Union County Georgia Parks -Visit Brasstown Bald, Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery and Helton Creek Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Nottely, Meeks Park and more. Stay and Play in GA!
Brasstown Bald in the Chattahoochee National Forest - Visitor Center is on top of Georgia's highest mountain (elevation 4,784 feet). Open 7 days a week late May-October. Facilities at summit, exhibits, video program, observation deck with 360-degree vista. Hike to the summit via 1/2 mile trail or shuttle bus. Gift shop at parking lot. Small fees for parking & shuttle bus. Picnicking, hiking, visitor center & craft shop. The Southern Region's Centennial Quilt will be on dispay April 18-23 in celebration of the Forest Service's 100 year anniversary. Phone: 706-745-6928 - Location: GA Highway 180 Spur - Blairsville Georgia 30512 - Directions: US Hwy 19/129 south from Blairsville to GA Hwy 180
Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery in the Chattahoochee National Forest provides environmental education & public outreach programs to visitors, school groups & other groups. The programs are designed to promote conservation ethics & develop a greater outreach for recreational fishing opportunities. Visitor & education center, visitor kiosk & an opportunity to view the fish in various stages of production. Trout fishing on Rock Creek. US Forest Service campgrounds are located both above & below the hatchery. Three major fishing events are held annually. Phone: 706-838-4723 - 4730 - Address: Rock Creek Rd (GA Hwy 60), Suches Georgia 30572 - Directions: 20 miles south of Morganton off GA Hwy 60.
Helton Creek Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest - Helton Creek Falls Trail (.3 mile) follows Helton Creek to two waterfalls. The trail accesses the lower falls at both the bottom and top of the falls and ends at the bottom of the upper falls. The total vertical drop is more than 100 feet. The rocks are deceptively slippery around these falls. Exercise caution. Open Dusk to Dawn. Phone: 877-745-5789 or 706-745-5789 - Location: US Highway 129 South, Blairsville Georgia 30512 - Directions: Go south on U.S. Hwy. 129 from Blairsville for 11 miles. Turn left on first gravel road past Vogel State Park. Go 2.2 miles. Trailhead is on right.
Lake Nottely - Totally within Union County is Lake Nottely, a 4,180-acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline nestled in the mountains just northwest of Blairsville. Full pool is at 1,779 feet above M.S.L. 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. Phone: 706-745-5789 - Location: US Hwy 19 & 129 N, Blairsville Georgia 30514 - Directions: U.S. Highway 76 to Blairsville
Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest has a clear 18-acre lake high in the mountains with picnicing, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking. Phone: 706-745-6928 - Location: GA Hwy 180, Suches Georgia 30572 - Directions: US Hwy 19/129 to GA Hwy 180.
Meeks Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the North Georgia Mountains. It is located about 1 mile west of Blairsville on Highway 515, and is open to the public. The park was established in 1992 and named after Bill Meeks. The park consists of 4 baseball fields, 2 softball fields and 4 batting cages. It also includes a t-ball field and a utility field which can host an array of activities. Butternut Creek and Nottely River run through the park for fishing and great family picnics. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park as well as plenty of clean restrooms. In addition, there are four covered pavilions that can be used for anything from family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, or company picnics. Dog Walking Path - Now available at Meeks Park, a designated path for walking your pet! Directly across the highway from the park (Highway 515) behind the Senior Center, is a beautiful and private walking area for you and your pet to walk and enjoy the lovely scenery. The pet needs to be on a leash and a stoop and scoop container is also available to keep the area clean. New Skate Park and Basketball Court - Meeks Park has developed a "skate spot", to ensure kids throughout the city have equitable access to safe and legal skateboard facilities. This smaller spot means kids will have access to challenging facilities, for today and the future. Come on over to the Meeks Park for the new Skate Park and Basketball Court. Phone: 706-439-6074 - Location: 11 Pool Lane Blairsville Georgia 30512
Sosebee Cove Scenic Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest - Located in the Brasstown Ranger District, this 175-acre tract of larg, cove hardwood timber is set aside as a memorial to Arthur Woody who served as Ranger from 1918 to 1945. Ranger Woody, the "barefoot ranger" loved this peaceful cove and negotiated its purchase by the Forest Service. A variety of beautiful wildflowers abound in the area and the large Yellow Poplars there are said to be the best-second-growth stand of the species in the nation. Hiking. Phone: 706-745-6928 - Location: GA Highway 180, Blairsville Georgia 30512 - Directions:
US Highways 19/129 S from Blairsville for 10 miles; turn R (W) on GA 180 for 2 miles.
Track Rock Archaeological Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest - Located in the Brasstown Ranger District, this 52-acre area contains preserved petroglyphs of ancient Indian origin from which this mountain gap (or pass) gets its name. These carvings resemble animal and bird tracks, crosses, circles and human footprints. Hiking. Phone: 706-745-6928 - Location: Trackrock Gap Road, Blairsville Georgia 30512 - Directions: US Hwy 76/GA Hwy 515 E for 5.8 miles; turn R (S) on Trackrock Gap Rd. Go 2.2 miles. Parking on R.
Union County Public Pool - The beautiful public swimming pool is for seasonal use only. Call for fees.. Phone: 706-439-6074
