The beauty of the lakes in Georgia might surprise the visitors to the Peach State, but anyone who is a local knows exactly why these natural spots are so special. With more than 30 lakes within state lines, we’ve taken to the experts (our readers) to find out which lakes in Georgia were the most beautiful. We polled the readers on our Only In Georgia Facebook Page to share photos of their favorite lakes. See if your favorite made the list.
- Lake Sinclair, Georgia
Ed Williams Via Only In Georgia Lake Sinclair is a massive lake in Georgia that encompasses over 15,000 acres. Man-made, this lake is operated by Georgia Power and features recreation areas perfect for swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking! Lake Sinclair, Georgia, USA
- Lake Lanier, Georgia
Jill Gardner Via Only In Georgia Perhaps the most beautiful and most popular lake within the state of Georgia, Lake Lanier, is a haven for warm-weather activities. Outdoor enthusiasts congregate together to enjoy sunny weather but also boating, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and more. Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA
- Clarks Hill Lake, Georgia
Lena Margaret Via Only In Georgia Clarks Hill Lake is part of “Georgia’s Freshwater Coast” and is the perfect place for anglers to cast a line. With 400 miles of shoreline in Lincoln County, this lake is considered one of the best to hike around, but also one of the best bass fishing spots in the state! J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Georgia, USA
- Lake Chatuge, Georgia
Denise Hammontree Via Only In Georgia What can we say about Chatuge Lake besides, WOW? Tucked away where Georgia meets the mountains, this man-made reservoir has views galore. Perfect for swimming, picnicking, coving, and camping, you’ll never run out of things to do on this natural gem. Lake Chatuge Lodge, 653 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
- Lake Allatoona, Georgia
Lindsay Thomas Via Only In Georgia When full, Lake Altoona is massive, covering more than 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline. This man-man reservoir is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering up spacious swimming spots and day passes that are priced per car. Lake Allatoona, Georgia, USA
- Lake Hartwell, Georgia
Joyce Fariss Stevenson Via Only In Georgia Beyond just the waterfront camping capabilities, Lake Hartwell offers so much more in terms of fun things to do. Bordering Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is one of the largest recreational lakes in the southeastern USA. Boat, swim, fish, camping - you name it, you likely can do it on Lake Hartwell. Lake hartwell, 399 Bow Dr #301, Lavonia, GA 30553, USA
- Lake Nottely, Georgia
Kay Tony Harrison Via Only In Georgia This 4,180-acre lake is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a day out on the water. Considered to be one of Blairsville’s hidden gems, half of the shoreline along this lake remains undeveloped and protected by the US Forest Service. So you know there’s going to be natural beauty everywhere. Nottely Lake, Georgia 30512, USA
- Cox Lake, Georgia
Eric Knott Via Only In Georgia Cox Lake is located in Rabun County, Georgia, and perhaps is the smallest lake on our list. This hidden gem close to Clayton is only around 21 acres in size, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Camp, hike, and explore one of the greater hidden lakes in the area. Cox Lake, Columbus, GA 31829, USA
- Lake Petit, Georgia
Stefan Enyedi Via Only In Georgia Have you ever heard of Lake Petit, Georgia? Likely not, which is why this lake is about to wow you. Located in the premier mountain community of Big Canoe, Lake Petit offers a wide range of activities, but with rules. For instance, swimming is allowed, but only by boat or watercraft. Lake Petit, Georgia 30143, USA
- Watson Mill Pond, Georgia
Fran Taylor Cooper Via Only In Georgia Located within the George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia, this 412-acre mill pond is a fun destination for paddlers and anglers. You can sign up for a paddle trip if you want to take to the water, or just enjoy hiking through the thick cypress and tupelo trees. You can easily spend an entire day here, if not a whole weekend! Mill Pond Crossing, Carrollton, GA 30116, USA
- Lake Burton, Georgia
Caren Allen Via Only In Georgia Lake Burton, Georgia, is the largest of the five Georgia Power lakes, with 2,775 acres and 62 miles of shoreline. People flock to Lake Burton during the warmer months in order to enjoy a bevy of watersports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, boating, and tubing! Lake Burton, Georgia, USA
What are your thoughts about the most beautiful lakes in Georgia? Did your favorite make the list? Join our Georgia Nature Lovers Facebook Group to keep this list going and share some of your epic photographs with the group!
Ed Williams Via Only In Georgia
Lake Sinclair is a massive lake in Georgia that encompasses over 15,000 acres. Man-made, this lake is operated by Georgia Power and features recreation areas perfect for swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking!
Lake Sinclair, Georgia, USA
Jill Gardner Via Only In Georgia
Perhaps the most beautiful and most popular lake within the state of Georgia, Lake Lanier, is a haven for warm-weather activities. Outdoor enthusiasts congregate together to enjoy sunny weather but also boating, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and more.
Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA
Lena Margaret Via Only In Georgia
Clarks Hill Lake is part of “Georgia’s Freshwater Coast” and is the perfect place for anglers to cast a line. With 400 miles of shoreline in Lincoln County, this lake is considered one of the best to hike around, but also one of the best bass fishing spots in the state!
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Georgia, USA
Denise Hammontree Via Only In Georgia
What can we say about Chatuge Lake besides, WOW? Tucked away where Georgia meets the mountains, this man-made reservoir has views galore. Perfect for swimming, picnicking, coving, and camping, you’ll never run out of things to do on this natural gem.
Lake Chatuge Lodge, 653 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Lindsay Thomas Via Only In Georgia
When full, Lake Altoona is massive, covering more than 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline. This man-man reservoir is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering up spacious swimming spots and day passes that are priced per car.
Lake Allatoona, Georgia, USA
Joyce Fariss Stevenson Via Only In Georgia
Beyond just the waterfront camping capabilities, Lake Hartwell offers so much more in terms of fun things to do. Bordering Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is one of the largest recreational lakes in the southeastern USA. Boat, swim, fish, camping - you name it, you likely can do it on Lake Hartwell.
Lake hartwell, 399 Bow Dr #301, Lavonia, GA 30553, USA
Kay Tony Harrison Via Only In Georgia
This 4,180-acre lake is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a day out on the water. Considered to be one of Blairsville’s hidden gems, half of the shoreline along this lake remains undeveloped and protected by the US Forest Service. So you know there’s going to be natural beauty everywhere.
Nottely Lake, Georgia 30512, USA
Eric Knott Via Only In Georgia
Cox Lake is located in Rabun County, Georgia, and perhaps is the smallest lake on our list. This hidden gem close to Clayton is only around 21 acres in size, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Camp, hike, and explore one of the greater hidden lakes in the area.
Cox Lake, Columbus, GA 31829, USA
Stefan Enyedi Via Only In Georgia
Have you ever heard of Lake Petit, Georgia? Likely not, which is why this lake is about to wow you. Located in the premier mountain community of Big Canoe, Lake Petit offers a wide range of activities, but with rules. For instance, swimming is allowed, but only by boat or watercraft.
Lake Petit, Georgia 30143, USA
Fran Taylor Cooper Via Only In Georgia
Located within the George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia, this 412-acre mill pond is a fun destination for paddlers and anglers. You can sign up for a paddle trip if you want to take to the water, or just enjoy hiking through the thick cypress and tupelo trees. You can easily spend an entire day here, if not a whole weekend!
Mill Pond Crossing, Carrollton, GA 30116, USA
Caren Allen Via Only In Georgia
Lake Burton, Georgia, is the largest of the five Georgia Power lakes, with 2,775 acres and 62 miles of shoreline. People flock to Lake Burton during the warmer months in order to enjoy a bevy of watersports, including wakeboarding, water skiing, boating, and tubing!
Lake Burton, Georgia, USA
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