you want to rent a boat. Nottely Marina says it has served the lake as a family business for over 30 years, and its site lists rentals, docking and slip reservations. Call before you drive up, since weather and season affect what's available.
| Place | Address | Phone | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottely Marina | 86 Doucette Circle, Blairsville | 706-745-3638 | Boat rentals, slips and lake information; the site lists daily hours of 9 AM to 6:30 PM. Marker #10 on the lake. |
| North Georgia Watersports | 1779 Murphy Hwy, Blairsville | 706-835-1222 | Boat dealership on the Murphy Highway side of the lake. Call to ask about rentals. |
| Poteete Creek Park | Poteete Creek Road, Blairsville | Call before you go | Public park on the lake with a swim beach, boat ramps, picnic areas and a campground. Confirm current fees and the camping season first. |
Details from Nottely Marina and North Georgia Watersports.
Fishing and paddling
Anglers come for bass and other warm-water fish, and early morning is the best time on any mountain lake: calm water, fewer boats, and the fog still lifting off the coves. You'll need a Georgia fishing license for anyone 16 or older, available through GoFishGeorgia. Everyone on a boat should wear a life jacket.
Kayaks and canoes do well in the quiet coves, away from boat traffic. Cell service can be spotty around the shoreline, so download your map before you go.
Where to eat
The Flying Trout near Blairsville is built around local mountain rainbow trout prepared to order, with other fish and Southern dishes on the menu. Check its site for current hours and menus before you plan dinner around it. For more choices, Blairsville's downtown is about 10 to 15 minutes from the lake.
When to go
Spring
Mild days, fewer boats and good fishing. Expect cool mornings.
Summer
Prime time for pontoons and swimming. Weekends are busy, so call about rentals early.
Fall
Color reflects off the water in late October and early November, and the drive over from Helen runs through peak leaf country.
Winter
Quiet and cold. Call before you drive up to see what's open.
Getting there from Helen
Plan on about 55 minutes to the marina area. The drive crosses the mountains on the Russell-Brasstown route, so allow extra time on fall weekends. Pair it with Vogel State Park, Brasstown Bald or downtown Blairsville if you want to make a full day of it.
Questions about Lake Nottely
How big is Lake Nottely?
Lake Nottely covers 4,180 acres behind the Tennessee Valley Authority's Nottely Dam in Union County. It stretches about 20 miles south toward Blairsville, and the surrounding land is mostly national forest.
How far is Lake Nottely from Helen?
The marina area is roughly 55 minutes from downtown Helen by car (about 40 miles), mostly on mountain roads.
Can you rent a boat on Lake Nottely?
Yes. Nottely Marina lists boat rentals and slips and is open daily, and North Georgia Watersports is also on the lake. Call ahead for prices and availability.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older fishing in Georgia needs a license. You can buy one through Georgia DNR's GoFishGeorgia site.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
