The Top 7 Reasons Georgia Has the Best Lakes in the Country

Georgia has hundreds of lakes, each offering unique scenery and experiences. But what sets the lakes in this state apart from the rest of America? There are 7 reasons Georgia has the best lakes in the country, and they are listed below.

1. Natural Beauty

Georgia’s natural beauty is unforgettable. It is known for its many diverse habitats, from mountain hardwood forests to coastal beaches. As a result, the lakes in the state have varying scenery. Voted one of the most beautiful lakes in Georgia, Allatoona Lake, in the northern part of the state, covers 12,000 acres and has around 300 miles of shoreline. Furthermore, it is the clearest lake in the state and provides drinking water to several surrounding counties. Its clear waters and surrounding scenery are reasons Georgia has the best lakes in the country. In efforts to keep this treasure clean, local non-profits scour the shores of Lake Allatoona, doing their bit to preserve this beautiful lake for future generations.

2. Size and Depth

The biggest lake in Georgia is Lake Lanier, which spans over 38,000 acres. This massive reservoir attracts many outdoor enthusiasts with its water sports and all the recreational facilities in the nearby area. Furthermore, the lake is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, so it’s safe to say that the scenery is unbeatable.

The deepest lake in the state is Carters Lake, which measures 450 feet deep and covers over 60 miles of shoreline. In addition, this lake has no private developments or docks, maintaining its pristine natural environment. Carters Lake sits 77 miles from Atlanta. Therefore, driving to the lake from the city takes around an hour and 20 minutes.

3. Water Quality

One of the reasons Georgia has the best lakes is because of their water quality, specifically Allatoona Lake and Lake Sinclair. The community surrounding Allatoona Lake takes great care of it. For example, many organizations send volunteers to shores to pick up trash and keep the beaches clean. Another one of Georgia’s cleanest lakes is Lake Sinclair. As a result, there are no restrictions on what you catch and eat within its waters.

4. Biodiversity

Georgia’s main biomes include wetlands, freshwater systems, high mountains, marine and coastal habitats, and semi-deserts. The state’s biodiversity provides life-sustainable development of essential economic sectors like hydropower, agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

5. Recreational Activities

While many of the lakes in Georgia offer fantastic recreational opportunities, one lake stands out for family-friendly activities and accommodations: Lake Burton. This large reservoir in Rabun County has spectacular waterfalls and stunning scenery. Furthermore, for all those water sports lovers out there, Lake Burton has numerous aquatic activities for the whole family like:

• Fishing
• Swimming
• Water skiing
• Kayaking

In fact, it is an ideal lake for catching spotted bass,  catfish, or largemouth bass. Just ensure to bring your own fishing pole.

6. Fishing Opportunities

There are several lakes in the state that provide big catches, like Allatoona Lake. But one of the best fishing lakes in Georgia is Lake Lanier, which is one of the most intricate lakes in the state. This reservoir is famous for its variety of species. Anglers can catch anything from bluegill, crappie, walleye, trout, carp, gar, catfish, bass, and panfish.

7. Scenic Trails and Parks

Georgia is full of hidden gems like scenic trails and parks. Many of the lakes in this state are surrounded by hiking trails, where visitors destress while taking in the natural beauty. However, there are a few scenic trails and parks that are particularly beautiful, including

• Sweetwater Creek White Trail
• Hurricane Falls trail
• Amicalola Falls Loop Trail
• Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls

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