Downtown on the Square
14 VALLEY RIVER AVE.
MURPHY, NC 28906
Office: 828-837-2288
LAKE NOTLEY
Lake Nottely (also called Nottely Reservoir) is one of many reservoirs of the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is located entirely in Union County, Georgia in the United States and within the Chatahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Formed in 1942 by the damming of the Nottely River, Nottely Reservoir extends 20 miles (30 km) upstream to the town of Blairsville.
Construction of Nottely Dam began in 1941 and was completed in 1942. The dam is 184 feet (56 m) high and stretches 2,300 feet (701 m) across the Nottely River. Lake Nottely is approximately 20 miles (32 km) long and 102 feet (31 m) wide as well as an average depth of 10.6 metres (35 ft), a max depth of 98 feet(30 m) at the dam, and has a flood-storage capacity of 61,588 acre feet (75,968,000 m3). Its primary purpose was for flood control in the Tennessee River watershed, but in the 1950s a single 15 megawatt generator was installed for power generation.
Approximately 70% of the shoreline is under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service and undeveloped. In recent years, many new homes and properties have contributed to Lake Nottely's growing importance for recreation. Its proximity to Atlanta (2 hours) is resulting in increased use of this reservoir.
This popular lake is great for those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. There are two marinas and several public boat ramps that offer access at different points on Lake Nottely. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities.
There are two marinas and public boat ramps along the Lake. Union County Recreation Department includes Poteete Creek Campground with 59 sites for campers and tents and is open April 1 thru October 15th. There are also a boat ramp, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach area, pavilion, and public restrooms.
