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Lake Blue Ridge

is a 3,290-acre lake, providing over 100 miles of mostly public shoreline. The surrounding area has National Forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full service marina and public swimming and picnic areas, including Morganton Point and Lake Blue Ridge Recreation areas. Lake Blue Ridge is the only small-mouth bass lake in Georgia and the only lake in the state where you can catch a Muskie, a game fish of the Pike family. All kind of water adventures are available on Lake Blue Ridge from fishing to pontoon boating, waterskiing, paddleboarding, kayaking or just picnicking and relaxing on the shores of this gorgeous mountain lake. 1 Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area Free Boat Ramp Located two miles from the intersection of Hwy. 76 and Aska Road, the Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service passive recreation area with a nice view of Lake Blue Ridge and a free boat ramp. The area is also a good place for quiet walks and easy bike rides.

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1. Morganton Point is the place to take the kids to the “beach” on Lake Blue Ridge. The recreation area offers a boat ramp, 43 unit campground and a picnic area with a covered pavilion for family gatherings. The beach area has a concession, public bathrooms and showers. Open April through the end of October. From the intersection of Hwy 515 and Hwy 5 (McDonalds) in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy 515 East approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Hwy 60. Turn right and go to the stop sign; then turn left on Hwy 60. Go 1.5 miles into Morganton and turn right on Lake Drive which will take you to the park entrance in approximately 5 miles.

2. Lake Blue Ridge Marina offers boat sales and storage, pontoon, boat ramp, marina store and bar & grill.

Toccoa River

flows throught some of the most spectacular mountian scenery in North Georgia for about 60 miles to where it crosses the state line into Tennessee. Blue Ridge Lake is located approxiamately halfway between the Toccoa River's origin and its exit point from Georgia. The section of the river above Blue Ridge Lake is known as the upper Toccoa and the remaining portion in Georgia is called the lower Toccoa. When the river crosses the state line into Tennessee, it is known as the Occee River. The upper Toccoa is a popular locaion for conoeing, kayaking and tubing. The lower Toccoa is renowned for being the best tail water trout fishery in Georgia.

The river is a dam-controlled river and TVA releases water as they deem necessary-sometimes daily. Water levels and speed can change significantly after water is released from the dam. Before water is released, the river is shallower and slower. After water is released, the river rises 2 to 3 feet and picks up speed considerably. This is NOT like a lake. Non-swimmers should not get in the river during high water.

Water release is controlled by TVA and subject to change without notice. TVA does not make reliable water release times available to us ahead of time so we are unable to be more specific regarding how long it will take you to get down the river.

The depth of the water changes from place to place in the river and there may be small rapids and rocks along the way. This trip is suitable for most people who can swim (unless there is swift water) but there is risk associated with all water related activities and you will be required to sign a waiver of liability prior to beginning your river trip. There are no safety personnel on the river so you are responsible for your own safety. Please be careful and keep your life jacket securely fastened at all times.

1. Curtis Switch

Take-out point for approx. 2 hour trip down the Toccoa River from just below the Blue Ridge dam. Can also put in here to paddle to McCaysville, where you can take out at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park on the right or the McCaysville City Park further down on the left. Launch Point with Free Parking.

2. Tammen Park

Tammen Park is located on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge. Amenities at the park include a softball field, playgrounds, shelters, restrooms, kayak and canoe launch and easy river access for fishing. Take out a Curtis Switch for a 2 hour trip, if your looking for a 4 hour trip, take out at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park. If your looking for a 5+ hour trip take out at McCaysville City Park further down on the left.

Nottley Lake

Lake Nottely (also called Nottely Reservoir) is one of many reservoirs of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Located entirely within Union County, the lake was formed in 1942 by the damming of the Nottely River. Today, Lake Nottely extends 20 miles (30 km) upstream to the town of Blairsville.

With 106 miles of shoreline, 4,180-acre Lake Nottely provides opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. Public access is via two marinas and several public boat ramps. Also, Poteete Creek Park & Campground is a 95-acre facility located on the shores of Lake Nottely. Campers and day visitors alike can enjoy fishing, picnicking and swimming at the sandy beach area. Alternately, visitors to nearby Meeks Park can paddle kayaks and canoes via the Nottely River and into the lake.