Ellijay
www.ellijaylandmasters.com/area_information.htm
Carters Lake
carters.sam.usace.army.mil
Carters Lake is the deepest lake in the Southeast and one of the most beautiful. Carters Lake is located on the Coosawattee River , which is a headwaters tributary off the Coosa River . Carters lake spans three counties, Gilmer, Murray, and Gordon . There are many things to do and see: fishing, biking, hiking, camping, hunting, boating, swimming,
Boating
Carters Lake has six public boat ramps available throughout the year. Boat ramps are located at Damsite, Doll Mountain , Woodring Branch, Ridgeway, and Carters Lake Marina . For the most current Lake Information , call 706-334-2248.
Beaches and Swimming
In addition to the private lake at the Step Away Lodge there is a public beach on Carters Lake .
It is located off GA Hwy 382 at Harris Branch. It is Open May 7, 2004 through Labor Day.
Fishing
The private lake at Step Away Lodge is stocked with bass, brim & catfish, catch and release only. Bring your fishing gear to use during your stay at the lodge. In addition to fishing on the private lake, fishing opportunities also exist on Carters Lake and in the tailwater downstream of the reregulation dam, fishing license needed. Carter's lake is stocked by the Georgia DNR for Walleye and Striped Bass, and supports a good population of Bluegill, sunfish, white bass, drum, buffalo, and catfish.
Mountain Biking
carters.sam.usace.army.mil/bike.htm
The Ridgeway mountain bike trail system is located in Ridgeway Park at Carters Lake . Riders pass through mountain vegetation along high ridges that overlook deep clear water, and then descend to cross small creeks. The main trail is a loop approximately 6 miles long. Several other short trails exist within the park that allow for longer rides. The trail can be accessed from several points along the main road. Ridgeway is located off GA Hwy 282/76 approximately 8 miles west of Ellijay , Ga. To get there, turn off 282/76 at the Ridgeway entrance sign and follow the access road into the park. Hunting
Hunting is not permitted at the Step Away Lodge, but is permitted on most of the public land adjacent to Carter's Lake . Please consult the Georgia Hunting and Fishing regulations for additional information.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Post Office Box 96
Oakman , Georgia 30732-0096
Phone: (706) 334-2248
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resource Division
2592 Floyd Springs Road, NE
Armuchee , Georgia 30105
Phone: (706) 295-6401
Horseback Riding
http://n-georgia.com/horsebac.htm
http://www.databrook.com/users/gbandt
Information about mountain horseback riding can be obtained by contacting the Chambers of Commerce for outfitters in a particular area. The U.S. Forest Service opened new trails during 1990. Call the Forest Service, 770-297-3000 for additional information.
Gilmer County
Gilmer County is known as Georgia 's Apple Capital and produces nearly 600,000 bushels of apples yearly. The Georgia Apple Festival is held yearly the second and third weekend of October. The Chamber of Commerce is located in East Ellijay off Hwy 515.
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce
368 Craig Street
East Ellijay , Georgia 30539
706-635-7400
Some of the Historic sites of Gilmer County are the Chieftains Trail, which is a tour of Native American Sites, the Ellijay City Cemetery , Fort Mountain , and Kell Farm. The city of Ellijay is a must-see. The Historical Square has plenty of shopping and antique stores. There are also plenty of grocery stores, banks, Super-Wal-Mart, and a movie theater. Below is a list of area dining.
Hiking
www.georgiatrails.com/county/Murray
Wild Life
www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org