Lake Chatuge on the Georgia-Carolina Line
A 7,000-acre mountain lake about 35 minutes north of Helen
The short answer
Why Chatuge
Lake Chatuge is where the mountains give way to wide, open water. It runs 13 miles along the Georgia-North Carolina line, with the town of Hiawassee on the Georgia shore and Hayesville across the line. It's the most open lake within an easy drive of Helen, which makes it the one to pick if you want room to run a boat, fish a long shoreline, or just see big water with mountains behind it.
The Tennessee Valley Authority built the dam in 1942 and still runs the lake. The reservoir covers about 7,000 acres and about 132 miles of shoreline, with an average depth around 30 feet. Local tourism information is on the Towns County tourism site.
Lake Chatuge at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina |
| Size | About 7,000 acres, 13 miles long, roughly 132 miles of shoreline |
| Built | TVA finished Chatuge Dam in 1942; the lake averages about 30 feet deep and reaches 144 feet by the dam |
| Level swings | About 10 feet over the year for flood control |
| Drive from Helen | About 35 minutes (21 miles) to Hiawassee |
| Heads up | TVA has announced extra drawdown for dam spillway repairs starting in late 2027 |
Getting on the water
| Business | Where | What you get | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boundary Waters Resort & Marina | 107 Boundary Waters Drive, Hiawassee | About 30 powerboats (pontoons, tritoons, ski and wakeboard boats, jet skis), plus canoes and kayaks; 200 covered slips; lakefront cabins | 706-896-2530 |
| Lake Chatuge Marine | 2300 Highway 76, Hiawassee | Late-model tritoons, online reservations. Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM, Sat 9 AM to 2 PM | 706-896-2835 |
| North Georgia Watersports | 1779 Murphy Highway, Blairsville | Kayaks, canoes, pontoons, jet skis and wake boats for Chatuge, Nottely and other lakes. Daily 9 AM to 6 PM, online booking | 706-835-1222 |
Hours and services checked on each business's own site in October 2026; prices vary by boat and season, so ask when you book. Compare with the other lakes near Helen.
Ramps and camping
The Forest Service's Lake Chatuge Recreation Area off Sunnyside Road in Hiawassee has a boat ramp for motorboats and is listed as free. On the North Carolina side, Jackrabbit Mountain Campground in Hayesville has camping and a ramp. Tent and RV sites fill on summer and leaf-season weekends, so book early.
Fishing
The lake holds around 30 species, including spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, white bass, trout and bluegill. Bass fishing is the draw, and the tournament schedule keeps the ramps busy on spring and fall weekends. Anglers 16 and older need a license. Georgia and North Carolina share a reciprocal arrangement on the lake; check Georgia DNR before fishing from the NC side.
Hiawassee and the drive home
Hiawassee is the Georgia hub. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds host the Georgia Mountain Fair and other events, and the town has places to eat and stock up on supplies. Back toward Helen you can stop at Unicoi State Park or one of the waterfalls in our waterfall guide, and Brasstown Bald is about 40 minutes from Helen on the way around.
Tips
Check levels first
TVA moves the lake about 10 feet a year. Ask a marina where the water is before you plan a dock-to-dock day.
Go early
Mornings are calm; afternoon wind builds on open stretches, and weekend traffic builds with it.
Pack for cold water
Even in summer, water in the deeper main lake is cold. Wear a life jacket and keep kids in theirs.
Make it a loop
Helen to Hiawassee is about 35 minutes. Add Brasstown Bald or Vogel State Park to turn it into a full day.
See also Lake Burton for another mountain lake option and swimming lakes in North Georgia.
Common questions
How far is Lake Chatuge from Helen?
About 21 miles to Hiawassee, roughly 35 minutes without traffic.
Can I rent a boat on Lake Chatuge?
Yes. Boundary Waters Resort & Marina (706-896-2530) and Lake Chatuge Marine (706-896-2835) both rent pontoons and tritoons, and North Georgia Watersports (706-835-1222) rents kayaks, pontoons and jet skis. Rental prices vary by boat and season, so ask when you book.
Do I need a fishing license?
Anglers 16 and older need a license. Georgia and North Carolina have a reciprocal arrangement on Chatuge, but confirm the current rules with Georgia DNR before you fish from the NC side.
Is there a free public boat ramp?
The Forest Service's Lake Chatuge Recreation Area off Sunnyside Road near Hiawassee has a boat ramp and is listed as free to use.
Will water levels change?
Yes. TVA moves the lake about 10 feet over the year, and it has announced additional drawdown starting in late 2027 for dam repairs. Check with TVA or a marina before planning around docks.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
