Lake Hiwassee Water Levels Lower in October

Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and controlled by the Hiwassee Dam. It’s quite a sight to see! During the off-season, the lake is lowered to control flooding further downstream. Years ago, Nashville and nearby areas were flooding and it was amazing how fast the lake levels shot up to hold water back and keep the flooding from being worse. It’s an amazing engineering feat to be able to do that!

One question I often get is, “what does it look like when Lake Hiwassee water goes down?” There’s no better way to show you than on video! Click play below and see the lake. Want to own a mountain lake home? Let us know or search online! Most of the homes on the water are in Bear Paw Resort. I personally own a home there and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s quite an amazing place!

The Hiwassee Dam Hydroelectric Dam in Murphy NC

The Hiwassee Dam is one of my favorite things to see here in Murphy NC. If I’m showing homes or land in the area, I always love to take folks to see it. At 307 feet, Hiwassee Dam is the third tallest dam in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system. It stretches 1,376 feet from bank to bank of the river, and I must admit, is an amazing sight to stand at the bottom of and see just how big it really is. It was part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal to provide work for people and help bring the United States out of the Great Depression.

Named after the Hiwassee River, the dam is responsible for creating Lake Hiwassee and generating an impressive 185 Megawatts of power.

History

Construction began on Hiwassee Dam on July 15, 1936, and it officially opened for operation on February 8, 1940. At a price tag of 24 million at that time, it was a sizable, and expensive, undertaking. It had dual purposes – to generate power for the region and provide flood control for the Chattanooga area, which is why you see the waters of Lake Hiwassee lower in the colder seasons of the year.

Building the dam required purchasing 24,102 acres. It took 3,836 acres that had to be completely cleared. What’s even more amazing is that it required 261 families, 462 graves, and 25 miles of roads that had to be completely relocated to a new area.

Directions

So while you’re here in Murphy, you certainly need to go see the Hiwassee Dam. It’s a great area attraction that’s beautiful in its own right. To get to it from Murphy, take 64 West. Turn right on 294. Follow to a right on Hiwassee Dam Access Road. Follow it a few miles and you’ll drive right over the dam.

Sources cited: TVA and Wikipedia

Bear Paw Resort in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Murphy, NC

 

It is quite an amazing area that leaves fond memories in the minds of children and adults. It is surprisingly common to have a middle-aged person come who spent their summers as a kid in Bear Paw and want to purchase a property so they can continue to enjoy and prolong those great memories that have captivated them for years. We’ve spoken to and worked with many people who have fit this exact statement.

Being in Bear Paw alone is a wonderful experience. It features lots of things to do in the community areas such as a swimming pool, convention center, pond, guarded entrance, playground, basketball court, marina, and many other amenities. Property owners come from all over the United States just to be part of this exclusive mountain community. Surrounded by U.S. Forest Service and TVA land, the community is completely to itself and likely will never loose its natural mountain and lake views. It is on Lake Hiwassee, and the lake itself houses approximately 6,090 acres to fish, boat, water ski, or whatever you please.

The History of Bear Paw

Tucked in among the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, bathed by a 6,000 acre Lake Hiwassee and virtually surrounded by 500,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, there is a place called Bear Paw. This information summary will help you understand why we think you may come to spend a day and wish to remain a lifetime.

The history of Bear Paw begins with a decision to build a series of dams, Hiwassee and Chatuge Dams on the Hiwassee River and Nottley Dam on the Nottley River, a tributary to the Hiwassee River. All three dams are operated as a unit for the purpose of flood control, navigation and power generation. Hiwassee Dam is one of 51 dams in the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, water control systems that provide flood regulation in the Tennessee, lower Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. This system also creates a navigation channel on the Tennessee River and provides hydroelectric power. Construction on the Hiwassee Dam began in July 1936 and was completed in May 1956.

After the site of the dam was chosen, the first task undertaken by the TVA was the development of access roads to the site. The only roads available were winding mountain roads, unsurfaced and impassable during wet weather. Consideration was given to building a rail spur to the dam site. However, after the job was completed the spur would be abandoned and a good highway would have to be constructed as a permanent part of the development. It was decided to locate the job railhead at Turtletown, Tennessee, and to build a highway from there to the job site. Today the road is TN Highway 123 to NC Highway 294 to Hiwassee Dam Road.

Because Hiwassee Dam was built in a sparsely settled and isolated region, there was a shortage of available residential labor and a lack of housing facilities for the imported labor. These conditions necessitated building a complete construction village as a self-contained community unit. The village consisted of 42 permanent houses, 73 temporary houses, five men’s dormitories, one women’s dormitory, a cafeteria, hospital, a community building, personnel office, and a school for those children in the village that were in the higher grammar school grades. In addition, there were nine group garage buildings, a service station, bowling alley, and an observation building.

Estimates of the personnel requirement for the construction of the dam showed that housing facilities at the dam would be required for 1,100 people. Also, because of the remoteness of the site, it was important to not only provide housing for those who were building the dam, but also those who would eventually operate the dam and power plant. The site of the village was to be within walking distance, about 1,500 feet, from the construction site.

1959 – “Hiwassee Lake Resort Village” was organized to own land in Cherokee County. The tract of land described in the deed came from the United States of America acting through the Tennessee Valley Authority. The land recorded on February 17, 1959 included the Hiwassee Dam construction and operating village.

1963 – The property was known as “Hiwassee Lake Estates Subdivision.” It was divided into “Hiwassee Resort Village” and “Hiwassee Lake Estates.” Hiwassee Resort Village consisted of mainly a clubhouse, rental cottages and beach. Hiwassee Lake Estates consisted of subdivided lots for the construction of private homes.

One of the first sales offices was located in Atlanta, Georgia. Those who were interested were invited to the Peachtree Office Building for a buffet supper. Displays were presented depicting the property. Those interested were invited to the resort for a two-day stay at no cost. The adults and children explored the lake resort and subdivision.

By mid-year 1963, 210 home sites were sold. Three miles of road were constructed throughout Sections I, II and III. Before that, property was shown by boat and by horseback. The first new water well was completed and tied in with the original water storage and treatment system. Three estate homes had been completed and there were plans for twelve more. Work began on the parks in Sections I and II. The original Clubhouse facilities were for the exclusive use of the property owners and their guests were completed in April that year.

Later that same year, the first 12 cottages were offered for sale. They were located on the right side of Village Road starting near the social pavilion and extending to the entrance of Hiwassee Lake Estates. That entrance was near the intersection of Village Road and Highland Road. You can still see the “Bear Paw” at the intersection, imbedded in the rock face. It’s quite the landmark!

1965 – 589 home sites bad been sold, more than 50% of the available lots. Steps in the development were being finalized to make it a year-round resort. The first phase of the security system was put into effect. Sixteen homes were completed. A model home was constructed at the intersection of Village Road and Lonesome Pine. It is the gray house on the southeast comer. Another model is farther east on Village Road, the “A-frame” cottage on the top of the hill to the left.January 23, 1973 – The resort community became known as “Bear Paw” under the ownership of Dr. Robert Bretches, Errell Steele, Jr., and First Georgia Investment Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cousins Properties. They wanted to provide for the preservation of the values and amenities of the “Resort” and “Common” properties. “Common properties” were then known as the “Class A Residential Area,” which included the security gates, open spaces, roads and similar facilities. “Resort properties,” included a timber and fieldstone lodge, a gym and a snack shop. Surrounding the lodge were the tennis courts, swimming pool, ice skating rink, and playgrounds. Recreational facilities also included a sled slope, stables, and marina.

 

 

Bear Paw of Today

 

 

Bear Paw was 1,000 acres of woodland, of which 469 acres were exclusively devoted to privately owned permanent homes. Two hundred and 30 acres were designated specifically for condominiums. December 19, 1973, the lodge burned to the ground and was. subsequently replaced by the present-day clubhouse/office facility.

Today, the Bear Paw community consists of 1,090 lots, over 200 homes, 42 cottages, 23 condominiums and Mountain View Marina. More and more of the friendly people at Bear Paw are permanent residents. They choose to enjoy the services provided year-round, such as security, well-maintained roads and grounds, as well as hiking, fishing and boating. They also enjoy the summer months that are best for swimming and tennis.The Bear Paw community consists of the “Bear Paw Service District,” a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, that serves the common properties and the majority of the property owners. A small number of property owners are excluded and are members of the “Hiwassee Lakefront Property Owners Association.” The “Cottage Owners” and the “Condominium Owners” Associations are also excluded. However, both are under contract with the Service District to provide most of the services like security, roads and recreational facilities.

 

 

The benefit of the “Bear Paw Service District” is that as a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, it levies taxes based on the assessed value of property and homes in the district. A seven member board that is elected by the property owners in the Service District administers the income from the taxes collected by Cherokee County for the Bear Paw Service District. These monies are used exclusively to provide the services of security, roads, grounds and recreation. The Service District helps insure that every property owner shares fairly in keeping Bear Paw, on Lake Hiwassee, a premier private living and vacation community in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

 

Bear Paw Downloads

Download the Bear Paw in Murphy NC Current Zoning Ordinance Document (as of 2/9/09)

 

Need to sell your property in Bear Paw?

 

Call or email us! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. You’ll receive aFREEcopy of our Seller’s Guide and a market analysis to find out what your property is worth in today’s market!

 

Want to buy property in Bear Paw?

Call or email us! You can even Search Homes for Sale in Bear Paw right here on our website! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. We’ll immediately send you a list of all the properties in Bear Paw so you can see what is available. We can also notify you the instant new real estate comes available – all for FREE!

 

The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX –www.iLoveMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – The Poltrock Team – Call usToll Free at 1-866-687-7496for Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team!

 

 

 

 

The Nottley River of Murphy, North Carolina

The Nottley River  in Murphy, North Carolina is unique since it a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) river. It is small and very clean. Nottley Dam is about 4 miles upstream, and development on the river is well managed. This means muddy runoff is not a problem and quickly runs clean after a rain. Despite increasing population on much of the river, most of the riverfront property is amazingly private. It is a great river with lots of opportunity to fish, relax, and even invest in real estate right on the river itself.

Wildlife on Nottley River
Because of the stable climate in the Murphy, NC area,  wildlife is abundant along the banks of the Nottley River. [Click the link for information on each animal provided by Wikipedia]  Beaver and otter are seen in addition to raccoon, opossum, groundhog, turkey, and deer. A gorgeous selection of birds can be seen throughout the year. Indigo buntings stay all summer along with tiny hummingbirds. Goldfinches can be found all year long and put on a beautiful show. Titmouses, bluebirds, house finches, and wrens are here all year along with chickadees. There are many bright red cardinals, which also happen to be the state bird of North Carolina. There are also two kinds nuthatches. Junkos are a nice addition in the winer as well are the geese and ducks that fly into local lakes. There are red-breasted and pileated woodpeckers, and in May, there are even some migrating cedar waxwings.

 

Fishing on Nottley River

For the trout fisherman, the Nottley River has a special interest. It is not stocked, but supports quite a population of wild rainbow trout, which is unique to our area. The spawn is in April. Access to the river is limited and there is little to no pressure of over fishing. Significant hatches of small grey caddis (sizes 16-18) occur in March to April and caddis (all day) and baetis mayflies (sundown) hatch all summer. Use this link for details of water releases from the TVA dams.

What Creates the Nottley River?

The Nottley River flows from Lake Nottley, which is a dam controlled lake formed by the TVA. It flows roughly 40 miles and spills in to Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC.Murphy NC Area River Basins

Chances of Flooding on the Nottley River

Since Nottley River is dam controlled by the TVA, the chances of flooding are virtually non-existent. It has had extensive flood studies on the surrounding land on the River, and the annual chance of flood hazard is 0.2% chance according to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Information System. With less than a 1% chance of flooding, the Nottley River is a very safe river to own real estate on compared to many of the others.

Real Estate on Nottley River

There are a lot of opportunities to own both homes and land with Nottley River frontage. One of best aspects of Nottley is your river property actually runs to the centerline of the river – meaning you actually own part of the river itself.

We have a Nottley River Front development in Murphy NC with several river front lots and all interior lots have river access from the common area. We would be happy to search for both homes and land for you and email them directly to you. Please use our Murphy NC Dream Home Finder and we’ll do the work for you!

You are also welcome to use our Murphy NC and Cherokee County MLS Homes and Land Real Estate Search function to see what’s available right on your computer.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – Email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll-Free at 1-866- Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Your Order’s Ready! Nottley River Lots Coming Right Up! – A previous post with some of this information

 

Your Order’s Ready! Nottley River Lots Coming Right Up!

Great news! I just met with a couple who has developed one the best river community I’ve seen in Murphy yet!  They’re getting ready to come up for sale, so keep posted! Located right on the Nottley River in the Culberson community, there are 9 gorgeous river front lots, 3 of which also have creek frontage! There’s to be a nice community area right on the river to picnic and enjoy the water rushing by.

Although I’ll leave it an unnamed community until its fully ready to be on the market, it has 29 amazing lots. They’re quiet, peaceful, and fully loaded! They all have river access on Nottley, septic permits, and underground utilities – including community water! Prices are to be very competitive to the market with an amazing opportunity coming up! Email me at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com if you want to reserve yours!!

Hiwasseerivermap.png

The Nottley River flows from Lake Nottley (formed by the TVA, or Tennessee Valley Authority) about 40 miles to flow into the Hiwassee Reservoir[wikipedia], better known as the Lake Hiwassee here. It has wonderful trout fishing and is simply a scenic river to watch!

John Poltrock – REMAX Mountain Properties – The POLTROCK TEAM – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free (866) 687-7496 and demand the POLTROCK TEAM! – Homes, Chalets, Cabins, Riverfront, Mountain Views, Whew! That’s a lot of REAL ESTATE!

Lake Hiwassee Information – Located in Cherokee County by Murphy NC

The Hiwassee Dam began construction on July 15, 1936. being 1376 feet long, it is quite an impressive structure. You can actually drive over the dam itself on Hiwassee Dam Access Road (off of Highway 294). Now over 70 years later, the Hiwassee Lake has become the gorgeous lake that we all now know. This article has some great “technical” information about the lake that is sometimes hard to find all in one place.

Impounded in 1940, Hiwassee was originally known as “Fowler Bend.” The name was later changed to reflect the name of the river which it is located on.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), it is 6,090 acres and located close to the center of Cherokee County, North Carolina (according to the Cherokee County Mapping Department, the actual lake 5,635.28 acres. With less than a 500 acre variation, that could be attributed to shoreline variations, etc.). From end to end, it is roughly 22 miles long and has over 163 miles of shoreline. There are many sections that are more than 200 feet deep! It’s quite a large lake with plenty of room to enjoy for boating and fishing. One of the most unique things about the lake is that only 7% of it has development! During the summer, the TVA targets to have the lake levels at 1515 to 1521 feet. On January 1, they shoot for around 1460. They try to maintain recreational levels from June 1st to August ST, with the exceptions of emergencies.

The lake is used primarily for power generation and regional flood control. Because of the flood control component, this is why the water level fluctuates. The TVA aims to have peak water level from June 1st through August 1st. It’s during the off season you see the water level drop 30-40 feet for flood control purposes. What’s amazing is it has an approximate flood water capacity of 3.6 billion gallons of water. One of the interesting things about the dam itself is that it has the ability to reverse flow and pump water back into the lake.

With only 7% of the land being developed, there is very little on the lake other than nature itself. The TVA transferred most of its original holdings to the U.S. Forest Service for it to be part of the Nantahala Forest, but kept lands in the Hiwassee Dam Reservation, the Micken branch area, and some land in Murphy. The majority of development on the lake is in Bear Paw Resort.

The TVA owns rights in one form or another up to the 1532 elevation, which means before you can do anything on the shoreline (dock, etc.) you must approve it with them.

For recreation, you have lots of options! There are four main marinas on Lake Hiwassee – Shooks, Dukes, Mountain View, and Harbor Cove. They provide boat rentals, fishing supplies, snacks, fuel, and much more. Not only that, the Hanging Dog Campground area has the best boat ramp on the lake. The US Forest Service offers several other boat launches that are completely free to use. Nice!

To get more information, contact the Hiwassee Watershed Team located at 221 Old Ranger Road; Murphy, NC 28906. You can call them at 828-837-7395

Looking for Real Estate? Let The Poltrock Team help you! Feel free to contact us any time, Search ALL the listings for sale in Murphy NC, or use our Dream Home Finder and let us do the work for you!

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll-Free (866) 687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM at REMAX Mountain Properties of Murphy North Carolina

Chatuge Lake Information

Lake Chatuge is one of the gorgeous mountain lakes. In fact, it is likely one of the most visited in our local area. According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), it is their 4th most developed lake in their system with 42% developed in some form. It is situated in Clay County North Carolina and Towns County Georgia. It was impounded in 1942 and is 13 miles long. With over 130 miles of shoreline and consisting of over 7,000 acres.

It is primarily used by the TVA for power generation and flood control, which is why the water table fluctuates throughout the year. During the summer, it is targeted to have between 1923 and 1927 feet.  The TVA tries to have  the water table to "recreational levels" on June 1st and maintain that through August 1st.

Something interesting is that the TVA owns land or land rights in some form to the 1933 elevation around the entire lake. If you would like to alter the shoreline at all, the TVA MUST approve it. The TVA Hiwassee Watershed Team is available to do any kind of permitting or any of the sort at 221 Old Ranger Road in Murphy North Carolina. You can call them at (828) 837-7395.

Approximately half of the land is owned by a government entity – The US Forest Service, the TVA, and various county land. For example, 44 acres of property consists of the Georgia Mountain State Fairgrounds.

More information about much of this can be obtained directly from the TVA by calling 1-800-TVA-LAND.

John and Jessica Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX of Murphy, NC – www.MyMurphy.comCall Toll Free 877-837-3002 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!! JohnPoltrock@gmail.com