With the dog
Dog-friendly Lake Chatuge
Most of the shore is TVA and national forest land, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
The rules
- TVA land: pets are allowed. Follow the local leash law and clean up after your dog.
- National forest sites (Jackrabbit Mountain, Lake Chatuge Recreation Area): keep dogs leashed in developed areas like campgrounds and day-use areas.
- Beaches: we haven’t found a posted dog rule for Towns County Beach or the Jackrabbit swim area. Keep dogs off swim beaches unless a sign says otherwise.
Good places to go
Jackrabbit Mountain trails
Forest Service trails around the Jackrabbit campground on the North Carolina side, with lake views.
Chatuge Dam Trail
A walking trail at the TVA dam reservation in Clay County, with views up the lake.
Lake Chatuge Recreation Area
A short walking trail along the water on Sunnyside Road in Hiawassee.
Bell Mountain
Drive to the top for 360° views of Hiawassee and the lake.
Know a good dog spot we missed? Tell us.