Blairsville-Union County is one of the best possible places
to get out and enjoy nature at its finest and most pristine. Whether you are taking in the view from atop Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, paddling across Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park, hiking the trails at Meeks Park, or riding a pontoon boat across Lake Nottely, you will find Blairsville-Union County to be the place where adventures and memories are made.
Lake Nottely
The 4,180-acre Lake Nottely Reservoir, with 106 miles of shoreline, has many places to enjoy boating, jet skiing and fishing. In addition to accessing the public boat ramps, you can rent boats, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at Nottely Marina, North Georgia Watersports and The Cove at Nottely Boat Club and Marina.
Lake Nottely Reservoir features a beach and camping area and is a great place for viewing wildlife. For anglers, Nottely is noted for its black and striped bass, walleye, rainbow trout and bass which the state of Georgia has stocked to enhance fishing opportunities.
Vogel State Park
One of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved state parks, Vogel State Park sits at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. A haven for hikers, visitors can choose from trails shorter than a mile or over 73 miles, and the park's 22-acre Lake Trahlyta is open to non-motorized boats. During summer, visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach or visit Wolf Creek waterfall that spills from the lake, also known as Trahlyta Lake Falls.
With many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during our nation's Great Depression, this park is rich in history. The "CCC Boys" story is told in the park's museum, open seasonally.
Cottages, campsites and primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations.
Brasstown Bald
Enjoy breathtaking sights at 4,784 feet above sea level atop Georgia's tallest peak, Brasstown Bald. The Brasstown Bald Visitors Center and Observation Deck, open May through November, offers 360-degree views of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and beyond. On a clear day, you can see four states without a telescope!
The Observation Deck, open 10am to 5pm daily, charges $5 per person admission for visitors age 16+ and includes a shuttle ride. Visitors can also choose to hike to the top of Brasstown Bald using the paved trail.
Brasstown Bald is a family-friendly attraction perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Make sure you visit the gift shop!
Meeks Park
Home to various festivals including the Scottish Festival, the Butternut Creek Festival and the Sorghum Festival, Meeks Park is one of the most scenic parks in the North Georgia Mountains. One mile west of Blairsville, Meeks Park is found on Highway 515 across from North Georgia Technical College.
The park is home to seven ball fields, four batting cages, a playground, a skateboard park, basketball court, tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, splash pad and swimming pool, paved and unpaved nature trails, kayak and canoe launch on the Nottely River, a dog park, several pavilions and other amenities.
A pet-friendly dog park across the street from the main park has over a mile of trails, a fenced in off-leash area, two pens, clean-up bags, lake access for Fido to swim, and a state-of-the-art doggie drinking fountain!
Butternut Creek and Nottely River flow through the park, making for scenic picnic spots and places to throw in a fishing line. There are plenty of tables, benches and swings for relaxing under the shady oaks.
Lake Winfield Scott
Surrounded by a canopy of towering hardwoods, camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking, Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area offers outdoor adventure all four seasons. The Lake Winfield Scott Beach includes a designated swimming area, picnic tables, bathhouse, pavilions and playground.
Eighteen-acre Lake Winfield Scott is open to hand-powered and electric motorboats only. Fishing for catfish, trout, perch, brim and bass is a popular activity.
Day-use hiking trails are found within the recreation area, including a 0.4-mile trail that parallels the lake shore. The 1-mile Jarrard Gap Trail and 2.7-mile Slaughter Creek Trail both connect to the Appalachian Trail.
