Carters Dam, Dam and hydroelectric power station in Murray County, United States

Carters Dam is a dam and hydroelectric power station in Murray County, United States. The structure holds back the waters of the Coosawattee River, forming Carters Lake, and includes a pumped-storage facility that helps manage power demand.

Carters Dam was built in the 1960s and 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, power generation, and recreation. It was one of the last large dams constructed in the region and remains a key piece of infrastructure.

The dam and the lake it creates are central to local outdoor life, with fishing, boating, and picnicking drawing people to the water's edge. The name Carters comes from the surrounding community, and the site is a familiar landmark for residents of the region.

The dam is best viewed from the overlooks and visitor areas around Carters Lake, where you can see the structure and the water it holds. Access to the dam itself is limited, so plan to explore the surrounding recreation areas for the best views and information.

The pumped-storage plant at Carters Dam allows water to be pumped back uphill when demand is low, making it a giant battery for the power grid. Visitors might notice the unusual layout of the reservoir and the powerhouse, which work together in this cycle.