Lakes to Visit in North Georgia
Rabun County in the North Georgia Mountains is home to some of the most scenic and recreationally rich lakes in Georgia, many of which are owned and managed by Georgia Power Company. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just enjoying waterfront views, these mountain lakes offer something for everyone.
Black Rock Lake
Opened for boating in 2010, Black Rock Lake is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats. There are no boat ramps, so all craft must be carried in. Electric trolling motors are allowed, but gasoline engines are not permitted. The Turtle Rock Fishing Pier offers barrier-free access for anglers with mobility challenges.
The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout during the spring and early summer. Anglers also catch catfish, bream, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. A Georgia fishing license is required, but a trout stamp is not needed when fishing within the lake’s boundaries.
Lake Burton
Lake Burton is a 2,775-acre lake with 62 miles of shoreline and is the northernmost lake in the Tallulah River Watershed. It was one of the first lakes in the country built for power generation. The lake is named after the submerged town of Burton and features attractions like Moccasin Creek State Park and the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. The Lake Burton Civic Association hosts a popular July 4th fireworks show each year.
Lake Burton Boat Rentals
- Anchorage Marine Rentals
75 Anchor Lane, Clayton, GA 30525
(706) 212-0534
lakeburtonboatrental.com - Mark’s Marine, Inc.
31 Charlie Mountain Road, Clayton, GA 30525
(706) 782-5565
marksmarine.com - LaPrade’s Marina
25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 947-0010
lapradesmarina.com
Seed Lake
Seed Lake is a 240-acre mountain lake with 13 miles of shoreline, situated between Lake Burton and Lake Rabun. It’s known for its peaceful surroundings and offers primitive camping at Seed Lake Campground.
Lake Rabun
Lake Rabun is an 835-acre lake with 25 miles of winding shoreline. The Lake Rabun Association hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration that includes a wooden boat parade and fireworks. A home tour is held every other year. Public access and camping are available at Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area.
Lake Rabun Boat Rentals & Services
- Gil’s Marine
Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 947-1465 - Halls Boathouse and Marina
1897 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552
(706) 782-2628 - Lakemont Marine
1897 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552
(706) 782-4981 - Lake Rabun Boat Rentals
Bear Gap Road, Lakemont, GA
(706) 782-4438
lakerabunboatrentals@windstream.net - Rabun Boat Works
244 Farside Drive, P.O. Box 322, Lakemont, GA 30552
(706) 982-0402
rabunboatworks.net - Interstate Boat Rentals
422 Gibson Lane, Lakemont, GA 30552
(706) 782-4754
Offers delivery to Lake Burton, Lake Seed, and Lake Rabun (reservations required)
Tallulah Falls Lake
The smallest of Georgia Power’s reservoirs, Tallulah Falls Lake spans 63 acres with 3.6 miles of shoreline. Created in 1912, it’s also one of the oldest and sits within Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Lake Tugalo
Lake Tugalo is a remote 597-acre lake with 18 miles of shoreline, spanning Rabun and Habersham Counties in Georgia and Oconee County, South Carolina. Its canyon-like walls—an extension of Tallulah Gorge—rise nearly 1,000 feet above the lake. Access is limited to rugged, unpaved roads, making it a favorite among kayakers, rafters, and campers seeking solitude. It serves as a take-out for whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River.
Lakes to Visit in North Georgia: Rabun County is blessed with an abundance of lakes perfect for outdoor recreation, water sports, scenic beauty, and peaceful getaways. Whether you’re here to fish, boat, camp, or explore, the lakes of North Georgia are ready to welcome you.