Atlanta Society category interest

Lake Oconee

Greensboro

A visit to Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre beauty that spans Morgan, Hancock, Putnam, and Greene counties, calls for more than a day trip. No matter your vessel of choice—from pontoons to speed boats and kayaks to paddle boards—there are nearly 30 square miles of open water to explore. Daredevils will want the adrenaline rush that comes from leaping off the aptly named Jumping Rock, a 10-foot-tall stone on the lake’s south end (Note: it’s only accessible by water). You’ll be in good company since the lake is a favorite spot for wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and more.

For a more relaxing—or romantic—way to explore, book a captain-guided tour in a wooden Hacker-Craft Runabout with Oconee Classic Boats (Insider tip: there’s no better way to see the sunset over the lake), located at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. For a luxurious overnight stay, you can’t beat the lakeside resort, with its plush accommodations, four expansive pools, five championship golf courses designed by legendary architects, and a 27,000-square-foot spa retreat.

visitlakeoconee.com, 125 Wallace Dam Road, Eatonton, GA 31024

oconeeclassicboats.com, 1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ahnrz-the-ritz-carlton-reynolds-lake-oconee, 1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642

Lake Rabun

Lakemont

Just a short drive from Clayton’s historic downtown and the scenic views in Tallulah Falls lies Lake Rabun, a North Georgia gem. The 835-acre reservoir was formed in 1915 in one of the state’s deepest valleys in the Blue Ridge Mountains when the Georgia Railway and Power Company built the Mathis Dam. Though it’s functional (it’s a power and water supply for local communities), Lake Rabun is equally fun for recreational pursuits set against a stunning backdrop of towering mountains.

Guests can get started at multiple public facilities for fishing, boating, and camping (don’t miss Nacoochee Park on the lake’s north end for a picnic). For an overnight stay near the water, book a room or a table at Lake Rabun Hotel andamp; Restaurant, a mountain getaway that has been in operation since 1922.

exploregeorgia.org/lakemont/outdoors-nature/camping/lake-rabun, Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552

lakerabunhotel.com, 35 Andrea Lane, Lakemont, GA 30552

Lake Sidney Lanier

Gainesville

Known to most as simply “Lake Lanier,” this 38,000-acre North Georgia beauty, the largest lake in the state, boasts 76 recreational areas (including 37 parks and campgrounds) and 10 marinas, many of which rent boats. Lake Lanier Islands, the 1,200-acre property with a lodge, villas, lake houses, and a Margaritaville RV resort, is a major draw. Guests can indulge in an on-property waterpark (home to the state’s largest wave pool and towering water slides), a spa, and an 18-hole golf course, in addition to everything you’d love about a lake—think kayaking and motorized watercrafts, hiking along the shore, swimming, and more.

This lake is more than just beautiful and fun: Constructed during the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers, it’s designed to help with flood protection, fish and wildlife management, water supply, and power production. You can access this lake nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Gainesville, Georgia.

sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier

lanierislands.com, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

Lake Burton

Clayton

Lake Burton, tucked into the mountains surrounding Clayton, is one of the state’s most serene reservoirs and a prime place for spotting a celebrity. University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and country music superstar Alan Jackson both have had homes on its shores. If you have a boat, plan to go for a cruise around the pristine waters. No boat? No problem. Make a day of it on the sandy banks of Timpson Cove Beach where you can swim and sunbathe. While you’re in town, plan to explore Black Rock Mountain State Park, the highest in the state.

exploregeorgia.org/clayton/outdoors-nature/lakes-rivers/lake-burton, Georgia Highway 197/U.S. Highway 76, Clayton, GA 30525

gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, GA 30562

Lake Chatuge

Hiawassee

This northwest Georgia lake, created in 1942 with the addition of the Chatuge Dam, shares its shores with North Carolina. Its 132 miles of shoreline, populated with a swimming beach, public boat ramps, picnic areas, and playgrounds, make it a popular spot for lake recreation of all kinds, from swimming and water sports to fishing and paddling. Though its shores are dotted with campsites, those who crave a bit of rustic luxury will enjoy a stay at The Ridges Resort, where fine dining at The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen never disappoints.

exploregeorgia.org/hiawassee/outdoors-nature/lakes-rivers/lake-chatuge, Hwy. 76, Hiawassee, GA 30546

theridgesresort.com, 3499 US-76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Lake Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge

Give yourself a day (or two) to get lost at this picturesque mountain lake, located in the North Georgia city of the same name. The 3,290-acre lake boasts 65 miles of shoreline, 80 percent of which is in the lush Chattahoochee National Forest. When the Blue Ridge Dam was built in 1930 on the Toccoa River, it was the Southeast’s largest earthen dam. The resulting lake has since been a destination for easy hikes around the perimeter, camping at the Morganton Point Campground, boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. No boat of your own? Rent one from the Lake Blue Ridge Marina and finish the day with a bite at the on-site Boat Dock Bar andamp; Grill.

exploregeorgia.org/blue-ridge/outdoors-nature/lakes-rivers/lake-blue-ridge, 152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234590, 475 Lake Drive, Morganton, GA 30560

lakeblueridgemarina.com, 335 Marina Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Reed Bingham Lake

Adel

Reed Bingham Lake is the centerpiece of this charming state park of the same name near Adel in South Georgia. At 375 acres, it’s a favorite spot for boating and for reeling in bass, catfish, and bream, but locals know that it’s also a terrific destination for paddling kayaks and canoes and spotting local wildlife and birds. Spend time relaxing on the small sandy beach and enjoy the water lilies and Tupelo trees lining the lake fed by the Little River. Want to stay the night? The park has about 50 campsites, including a primitive island site you’ll need to paddle to reach.

gastateparks.org/ReedBingham, 542 Reed Bingham Road, Adel, GA 31620

Lake Nottely

Blairsville

This 4,000-acre Blairsville lake is largely undeveloped, thanks to the fact that it’s protected by the U.S. Forest Service. Enjoy the serenity, whether you bring your own boat, rent a pontoon boat from the Nottely Marina (which also boasts an on-the-water general store for essentials), or find one of the prime swimming spots tucked into coves around the lake. If you prefer to relax on the shore, check out Poteete Creek Park for its sand beach and swimming area, campground, and picnic facilities.

exploregeorgia.org/blairsville/outdoors-nature/fishing/lake-nottely, US Highway 19 andamp; 129 North, Blairsville, GA 30514

nottelymarinainc.com, 86 Doucette Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512

Hartwell Lake

Hartwell

One of the South’s largest lakes—clocking in at 56,000 acres with 962 miles of shoreline—is partially in Georgia, partially in South Carolina, and fed by the sparkling Savannah River. On the Peach State side, visitors can stop at the Hartwell Dam andamp; Lake Visitor Center for information and take a walk along the paved trail to the top of Hartwell Dam for spectacular views.

The manmade lake has long been a destination for swimming, picnicking, camping, and boating, but anglers are particularly fond of this spot. Whether you take a boat to cast a line or drop one off the side of the new Hartwell Dam Fishing Pier, you can expect to reel in largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, or hybrid bass.

exploregeorgia.org/hartwell/outdoors-nature/lakes-rivers/hartwell-dam, 6951 Anderson Highway, Hartwell, GA 30643

Lake Sinclair

Milledgeville

Lake Sinclair, minutes from downtown Milledgeville, was created by Georgia Power in 1953, and it encompasses 15,300 acres with more than 500 miles of shoreline. The lake’s location, two hours southeast of Atlanta, makes it popular for fishing, swimming, riding jet skis, tubing, boating, and more. In fact, Lake Sinclair is a prime spot for wakeboarding. Multiple marinas and boat ramps make it ideal for anyone with their own watercraft, but those who don’t own can conveniently rent one for a full or half day from several local vendors on the lake.

exploregeorgia.org/milledgeville/outdoors-nature/fishing/lake-sinclair, 3069 North Columbia Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061

Lake Allatoona

Cartersville

Just 40 minutes outside of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is a favorite weekend getaway for those looking for momentary relief from the hustle and bustle of one of the Southeast's most populated cities. The 12,000-acre lake, with 270 miles of coastline and one of the cleanest in the state, is managed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, which also manages the 25,000 acres of public land around the lake. Eight different public marinas service the lake, but the most well-known is Park Marina, which is located in Red Top Mountain State Park, Georgia's largest state park.

The all-in-one spot offers everything from boat storage to pontoon and ski boat day rentals. At the end of a long day out on the water, park yourself somewhere on the expansive waterfront deck at Sunset Grille Restaurant. Live music and frozen and large-batch cocktails are quick to get the party started.

lakeallatoona.com/area-attractions/lake-allatoona-visitor-center, 1138 State Route 20 Spur NE, Cartersville, GA 30121

bestinboating.com/marinas/park-marina, 651 Park Marina Road, Acworth, GA 30102

sunsetgrillerestaurant.com, 1001 Victoria Landing Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189

Lake Blackshear

Cordele

This sparkling 8,700-acre lake in southwest Georgia was created in 1930 by the damming of the Flint River. Over the past nearly 75 years it has not only provided low-cost power to Crisp County, but it has also become a popular recreation spot for generations of families. The 97-mile shoreline is dotted with campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and fishing docks that make it easy to enjoy all the lake has to offer.

Not sure where to dive in? Start at one of three county parks or at Georgia Veterans State Park and Resort. In addition to easy access to fishing, boating, swimming, and watersports, the park is also home to an 18-hole golf course, four miles of nature trails, a marina, an archery and air-gun range, disc golf course, military museum, a shortline train, campgrounds, restaurants, and cabins.

exploregeorgia.org/cordele/golf/golf-courses/lake-blackshear, 961 Power Dam Road, Warwick, GA 31796

lakeblackshearresort.com/ga-veterans-park, 2459 U.S. 280, Cordele, GA 31015

Lake Seminole

Donalsonville

Bass fishermen acclaim the stock held by this 37,500-acre reservoir on the southwest state border between Georgia and Florida. But fish aren't the only creatures to call this lake and the surrounding areas home. Wildlife is abundant around these parts. Look out for alligators, bald eagles, and osprey while you cruise the lake on a boat or see more of the nearby wildlife management areas.

There's an abundance of parks and access points all along the lake's generous shoreline at Seminole State Park. There you can lay out on the sandy beach, rent a cottage for a weekend, or test your sense of adventure with watersports. Since the park surrounds a small cove, the water is typically smooth, making it ideal for waterskiing and tubing.

gastateparks.org/Seminole, 7870 State Park Drive, Donalsonville, GA 39845

West Point Lake

West Point

Another border lake, West Point Lake enjoys coastlines in both Alabama and Georgia, which means it has fans all across the South. The lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, features 525 miles of shoreline surrounded by dense forests and bucolic fields. So when you take a break from casting your line (the fishing is great here), boating, or splashing around in the water, you'll have plenty of gorgeous views to occupy your attention. Fishing is big on this lake, but if you don't have a boat, don't fret. Public fishing piers at Hardley Creek Park, Rocky Point Park, and McGee Bridge Park all provide wonderful places to reel in an impressive haul.

exploregeorgia.org/west-point/outdoors-nature/fishing/west-point-lake, 500 Resource Management Drive, West Point, GA 31833

Lake Tobesofkee

Macon

Just outside of Macon's city limits lies Lake Tobesofkee. Built in 1960 to control flooding, the lake is now a year-round destination and one of the most fished lakes in the entire state. Lake Tobesofkee is home to three public parks called Claystone, Sandy Beach, and Arrowhead. Each offers a sandy beach and camping, as well as easy access to paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, and sailing. Claystone Park is located adjacent to a full-service marina and a great waterfront joint called Fish 'N Pig where stunning views of the water are served up alongside hickory-smoked barbecue and fresh seafood dinners.

laketobo.maconbibb.us, 6600 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon, GA 31220

fishnpig.com, 6420 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon, GA 31220

Tallulah Falls Lake

Tallulah Falls

This lake is the smallest of the reservoirs created by Georgia Power, and it’s also the oldest. Built in 1912, it was formed at the completion of the Tallulah Falls Dam. Now it is part of Tallulah Gorge State Park. The 63-acre lake has 3.6 miles of shoreline where visitors can swim at the public beach, hike nearby trails, and picnic. Cast a line from shore or boat, or head to the fishing pier in the Terrora Day Use Area in Tallulah Gorge State Park, which also has waterfalls, hiking trails, and is home to the 1,000-foot-deep gorge.

exploregeorgia.org/tallulah-falls/outdoors-nature/lakes-rivers/tallulah-falls-lake, U.S. Highway 441 South, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573