Top 10 Most Popular Lakes in Georgia
Those who live in Georgia know there's so much to enjoy about lake life in the summertime. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there are approximately 4,500 lakes in Georgia. That's a lot of bodies of water, but there's a select number of more popular and well-known lakes that Georgia vacationers, boaters, and second-home owners love the most.
Some of the most popular lakes in Georgia include Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair, Lake Rabun, and Lake Burton. There are plenty more I put together in a list below with more information.
Here are the top 10 most popular lakes in Georgia:
1. Lake Lanier
Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia. Lake Lanier is home to a number of marinas and resorts and is a popular spot for Atlanta residents to enjoy lake life in the summertime.
2. Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona is the location of the last battle of the Civil War in Georgia. In addition to its historical importance, Lake Allatoona is home to the largest population of freshwater jellyfish in the southeastern United States. They can be seen by kayakers and swimmers during certain times of the year.
3. Lake Oconee
A man-made reservoir situated in Greensboro, GA, Lake Oconee is a popular destination for Atlanta-resident lake homes. It's also a popular location for weddings and vacations, with the luxurious Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee resort and several beautiful golf courses. Some of the golf courses on Lake Oconee include Cuscowilla, Harbor Club, and Reynolds Lake Oconee.
4. Lake Sinclair
A peaceful getaway located in the heart of Georgia, Lake Sinclair is a man-made lake that was created when the Oconee River was dammed by Georgia Power. Boaters on Lake Sinclair can easily boat over into Lake Oconee.
5. Lake Rabun
Located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Rabun is a popular spot for lake homes, vacationers, boating, fishing and relaxing.
6. Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is a large reservoir along the Georgia/South Carolina border, and is a popular spot for camping and fishing.
7. Lake Burton
Lake Burton in North Georgia is the oldest of Georgia Power's reservoirs. It was completed in 1919, making Lake Burton a popular high-end vacation spot with some of the most beautiful scenery in the state of Georgia.
8. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is the largest lake in Georgia, covering 2,860 acres of beautiful wilderness. Lake Arrowhead is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, making it the perfect destination for camping and outdoor activities. This beautiful lake also runs alongside popular golf course, Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club.
9. Lake Petit
Lake Petit is located in Big Canoe, GA and is known to be one of the cleanest lakes in the state (with almost no visible pollution visible!). It is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the area, including herons, grebes, ospreys, and even the occasional bald eagle.
10. Lake Blackshear
Lake Blackshear is located on the Flint River in Georgia. The lake is named after Colonel William Blackshear, an officer in the Georgia Militia during the War of 1812. Lake Blackshear is long and narrow, with a total length of 28 miles and a width of 1.5 miles at its widest point.