Union: Discover Lakes, Trails and Mountain Culture

Union combines expansive bodies of water, mountain landscapes, hiking trails and a rich regional history. Those planning a trip with active days, water activities and cultural discoveries will find a variety of ways to shape their stay here. When searching for a vacation rental in Union, it is therefore worth first deciding on the preferred mix of nature, activity and local history.

Lakes, Shoreline Trails and Days by the Water

Lake Nottely was created in 1942 by damming the Nottely River and has a swimming beach. The 1.7-mile Nottely Reservoir Trail runs along the shore. The trail can be accessed from two parking areas located about half a mile from Nottely Dam. Nottely Reservoir has a shoreline of 106 miles, making it a distinctive part of the landscape.

There are also specific points of access for shorter water activities. Meeks Park 2 offers a launch area for canoes and kayaks. Poteete Creek Recreation Area has a boat ramp, a swimming beach and fishing opportunities. Vogel State Park contains a 22-acre lake that is open to non-motorized boats. These different options allow you to choose between spending time along the shore, paddling, fishing and taking a non-motorized boat ride when planning your trip.

Hiking Between the Lake and Mountain Forest

The trails in Meeks Park have a combined length of 4.62 miles. Another option is Vogel State Park at the foot of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park includes the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop. Those looking for a very short hike to a natural destination will find the Helton Creek Falls Trail near Blairsville: The easy 0.3-mile round trip leads to two large waterfalls and a swimming area.

For longer outings, the Appalachian Trail can be accessed at several points within Union County. In the Blairsville area, it runs for 80 miles through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The information about the different trails helps you choose a vacation rental not only based on location, but also on your preferred daily rhythm: a short loop, a park visit by the water or an extended route through the mountain forest.

History, Crafts and Regional Traditions

The historic Union County Courthouse was built in 1899. The building houses the Old Courthouse Museum, with exhibits and information about the history of Union County. The Mountain Life Museum consists of several historic buildings and is located at 25 Veteran's Memorial Drive. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Vogel State Park is also open seasonally.

Regional culture can also be found outside traditional museums. At the Reece Farm & Heritage Center, a winding path connects a barn with an educational tour through the grounds. At Reece Heritage Farm, the Poetry Trail Garden highlights poems by Byron Herbert Reece about the four seasons. At Track Rock Gap, six table-sized soapstone blocks bear hundreds of carved or pecked symbols.

Markets and Festivals in Union

The Union County Farmers Market takes place from June through October on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Local produce and handmade products are offered there. The Sorghum in the Mountains Festival takes place at Meeks Park in Blairsville; at the Sorghum Festival, visitors can see how sorghum syrup is made. The Blairsville Sorghum Festival began in 1969. At the Mountain Heritage Festival in Blairsville, collections of products from the mountain region are presented over the Labor Day weekend in September.

This variety can be particularly appealing for families who do not want every day of their trip to look the same: A hike or time at a lake can be followed by a museum visit, a market or a regional event. When choosing your accommodation in Union, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus primarily on trails and water, cultural destinations or a combination of both.

More Destinations for Your Search

For further destination searches, you can also visit Blairsville, as well as Clarke County, Bulloch, Macon County, Franklin County, Columbia, Butts and Candler County.

For the overarching travel overview: Georgia.