Parks, beaches and public access
TVA, national forest, state and county parks on the shore, on both sides of the state line.
Hayesville, NC 5
Chatuge Dam Trail Call ahead
TVA/Clay County paved, flat path (about 3 miles round trip) across the top of the dam; reach from Clay County Park or Chatuge Dam Rd off Meyers Chapel Rd.
Clay County Recreation Park Call ahead
County park off Meyers Chapel Rd with a sandy swim beach, playground, boat ramp, kayak/SUP launch, walking and bike paths and three free-by-reservation pavilions; connects to the Chatuge Dam path.
Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area (day use) Call ahead
Nantahala NF peninsula off NC 175 with a boat ramp, fishing pier, swim beach (May-Sept, no pets), picnic area and about 14-15 miles of hiking/biking trails. $5/vehicle beach parking; no alcohol anywhere in the area.
Ledford Chapel Boating Access Area Call ahead
Wildlife access ramp (chamber says three ramps; ramp guide says two lanes, ADA) with a big lot, fishing dock and picnic tables. Operator (NC WRC vs USFS) needs confirming.
Shooting Creek Public Fishing Area Call ahead
NC WRC bank-fishing site with an ADA floating pier that stays usable during drawdowns; NC walleye stockings are released here.
Hiawassee, GA 4
Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge Call ahead
Lakeshore rhododendron garden (3,000+ hybrids, bloom early April-late May) on the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, run by the fair board since 2021. Hours and fee/donation vary by source; also listed at 96 Pavilion Rd.
Lake Chatuge Recreation Area (Chattahoochee NF) Call ahead
Forest Service day-use area off GA 288 with a public boat ramp and a lakeside walking trail, listed 7am-9pm daily. Camping here has been discontinued per several listings; the phone listed is the chamber’s.
Mayor’s Park Boat Landing Call ahead
Free one-lane concrete ADA ramp near downtown Hiawassee, built with Sport Fish Restoration and city funds and dedicated in 2017; part of a planned city park.
Towns County Recreational Beach Call ahead
County swimming beach on US 76 with playgrounds and picnic tables. No street address found.
Checked against each business’s own site or listing in November 2026. Hours change with the seasons and the water level, so call ahead. Something missing or wrong? Tell us.