Discover the Deepest Lake in Gwinnett County

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: August 1, 2023
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Key Points:
  • The deepest lake in Gwinnett County is Lake Lanier at 200 feet deep.
  • The public water supply in Gwinnett County comes from Lake Lanier, with 65 million gallons per day serving the people and businesses of the area.
  • When Lake Lanier was created, several valley communities flooded, and many believe this led to the lake being cursed. Some think it is haunted and have reported ghostly experiences around the lake.

The deepest lake in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has quite a history. Its creation impacted the area, and campers share stories about smores on the shoreline. Not only does it attract millions of visitors per year, but it also serves as the county’s primary water source, keeping the residents and businesses quenched and thriving. Let’s discover how this lake came to fruition and what happened to the valley communities surrounding it at the time. We’ll also learn what kind of recreational activities attract millions each year. Before you plan your next trip to the lake, though, be sure to learn a bit about the haunted happenings that both terrify and pull intrigued campers close to its shores each year. Are you ready to explore the deepest Lake in Gwinnett County? Let’s go!

Infographic of Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is at its maximum capacity when the water level reaches a little over 1,000 feet.

The Deepest Lake in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Lake Lanier is the deepest lake in Gwinnett County. The Chestatee River feeds Lake Lanier, which provides water for Gwinnett County. It’s an artificial lake that was created in the 1950s. At the time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering had just finished a project known as the Buford Dam. They embarked on this original project for the purposes of flood management, power generation, and to create the opportunity for recreational activities.

The lake itself spans 38,000 acres, and at its deepest, it is a total of 200 feet. It’s not always full, however. Lake Lanier is considered to be at its maximum capacity when the water level reaches a little over 1,000 feet above sea level. The shoreline is expansive, stretching out for 692 miles.

The public water supply in Gwinnett County comes from Lake Lanier. In fact, 65 million gallons per day serve the county. A drought from 2007 to 2009 forced the county to focus on the most efficient use of its water resource. They wasted no time implementing conservation practices. Lake Lanier continues to serve Gwinnett County’s 800,000 residents as well as their businesses. It’s not just a water source for the county, however. The lake also draws millions of visitors annually to enjoy its many recreation areas, including marinas and campsites.

Lake Lanier, the deepest lake in Gwinnett County, is an artificial lake that was created in the 1950s.

©Brett Barnhill/Shutterstock.com

Things to Do Around Lake Lanier

You don’t need your own boat to get out onto the water on Lake Lanier. You can rent both boats and jet skis to have some fun out in the sun. If you do have your boat and want to take it, you’re welcome to! There are plenty of boat ramps available. If you’re renting, you can go for something simple like a pontoon or go all out and rent a houseboat or yacht charter. Aside from watersport activities, you can enjoy the many beaches at Lake Lanier.

Here, you can sunbathe, enjoy food truck delights or use one of the available barbecue grills while kiddos play on the playground. If you’re committed to more than a day trip, you have options to camp, park your RV, or try a less roughing-it option and go glamping. Still, even if glamping isn’t quite your preference, you can always check out hotels and vacation rentals in the area for a cozy rest before heading back out to keep enjoying the other recreational activities.

If you’re renting, you can go for something simple like a pontoon or go all out and rent a houseboat or yacht charter.

©Marcus E Jones/Shutterstock.com

Wildlife Around Lake Lanier

If you’re heading to Lake Lanier to take in the splendor of wildlife, spring is the best season to go. During this time, migrating songbirds abound. You can spot bald eagles and take in other birds like great blue herons, Canada geese, green-backed herons, ospreys, and kingfishers.

Around the lake, there are several mammals, including white-tailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

For those interested in fishing, you can head down to the Chattahoochee River just below the dam. Here, you can catch trout, crappie, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass.

Great Blue Heron flying over water.

You can see birds like great blue herons at Lake Lanier.

©Tom Franks/Shutterstock.com

Haunting Stories About Lake Lanier

Although Lake Lanier attracts millions every year, there have been some ghostly experiences around the lake. There’s a legend that a woman dressed in a blue dress roams the area. Campers have spotted her on more than one occasion. Those who brave the waters have reported mysterious arms reaching toward them while swimming. Social media has only fueled these stories, with many believing Lake Lanier is truly haunted.

When the lake was created, several valley communities (where there were cemeteries) flooded, and many believe this has led to the lake being cursed. The stories get even more imaginative after dark, when the eerie glow of the moon casts shadows that play tricks on those who believe in lore and urban legends. There are plenty of spooky tales to tell, but they’re probably best reserved for firelight when you’re out camping on one of the lake’s shores.

Where Is Lake Lanier Located on a Map?

Lake Lanier is an artificial lake that was created in the 1950s. It provides the public water supply for Gwinnett County, Georgia.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Brett Barnhill/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

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