Discover How Deep Lake Hartwell in Georgia Really Is

Lake Hartwell is a man-made reservoir located on the border between Georgia and South Carolina. At 56,000 acres with a shoreline of 962 miles, Lake Hartwell is one of the largest lakes in the south. The lake and the Hartwell Dam are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. But just how deep is Lake Hartwell? Read on to find out the answer to that and other fascinating details about this popular lake.

How Deep is Lake Hartwell?

Lake Hartwell is a large reservoir with 23,000 acres of parks and other public lands. The average depth of this lake is around 45 feet, although it does get deeper in some areas. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the maximum recorded depth of Lake Hartwell is around 185 feet. Indeed, Lake Hartwell is one of the deepest lakes in Georgia.

Where Is Lake Hartwell Located on a Map?

Lake Hartwell sits on the border of Georgia and South Carolina along the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. Located on the upper Savannah River Basin in northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina, it has easy access from Interstate 85. Also, it’s about two hours northeast of Atlanta, GA.

How Did Lake Hartwell Form?

The United States Army Corps of Engineers built Lake Hartwell in 1962. Construction on Hartwell Dam, which formed the lake, began in 1955. The goal of the project was to create a hydropower station and to keep towns along the Savannah River from flooding. Eventually, the lake opened to the public for recreation.

The lake was named after the Revolutionary War heroine Nancy Hart. Hart performed many brave acts, including standing up against British soldiers in her home, spying on British troops, and fighting in the Battle of Kettle Creek with her husband and sons.

What Is Lake Hartwell Known For?

Many years before the dam was built and Lake Hartwell became the well-known reservoir that it is today, the Cherokee tribe lived and hunted in the area. Nearby the lake is the “Center of the World” historical monument, which marks the spot where the Cherokees held tribal councils, traded goods, and met for celebrations.

Today, Lake Hartwell has historical significance and is also a great place to enjoy the water. Lake Hartwell is home to 45 public boat ramps, 10,000 private boat docks, 9 campgrounds, and 40 different fish species. 

Animals Around Lake Hartwell

A great variety of wildlife lives in and around the lake. Some of the mammals you may see include foxes, coyotes, deer, skunks, and groundhogs. Many snake species live in the area as well, including garter snakes, rat snakes, and ringneck snakes. Lake Hartwell is also home to venomous species of snakes, including copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and pygmy rattlesnakes.

And finally, bird watching is popular around the lake. Some species people have spotted include bald eagles, hawks, owls, great blue herons, and loons.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ashley Strickland Photography/iStock via Getty Images