The Comfort Collective_Vol1_Issue3 by SouthernComfortCabinRentals

HIT THE LAKE THIS SPRING

THREE LAKES, THE BEST LAKEFRONT CABINS, AND EVERYTHING HAPPENING AROUND TROUTFEST THIS YEAR

WELCOME TO THE COMFORT COLLECTIVE

A Curated Guide to Escapes in the North Georgia Mountains

We have been helping guests find their place in the North Georgia Mountains for nearly 20 years. Each season brings something different worth experiencing, and this spring it is all about the water.

From Lake Blue Ridge to Lake Nottely to the resort shores of Big Canoe, this issue is your guide to lake life in the mountains, the properties, the events, and everything you need to make it a trip worth remembering.

Now, let’s hit the Lake!

LAKE LIFE IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS

There is something about a lake morning in the mountains that resets everything. The water is still, the air carries that particular mix of pine and cool mist, and the only decision you have to make is whether to take the kayak out before or after coffee. North Georgia quietly holds some of the Southeast’s most beautiful lakes, and most people driving through on their way to Blue Ridge don’t realize how much of it there is.

Lake Blue Ridge

The crown jewel of Fannin County, Lake Blue Ridge stretches across nearly 3,300 acres with 60 miles of shoreline tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest. The water runs unusually clear for a reservoir, and the surrounding forest stays largely undeveloped, meaning your view from the dock is more treeline than rooftop. This is a lake built for full days: morning fishing, afternoons on the pontoon, evenings watching the ridgeline go pink from the water.

Lake Nottely

About 30 minutes north in Blairsville, Lake Nottely sits a little quieter and a little less known, which is exactly the point. At over 4,000 acres with more than 100 miles of shoreline, it is actually larger than Lake Blue Ridge, but you would never guess it from how unhurried it feels. This is a lake for people who mean it when they say they want to unplug. Bass fishing, long afternoons on the pontoon, and small-town Blairsville just minutes away.

Big Canoe

If the first two lakes are about raw nature, Big Canoe is about resort living with nature as the backdrop. Nestled inside a private gated community about an hour north of Atlanta, Big Canoe is home to several lakes including Petit, Sconti, and Disharoon, all operating under a no-gas-motor policy that keeps things serenely quiet. Kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon rentals are available through the community marina, paired with golf, tennis, and a beach club.

Hit the Lake

All three lakes offer something worth slowing down for, and the right one just depends on the kind of trip you are after. If you are heading to Lake Blue Ridge and want to get out on the water without hauling your own gear, Blue Ridge Boat Rentals makes it easy. Pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and lily pad floats are all on offer, and as a Southern Comfort guest you can use a promo code at checkout for 10% off. Pack a cooler, leave the schedule loose, and let the lake do the rest.

AROUND THE WATER THIS SPRING

Troutfest season in Blue Ridge is more than a single day on the calendar. From the ongoing derby to a film showcase, the festival itself, and a 5K that crosses state lines, here is what is happening on and around the water this spring.

TOCCOA RIVER TAGGED TROUT FISHING DERBY

MARCH 27-APRIL 25

From March 27 through April 25, anglers can fish for specially tagged trout—each one offering the chance to win prizes like gear, guide trips, and cash. Open to all ages with no registration required, it’s a fun, real-world treasure hunt on the water and the perfect reason to cast a line during your stay.

Tagged Trout Stocking Locations (Toccoa River)

• Deep Hole Recreation Area

• Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area

• Tammen Park

• Curtis Switch TVA River Access Site

• Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park

Trout Fishing Derby

CATCH IT! ON FILM

Film Line-up | Dinner | Drinks | Live Auction

Limited Ticket Event

APRIL 24 | 5-7PM

Kick off TroutFest weekend with Catch It! On Film, a unique evening event featuring a curated lineup of short films celebrating fishing, conservation, and life along North Georgia’s rivers. Held at the historic courthouse in Blue Ridge, this ticketed gathering includes food, drinks, and a lively outdoor community atmosphere—all while supporting local cold-water conservation efforts.

Catch It! On Film

JOIN IN ON THE FUN FOR TROUTFEST

APRIL 25 | 10AM-6PM

Brings together anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families for a weekend centered around fishing, conservation, and mountain life. The festival features a lively mix of vendor booths, gear demos, expert fly fishing instruction, hands-on activities, and live music along the Toccoa River.

Planning to attend the Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival? For a limited time, enjoy 15% OFF a 2+ night stay on select cabins from April 23–27.

Trout Fest

JOG RIVERSIDE IN THE TROUT TROT

APRIL

25 | 6:30-8:30PM

Close out TroutFest with the Trout Trot 5K in McCaysville on April 25 at 6:30 PM. This scenic 3.1-mile run follows the Toccoa River and even crosses the Georgia–Tennessee state line twice. Perfect for runners, walkers, and families, it’s a fun and active way to end a weekend by the water.

Stretch your Spring Break getaway a little longer with a free night on us! Book 3 Nights and enjoy 1-night FREE stays in March & April 2026. (Valid on 4 Night Stay)