One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in Georgia Is Surprisingly Overlooked

There are few things I enjoy more than spending a day on the lake. Luckily for us, there are plenty of amazing lakes in Georgia to cool off on a hot summer day. While most folks flock to Lake Lanier or Lake Oconee, there’s one special hidden lake in Georgia that’s surprisingly overlooked. If you love a scenic lake with a view of the mountains, then you’ll absolutely adore Lake Nottely.

What Makes This Lake So Beautiful

You’ll find Lake Nottely (also known as Nottely Reservoir) tucked away in the North Georgia mountains near Blairsville. The 4,180-acre man-made lake was created when the Nottely Dam was completed in 1942. Boasting more than 100 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this hidden lake in Georgia is the place to be for anyone looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Georgia’s beautiful natural landscape.

What You Can Do at This Lake

Swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing are all popular things to do at Lake Nottely. For those who want to stay on land, the Nottely Reservoir Trail is a beautiful 2.7-mile waterfront trail that offers great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, with a few sections where you can step off the trail and get down to the water. I love this scenic hiking trail; it's a wonderful spot for a peaceful walk and to enjoy the views. You might easily have the trail all to yourself, which is always a win.

Several campgrounds near Lake Nottely offer beach access and recreation areas with picnic tables and hangout spots. Many charge a small fee to use the beach and boat ramp, typically around $5. If you'd like to turn the day trip into a weekend getaway, there are plenty of camping options, too.

The best way to enjoy the lake is to get out on the water. Nottely Boat Club and Marina offers tri-toon boat rentals, and Nottely Marina is the go-to source for fishing boats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. If you’re an angler, even better! Lake Nottely is a great place for fishing in Georgia. Striped bass is the lake’s prime attraction, but you can also catch largemouth bass, crappie, and panfish with a little luck and the right bait. 

What To Know Before You Go

Sometimes the Nottely Marina hosts movie nights where you can watch a movie on a 20-foot screen. Dock slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’re encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. It’s a free event, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Visit the website for the Nottley Marina to see what’s playing next. They have the schedule through Halloween posted, so try to make it to at least one of these unique events in North Georgia!

Lake Nottely may be one of the most underrated lakes in Georgia. Its rugged, raw, untouched shoreline makes you feel like you’re a million miles away from everything, and you kind of are. It’s one of those hidden gems that’s well worth the road trip. For more fun in the sun, check out these 10 gorgeous lakes in Georgia, perfect for summer.