Are you looking for the best lakes in Georgia? No worries! Here you’ll get to know all about the most beautiful lakes in Georgia. Georgia is located on the southern part of USA. The Peach State is decorated with many gorgeous lakes. From small to gigantic, serene to bustling, all these types of lakes make Georgia a better-known getaway destination among a vast number of tourists. Furthermore, you can explore multiple small and beautiful towns that are boasting the loveliness of the peripheral areas of some of these lakes. Visitors love to spend a day or their entire weekend in these nicely conserved terrains!
It’s needless to say, Georgia lakes hold their own uniqueness and a special charm. From kayaking to boating, all fun-loving water-sports are very much active in each of the lakes in Georgia. Most of the lakes are created through dams. There are endless options you can explore here. Plus, the spectacular beauty along the surrounding area will surely melt your heart like butter!
A perfect family day trip, a romantic escape or a group trip among friends, all suit with Georgia’s starling lakes. So, read on and explore these best lakes in Georgia. Try to visit as many lakes as you can in your next vacation!
1. Blue Ridge Lake
Blue Ridge Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in Georgia, is a mountain lake sitting in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Blue Ridge Lake is considered the most beautiful lake in entire Georgia because of its striking natural mountainous comeliness. The 3,290-acre lake boasts a shoreline of the crystal-clear water that is stretched over 65 miles.
You will be pleased after spending your entire day in this picturesque lake. Many inexperienced hikers visit the lake with the deep inner desire to experience the nice and adventurous hikes. If you also fall into this category, hike the easy 0.8-mile-long Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail to fulfil your inner longing. Along the trail you will connect with local wildlife and various colourful birds.
Other enthralling outdoor activities include several water recreational activities like fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Don’t miss the chance of exploring the great waterfalls and camping at the Morganton Point Campground.
The adjacent town of the mountain was featured as one of South’s Best Mountain Towns in 2021. So, don’t miss the chance to visit this beautiful mountain town. Spending a night in a treehouse will give you a unique feeling. And what can be more exciting than experiencing the past that our ancestors sponged!
If you’re not crazy about the treehouse, then go for cabins that are available for renting.
2. Carters Lake
Carters Lake is 80 miles north from Atalanta. This Georgia lake is sitting in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Coosawattee River. The reservoir is near the town of Ellijay and is considered as the deepest reservoir in Georgia with the depth of 450 feet.
Carters Lake Dam is the tallest dam in the east of Mississippi River and the lake was constructed in 1970 when the US Army Corps of Engineers built the dam on the Coosawattee River.
The nearby Fort Mountain State Park is great for camping and hiking. The popular hiking trails are Hidden Pond Songbird Trail, Carters Lake Natural Trail and Oak Ridge Trail. Grab the opportunity and hike any of these fine trails. You will find many travelers are accompanying you in these trails. Biking trail is also available near Carters Lake.
The 62 miles of expanding shoreline is best known for offering all types of recreational activities. To get extraordinary views, head to Ellijay Cabin rentals. Visitors can also rent boats and kayaks from this rental.
Also, there are rental boats and a full-service marine available in Lake Carters. For night staying, pop into Carters Marine and Resort. Here you can explore plenty of accommodation options.
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3. Lake Chatuge
The location of Chatuge Lake is in the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. Created in 1942 by the Chatuge Dam, Lake Chatuge is an inter-state lake, half of which falls in North Carolina and the other half falls in Georgia. Nature lovers get instantly enthralled by the incredible views the entire area provides.
The lake is popular among tourists for offering some jaw-dropping views. Various hiking trails are available here. You can also fulfil the desire of horseback riding in this area. Don’t forget to take a visit at Hamilton Gardens. It provides the accessibility to explore over 3,000 different types of plants.
The 100 miles of shoreline is equipped with playgrounds, abundant picnic areas and a beach. Available water-sports are fishing, swimming, boating and kayaking. The nearby Lake Chatuge Lodge is perfect for night staying with your family.
You might also add a luxury touch in your trip by staying at The Ridges Resort. Nightlife is very charming as the surrounding area gets decorated by both human-fixed lights and natural celestial lights! So, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this paradise!
Must visit the nearby small town Hiawassee sitting along the Appalachian Trail. Next head to Bell Mountain Park and enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire terrain. For wine tours, pop into Grane Creek Vineyards.
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4. High Falls Lake
High Falls Lake is located near Macon, Georgia and it is fed by the Towaliga River. The reservoir is one of the most popular lakes in Georgia. The nearby High Falls State Park is one of the most popular getaway destinations among many families for its remarkable rental facilities. Furthermore, the park organizes various events on a regular basis.
You can explore here some gorgeous waterfalls and hiking and biking trails. The lake is best known for being one of the best fishing spots in Georgia and also offers amazing fishing arrangements. Boating is another fun -loving activity here. For night staying, several campgrounds are available. All above, this is the places where you can get complete relaxation!
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5. Lake Blackshear
If you want to spend a relaxed weekend getaway inside the picturesque natural beauty, Lake Blackshear is capable in providing you this facility. The reservoir is a favourite summer swimming hole among many visitors in Georgia.
Created in 1930 by the Crisp County Power Dam, Lake Blackshear is a man-made lake named after the founder of the dam. The main purpose after the creation was to provide low-cost power to the citizens.
Now the lake is one of the most popular lakes in Georgia among both locals and tourists. The location is on the border between five Georgian counties. Wildlife is very active here and the recreational facilities are just innumerable.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of water activities including swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. A national Bass Fishing Tournament is held here every year. Try to reach in that time of the year and enjoy this amazing tournament with your close ones. To have luxurious vibes, head to Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club. It is located in the Georgia Veterans State Park. The park itself is a nice place to explore.
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6. Lake Allatoona
Another one of the fantastic lakes in Georgia, Lake Allatoona is located in three counties, Bartow, Cobb and Cherokee counties. This reservoir is the only lake in the state of Georgia that supplies potable water to nearby locality. Created in 1950, Lake Allatoona covers 12,000 acres of the area.
The lake is one of Georgia’s cleanest and prettiest lakes. The 270 miles of shoreline offers all types of recreational opportunities. Fishing and boating make this destination a more attractive getaway destination for adventure lovers.
Boasting eight full-service marines for boat rentals for visitors’ enjoyment, Lake Allatoona also offers picnic area, playgrounds and swimming beaches. Visitors are able to experience 5.3-mile Red Top Mountain Homestead Trail and 4.5-mile Pine Mountain Trail in the Red Top Mountain State Park. Biking trails are also preferred by many visitors.
Water skiing and many other fun-filled activities make the lake a year-round popular destination. There are endless opportunities for anglers. Camping options are also available. You will find several campsites and RV sites in nearby area.
Some other laid-back activities in the nearby area include watching Allatoona Falls in Olde Rope Mill Park, and the Allatoona Pass Civil War Battlefield.
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7. Lake Oconee
Located near Georgia’s Lake County, Lake Oconee is a perfect party-type getaway destination where you can enjoy various types of festivals, events and activities to get relief from the daily hustle and bustle!
Created by the Wallace Dam, the lake is quite popular among families and group of friends. It’s needless to say the bustling spot is perfect to spend a great weekend gateway among all ages. Moreover, the lake is an easy day trip from Atalanta, it’s less than a 90-minutes driving distance.
Fun-filled water activities in Lake Oconee are swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating and wakeboarding. The amenities provided by the Oconee National Forest are gift shops, picnic areas, golf field, eateries and fishing gear.
So, opportunities are endless in Lake Oconee. Surely make this fantastic outdoor destination your must-to-visit place in Georgia.
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8. Seed Lake
The picturesque Seed Lake is located on the close proximity to Lake Rabun Hotel. Just complete a short seven-minute drive from the hotel, and you’re there! Seed Lake is one of the best lakes in Georgia for offering popular activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
Moreover, outdoor explorers get the opportunity to explore the dense forest that surrounds the lake. There are some hiking opportunities as well. And wildlife watching is going to be one of the best fun things to do in and around Seed Lake.
Unlike other popular Georgia lakes, Seed Lake is not very large. With only 13 miles of shoreline, the stunning reservoir is a great place for weekend getaway among many locals.
So, you can also choose going to this beautiful lake when you’re enjoying and exploring the nearby surroundings. For a day trip, Seed Lake is indeed one of the best lakes in the state.
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9. Lake Rabun
Another one of the best lakes in Georgia include Lake Rabun. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and located near Atalanta, the lake is just 90 miles north from the city. The Lake Rabun Recreation Area is a great family friendly place where visitors can enjoy all types of fun things. Boat ramp, picnic area, beach are just few among the nice facilities.
Popular water activities in Lake Rabun include boating, kayaking, tubing and jet skiing. Moreover, the reservoir is stocked with walleye, bass, and bream. So, anglers can try their luck while enjoying this fun water activity.
The most adventurous activity includes the 1.75-mile Angel Falls Trail. You can access the trail from the recreation area. This beautiful trail leads hikers to the gorgeous Panther falls and Angel Falls.
For night stay, the Lake Rabun Hotel or camping, both options are available. For offering timeless beauty and pristine water, Lake Rabun is one of the best lakes the state is having.
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10. Lake Burton
Located in Rabun County, Georgia, and encompassing 2,775 acres of area, Lake Burton is one of the oldest and largest lakes in Georgia which was created by Georgia Power with the purpose of power generation in the 1920s.
Lake Burton is also a popular fishing destination and it’s stocked with bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. There are three marinas in Lake Burton where visitors can rent boats, paddle boards, canoes and kayaks.
The nearby Moccasin Creek State Park is a popular year-round destination, and visitors can access nice hiking trails, picnic areas, a campground, a beautiful playground, beach volleyball and much more that are scattering throughout the terrain.
Note, swimming is not permitted in Moccasin Creek State Park. But the nearby Timpson Cove Park offers a nice swimming area. The park has a sandy beach too.
For lodging and dining, turn your head to Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant.
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11. Lake Lanier
Encompassing 38,542 acres, Lake Lanier is the second largest lake in Georgia and one of the best lakes near Atlanta. Named after Macon-born Sidney Lanier, the stunning reservoir is 45 minutes north of Atalanta and offers limitless fun opportunities to all ages.
The 700 miles of shoreline boasts amazing campgrounds along with 40 parks in the area. 23 parks among the 40 offer nice swimming spots. Engaging water activities in the reservoir include swimming, boating, fishing and kayaking. For fishing purposes, anglers can go after catfish, bass, bluegill, crappie and walleye.
Lake Lanier is a favorite summer destination among many local families. Just go there and have great family time. You won’t be disheartened!
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12. Lake Seminole
Named after the Native American tribe, Lake Seminole is another beautiful lake, locating right along the border between Georgia and Florida. Lake Seminole covers 37,000 acres of area along with 376 miles of shoreline.
Birders and wildlife watchers get an excellent opportunity to fulfil these outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy multiple picnic shelters, a fishing dock, boat ramps and a clean sandy beach.
Furthermore, Lake Seminole is filled with catfish, chain pickerel, crappie, and largemouth bass. So, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this fun activity in one of the best lakes in Georgia. Another popular activity includes duck hunting in winter months only.
Plus, this getaway destination is best known for offering multiple camping opportunities. The land boasts 50 different campsites including tents and RVs. Moreover, there are many cottages you can rent.
So, this one of the best lakes in Georgia not only provides amazing water activities, but many other fun opportunities as well.
FAQs
1. What is Georgia’s largest lake?
Encompassing 38,542 acres, Lake Lanier is the second largest lake in Georgia and one of the best lakes near Atlanta. The reservoir boasts 700 miles of shoreline and offers many parks and campgrounds. In the area, visitors can explore 40 parks. Some of these well-maintained parks provide amazing swimming experiences.
2. What’s the nicest lake in Georgia?
Blue Ridge Lake, Lake Rabun, Lake Chatuge, Lake Blackshear, Lake Lanier, and Lake Oconee, these are some of the best Georgian lakes. For nature experience, or for having amazing water activities, all are available in these beautiful lake destinations.
3. What is the clearest lake in Georgia?
Lake Allatoona and Lake Sinclair are the cleanest and clearest lakes in Georgia. The water quality of these reservoirs are really good.
4. Are Georgia lakes man-made?
Georgia doesn’t have any natural lakes. All Georgia lakes are man-made and they are the result of dam constructions.
