Chatuge Lake

About Chatuge Lake

The beautiful Lake Chatuge (pronounced sha-toog), which stretches from Hayesville, North Carolina, to Lake Hiawassee, Georgia, covers an area of about 3,000 square kilometers, and its picturesque location has earned it the nickname "The Jewel of the Mountains." Cherokee for "land where water meets land," Lake Chatuge offers a unique combination of natural beauty, scenic views and scenic beauty.

The Chatuge Dam was completed in 1942 and was the tallest earthly dam ever built, stretching 144 feet in the air and 2,850 feet in diameter. Lake Chatuge was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the late 1930s and early 1940s to build a dam on the Chattahoochee River to dam part of Lake Hiawasa.

Although the original purpose was to ensure flood protection and water storage in the area, hydroelectric power stations were later added. Today, the dam generates 10,000 kilowatts of electricity and supplies about 1,500 homes and businesses in Tennessee.

At its lowest point, the Chatuge reservoir measured 144 feet, but the average depth of the reservoir is now below 30 feet, as the water level can fluctuate up to 9 feet over the course of a year.

Thirty-two species of fish live in the lake, and many visitors are attracted to the Chatuge reservoir for fishing. Tournament fishing is widespread and several state fishing orders have been withdrawn from its waters.

Lake Chatuge is also home to cappie, sunfish and catfish, and perch are predominant, as well as spotted perch, white perch, white perch and blueperch. Trout fishing is also popular in Lake Hiawasbelow the Chatuge Dam; concrete barriers built to increase the oxygen content of the water provide ideal habitats for trout.

Even if the fish don't bite, Chatuge Lake can be explored as a destination for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and other recreational activities.

The winding coastline creates hidden bays and islands that attract boaters, and the lake is accessible by boat. Bring a motorboat or jet ski and spend a lazy day canoeing or kayaking on the lake and feel the wind in your hair. There are also several commercial marinas that offer boat and jet ski rentals.

There are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking and swimming, and there is a recreation area at Jackrabbit Mountain. After a long hike, you can swim in one of the many swimming pools of the lake and practice a variety of water sports such as canoeing, kayaking or swimming.

Showers and toilets are conveniently available to visitors, and there is also a shower and toilet for visitors at the Lake Chatuge Visitor Center on Jackrabbit Mountain.

Clay County is a popular family destination, and the Chatuge Lake area offers even more adventure opportunities. Campers can relax in the shade of the trees, while the sound of the water on the shore lulls the campsites around the lake. The park has behaved well, there are no fences and no signs of transgressions, only a small number of campers.

The nearby Ocoee River is also popular with white water rafters, and the weir north of the Chatuge Dam is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and other recreational activities.

Other popular activities include horse riding on nearby mountain trails, hiking and mountain biking. Many of the amenities on the shores of Lake Chatuge are protected from development by development, such as a park, golf course, amphitheater and playground.

With its largely undisturbed beauty, the lake is a popular destination for those seeking peace and seclusion in a natural environment. With its beautiful view of Lake Chatuge, it is easy to see why this jewel in the mountains is such a hidden gem.