Carters Lake

Carters Lake is one of the coolest things about the area, in my opinion.  We have been going to Ellijay for years because my brother has a cabin about 7 miles away from The Nest. 

Check out the view of the lake from the back deck of his cabin. You can see from the date on the pic, this is a couple of years ago. You won't be able to get this perspective from down on the lake but I wanted you to be able to see it.

If you stay at The Nest and love the water, I really recommend you check out the Marina on Carters Lake (see below). The marina will rent boats so you can see the lake for yourself. Click [HERE] to visit their website for boat rental information. 

 

 

 Carters Lake is a Corp of Engineer project, so there is no private property with lake access. You can access the lake through the marina or several parks with boat access. Please note, there are fees to enter the parks and marina area. There are two parks within 7 miles of The Nest for a great day on the lake and have a picnic. Click [HERE] to learn more about these parks. Harris Branch Recreation Area is the only public swimming area on Carters Lake. The beach area is known as the Red Neck Riviera.  Click [HERE] for information about Harris Branch.

Click [HERE] to view a map of Carters Lake. Notice Coosawattee River, top right, and 382. You turn right on 382 when leaving The Nest out of the Eagle Mountain gate. You will go between 6-7 miles and come to Doll Mountain Park first; then Harris Branch. Both are on 382. Be looking for the signs. 

To get to the marina, you will continue to travel on 382 to 136. Turn right on 136. It will be several miles but be looking for the signs to the marina. You will access the marina and the Dam Recreation Area from the same turn off of 136. Click [HERE] and [HERE] to learn more about Carters Lake and the Dam.

 

An interesting fact about Carters Lake is that they dammed the Coosawattee River to create Carters Lake. Yes, the same Coosawatte River where The Nest is. Apparently, the Coosawattee was quite a white water destination before the dam and has links to the movie, Deliverance.

Here are a few of my favorite pics taken while on my brother's boat.

 Notice the tree on top. This is the Dam Recreation Are. I find it all to be  quite impressive and very interesting. The recreation area has tables and restrooms, and is another great place for a picnic. On some of the sites I have linked, you may read something about reserving sites at these parks. This is only needed for a large group. Otherwise, just show up and pick a great spot for an awesome view of the lake. Don't forget, Harris Branch is the only park with swimming access. If you go swimming, don't be surprised when the fish nibble bite. I'm serious, if you don't keep moving, they'll let you know they are there. I think it's part of the adventure. When I have been swimming, it's been right off of the boat in the middle of the lake, not at Harris Branch so I'm not sure if they are so brave in that area or not. I just don't want you to be surprised when you feel a nibble.

If you notice the irregular shape of the lake from the map link I posted, that is created from all the valleys of those hills. Literally, the Coosawattee River is at the base of Carters Lake. With the dam, the water rises up those mountains to the level we see.

I hope you will check out the lake, whether it's from a rented boat, one of the recreation areas or hiking trails. It is one of the THINGS TO DO while visiting The Nest for sure.

Must See

There are endless things to do while visiting The Nest.

Gibbs Gardens
A new place that opened early March 2012 is a MUST SEE. It is about an hour's drive or less from The Nest.  If you like landscaping and nature, you'll want to go. It's a botanical garden with over 200 acres to walk around. It was beautiful!! Cost is $20. It might seem pricey but if you love gardens, want a slow leisurely walk with awesome venues every turn you take, you will love Gibbs Gardens. You can walk around as much as you want, with plenty of places to sit and relax. There is a sandwich shop and a great place outdoors to eat. I had a sandwich on walnut-cranberry bread. The bread is baked fresh by a nearby bakery. It was yummy!! You will be in awe of the beauty, landscape, water ponds, blooming bushes or flowers, Japanese Maples. It truly was amazing. 

They have it designed where every month has something different to see.  Click [HERE] to visit their website. I have a few pictures below from the day I was there but believe me - like we always say - the pictures don't do it justice. 

Here's a close up of that tree. I wish I could remember the name of this tree or bush.  They were all over the place and crazy, full of blooms. One thing about  Gibbs Gardens - they have strategically planted to have some kind of color or blooms throughout the months they are open, which is March thru November.

They have quite a few bronze sculptures, as well.

It had rained during the night so everything was lush and green.
I have a feeling that it might be that way no matter when you're there.

I think we were just before the azaleas and rhododendrons blooming. I think that's one pink azalea in the back there. I can't imagine how pretty it would be. I can't wait to be there in the fall to see the fall gorgeousness!! (Sigh!)