Enjoy a refreshing swim at one of Blue Ridge's public beaches or, if you prefer, enjoy a bit of surrounding nature while taking a dip in the river.

Clyde Holler is your North Georgia Mountain Realtor. A member of the Coldwell Banker High Country Realty team, his expert advice has assisted buyers and sellers throughout the Blue Ridge area, including Fannin, Gilmer & Union counties, as well as parts of Tennessee & North Carolina. Whatever you're looking for, be it a cabin, a family home, a vacation home on the lake, or a property to be used for rental income, Clyde is well suited to meet your specific Blue Ridge real estate needs.

Public Beaches

For my money, the best place to swim in our area is at Morganton Point. There is a small self-service day fee, which can be greatly reduced by buying a season’s pass (which is also good at other forest service parking lots in the area) at the U.S. Forest Service office on the four-lane in Blue Ridge (across from the Ingles shopping center, a bit further east). There is a family pass option that allows you to add up to three cars.

Amenities at Morganton Point include lavatories, changing rooms, and outside showers. There is a lifeguard on duty during specified times. There are some picnic tables, and a forest service campground with additional picnic areas is next door. There is also a boat ramp. Please don’t bring jet skis and boats into the swimming area.

From Blue Ridge, go east on the four-lane approximately four miles to a right on Hwy 60 south. Follow 60 south to Morganton, going straight when the road curves around past the post office. Bradburn’s Grocery and Sporting Goods is on the corner. Turn right just past Bradburn’s, and go to the end of the road.

You can also swim in Union County at Poteete Creek Recreation Area. From Blue Ridge, go approximately six miles to a left on Loving Road. Go to the end, and turn right on 325. Shortly after turning right, you will see the entrance on the left. From Blairsville, go north on 19/129 to a left on 325 at Ivy Log. After you cross the dam, watch for Loving Road on the right. Continuing on 325, the recreation area is on the left shortly after the intersection with Loving Road.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats can be rented by the day or half-day from the Lake Blue Ridge Marina, 706.632.2618. The marina is off Old Highway 76. From the McDonald’s in Blue Ridge, go east several miles to a right on Windy Ridge Road (at the Windy Ridge Conoco and the Food Lion shopping center). Go one block and turn left on Old 76. You will see the sign for the marina before you cross the dam.

On Nottely, you can try the Nottely Marina on 19/129.

River Swimming

There’s a long tradition of dipping in holes in the local rivers and streams. It’s probably safer on the river above the dam, which can be reached by taking Aska Road (from the Food Lion shopping center, turn left on Old 76 and then immediately turn right just after Ace Hardware). There are several access points just before the Shallowford Bridge, or you can cross the bridge, go right, and right again at the first fork. The current can be strong, so exercise caution and be sure you have the proper equipment for youngsters (life jacket, rope).

I don’t recommend dipping in the river below the dam, because the water can rise very suddenly when the TVA releases from the dam, and the current is very swift. It’s no joke. If you insist, please be aware of the release schedule, and know that it is subject to change without notice. You can access it at www.tva.gov.