LAKES IN METRO ATLANTA

 

Georgia has enjoyed a significant economic advance during the last three decades, driven by a huge influx of newcomers. Yes, citizens have been attracted to the opportunities in academics, business, technology and tourism. However, for the kind of growth experienced by The Peach State, quality of life must be a very strong component to draw and keep so many newcomers.

 

One of the major aspects that elevate the enjoyment of Metro Atlanta's lifestyle is the abundant opportunity for relaxation and recreation, and perhaps the crown jewel in Metro Atlanta's rest and relaxation are the many lakes dotting the landscape.

 

 

LAKE ALLATOONA
LOCATION: Northwest of Atlanta, 40 miles/ 50 minutes

COMMUNITIES: Emerson, Cartersville, Holly Springs and Woodstock

 

Allatoona Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir. It covers more than 12,00 acres and has 270 miles of shoreline There are 25,000 acres of public land around the Lake, which are owned by the Army Corp.

 

There are a number of campgrounds around the Lake, as well as public boat ramps. There are also 8 privately owned marinas that supply every boater's needs. More than 1,000 secluded RV and tent campsites are found along the shoreline. Visitors can experience the wonders of nature, dive into water sports and generally relax knowing that your never more than 10 minutes from town.

 

Lake Allatoona provides fifteen public boat ramps throughout the lake area located in three counties: Cobb, Cherokee and Bartow. These are used for water sports, fishing and boating, for the southwestern part of the lake. Parking is provided.

 

A stop at the Visitors Center will provide you with detailed maps of the lake and recreation areas and will introduce you to the history of Allatoona Lake, Bartow County's geology, the Native American culture and the Civil War. The Overlook provides soaring view of Allatoona Lake, its dam and the Etowah River below. Hiking trails end at the river bottom. Open daily. Handicap Accessible. No admission charged

 

 

LAKE ACWORTH
LOCATION: Northwest of Atlanta, 33 miles 41 minutes

COMMUNTIES: Acworth

 

This body of water is a man-made lake southwest of the City of Acworth. It is approximately 260 acres and features Acworth Beach, a public beach and park along the northern shore.

 

 

LAKE JACKSON
LOCATION: Southeast of Atlanta, 48 miles, 59 minutes

COMMUNITIES: Jackson and Monticello

 

Jackson Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in Georgia, encompassed by Butts, Jasper and Newton Counties. It is a relatively small lake, covering 4,750 acres, with 135 miles of shoreline. The body of water generates electricity and is the location for watersports, boating, wakeboarding, skiing and fishing.

 

 

LAKE OCONEE
LOCATION: East of Atlanta, 76 miles, 1 hour and 34 minutes

COMMUNTIES: Greensboro, Madison

 

This reservoir in Greene County was created in1979 with the construction of Wallace dam for the purposes of hydroelectricity. On the other side of the dam is Lake Oconee's sister body, Lake Sinclair.

 

Oconee is the second largest lake in Georgia (behind Lake Lanier). It is an oasis of relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation. Come here and experience some of the state’s best fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, water-skiing, wakeboarding and golfing. The surrounding communities are steeped in history. Locally owned shops and boutiques offer the finest in antiques, fashion, furnishings, decorative accessories and jewelry.

 

Summer brings an abundance of activities for visitors and residents of the area. You can enjoy the peacefulness of Lake Oconee by renting a canoe or kayak. For something a little more adventuresome, jet skis, waterskiing and wakeboarding add great excitement. Lake Oconee also offers wonderful family activities such as horseback riding, guided boat tours and more. Experience the thrill of angling for that trophy bass you’ve always wanted. Lake Oconee has excellent fishing guides available to help you make that dream a reality. When its time for a break from the lake this summer, visit historic downtown Greensboro for small town charm and a unique selection of shopping, dining and events.

Numerous upscale housing developments and resorts communities have been built on the banks of the lake since 1979, including Harbor Club, Reynolds Plantation, and Cuscowilla. Lake Oconee is also well-known for its golf courses, including Harbor Club which was awarded by Golfweek "top 10 places to play in Georgia" in 2009 and the Golf Club at Cuscowilla, ranked in the top 3 "Best Residential Courses" by Golfweek magazine since 2002.

 

LAKE OCONEE ATTRACTIONS

 

*GOLF - The Lake is populated with very popular golf course. Play Harbor Club on Lake Oconee, The Landings at Reynolds Plantation, Plantation Golf Course, The National Golf Course, The Oconee Golf Course and Greene County Country Club.

 

*LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS - With a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills, towering trees, and sparkling waters, Georgia’s Lake Country is the prime spot spend a weekend away to relax and rejuvenate. Other than its views, Greensboro, offers several more gems to its visitors including three luxury accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee, The Harbor Club, and Reynolds Plantation. No matter what style of getaway you are looking, it can be found at Lake Oconee.

 

The Lodge on Lake Oconee is a beautiful, new, lake front hotel featuring wonderful lake view rooms. Views of Lake Oconee are abundant from every lakeside room and the outdoor pool. Relax and enjoy all that the Lake Oconee area has to offer.   

 

 

LAKE SIDNEY LANIER

LOCATION: Northeast of Atlanta, 45 miles, 54 minutes

COMMUNITIES: Buford, Cumming, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Oakwood

 

This38,000-acre lake was created when Lanier Buford Dam was built in the 1950s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This man made body of water has 540 miles of shoreline. Millions of visitors each year enjoy recreational water sports provided by the lake, easily accessed from Atlanta via several major highways. The lake was named for favorite son Southern poet, Sidney Lanier.

 

Five Georgia counties share the Lake: Hall, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Lumpkin and Dawson. As the water filled the basin created by Buford Dam, the valley was filled with numerous small arms and fingers of water.

 

The original purpose of the lake was hydroelectricity, water supply for Atlanta and flood control. However, Lake Lanier has become a haven of recreation for Metro Atlanta. The lake is popular with boaters, houseboats, jet skiers and others, particularly around the summer holidays. Over 7.5 million people per year visit the lake, including its marinas and the Lake Lanier Islands waterpark. The rowing and sprint canoeing events during the 1996 Summer Olympics were held at the lake. It also hosted the Canoe Sprint World

Championships in 2003, at the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club.

 

One resort hotel sits on the lake, Emerald Pointe, joined by well-known Holiday Marina, which has become has become synonymous with Lake Lanier. Both Holiday Marina in Buford, and Aqualand Marina near the town of Flowery Branch, are two of the largest freshwater marinas in the world.

 

Every year from mid-November through December, Lake Lanier Islands are decorated with over 6 miles of holiday lights, one of the world's largest Christmas light shows. Magical Nights of Lights is an animated drive-through display that ends with a Holiday village, carnival rides, bonfire, Santa Shop, live nativity, etc.

 

 

LAKE LANIER ATTRACTIONS

 

*LAKE LANIER ISLANDS RESORT - is the most visited lakeside resort in Georgia. It is situated on the southern shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, a distance of about 45 minutes from Atlanta. This breathtaking site encompasses natural beauty in a private setting, making it an ideal location for family vacations, romantic getaways, business conferences and meetings, weddings, and more.

 

The resort also encompasses an impressive list of accommodations and amenities sure to exceed the expectations of the most discerning traveler. Children of all ages visit the Chattahoochee Rapids Beach and Waterpark, while the golfers play at the Legacy Golf Club.  

 

Boats of all shapes and sizes can be rented at Harbor Landing and a wide variety of wonderful treatments can be had at Tranquility Spa.  The Islands also offer horseback riding at the Equestrian Center. 800-677-5304

*LANIER WORLD AT LAKE LANIER ISLANDS - is perfect for "kids" of all ages featuring thrilling rides, slides and water attractions. The FunDunker is three stories high with over 100 ways to get wet!

 A 1,000-gallon bucket dumps water on thrill-seekers below every five to ten minutes. Georgia's largest wave pool, Wild Waves, provides lots of fun. For those looking to relax, visit the white sandy beach! The Beach & Waterpark is open seasonally,

The attraction is open May through mid-September. For operating hours and pricing information, call 770.932.7200 or visit www.lakelanierislands.com. Family Fun Packages are available featuring accommodations at the Legacy Lodge & Conference Center, Legacy Villas, and the Lake Houses at Legacy or the Campground at Lake Lanier Islands.

*LAKE LANIER CANOPY TOURS - Imagine flying through the air and checking out the critters of the forest and the trees - in a completely different perspective from that of the “common ground person”. This  zip line canopy tour takes you on a close personal experience with nature. After checking in, meeting your one-of-a-kind guides, gearing up and completing final safety checks, you enter into the forest by zipping from tree to tree – high up in the tree canopy! You will soar through the air effortlessly and you will never forget encountering the beauty of Lake Lanier from the air. 770-828-7654

 

*AQUALAND MARINA - Full Service Marina on eastern shore of Lake Lanier near Flowery Branch. Open year round. Fully stocked store. Fuel dock open 362 days a year. Full service pump-out facilities, fiberglass dock boxes. Four sparkling shower & bath facilities, modern laundry facilities, Dockside Grill, self-service boat repair yard, Marine Travel Lift. Weather radar reports are available via direct satellite link from the Marina's store. Two covered pavilions for large groups. Jet ski & boat rentals. Wind Song Sailing Academy offers a full service sailing course.

 

*LEGACY ON LANIER GOLF CLUB - represents a return to the Golden Era of Golf - a period from the early to mid 1900’s, when designers built some of the most storied courses in the world. Created by renowned designer Billy Fuller, Legacy on Lanier Golf Club offers stunning views of Georgia’s Great Lake. An unrivaled golf experience, the layout traverses a natural setting with twelve scenic holes on the water. Legacy offers tactical challenges for the avid golfer, while not proving too daunting for the casual golfer. 678-318-7861

 

*HARBOR LANDING BOAT RENTALS AT LAKE LANIER ISLANDS - has the largest fleet of rental boats on Lake Lanier. Be your own captain aboard a ski boat, pontoon boat, or 10-passenger houseboat! Luxury houseboats are also available. Host a meeting or event aboard a VIP Excursion Yacht. Boat rentals are available year-round. 770-932-7255

 

*SPA - Relax your body and appease your mind at Tranquility - The Spa's stress free environment. Enjoy a repertoire of therapies, treatments and services, designed to help you reach an unprecedented mind, body and soul experience. Experience state-of-the-art facials, body treatments and advanced massage therapy performed in exquisite treatment rooms, under the care of highly trained professionals. Tranquility - The Spa, Lake Lanier Islands 678-318-7887

*NEW DEVELOPMENTS - such as Sterling on the Lake, will provide future and existing residents the opportunity to live in friendly and strategically planned communities. Tour prestigious, lake-view homes with spacious lots within a gorgeous wooded area. Award-winning builders David Weekley Homes, Peachtree Residential Properties, Ryland Homes, Touchstone Homes and Waterford Homes meticulously designed several floor plans to compliment the natural beauty of the land.

Sterling on the Lake's picturesque wooded areas follow gently sloping ravines, some with crystal clear streams forming small waterfalls as they meander down toward the lakes. Also available to residents are more than 180 acres of open space and miles of wooded trails, wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Some trails lead to parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Surrounded by 75 acres of pristine lakes and nature, the Village Center will be the head of Sterling on the Lake's community life, offering everything from a competition-sized swimming pool to a free-form pool with a children's waterslide for relaxing during those lazy days of summer. Also, for their enjoyment there is a clubhouse with a movie theater, a fitness center and a full-time activities director.

*HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA - is located on southeast side of Lake Lanier. Amenities include gas dock, boat sales and repairs. Quarterdeck Restaurant Serving lunch and dinner every day. Live music on some weekends.

 

 

LAKE SPIVEY
LOCATION: Southeast of Atlanta

COMMUNITIES: Jonesboro, Lake Spivey estates

 

This is a 600-acre private lake in Clayton and Henry Counties. Watersports are the norm for lake Spivey, as well as fishing. The community hosts the annual Lake Spivey Road Race each November. The Lake Spivey Golf Club offers a championship layout that includes 18 holes of fun, fair and challenging golf.  A balance of distance, contour, wooded roughs and water presents an enjoyable golf course for all levels of play.

 

 

STONE MOUNTAIN LAKE

LOCATION: East of Atlanta

COMMUNITIES: Rockbridge, Stone Mountain

Located within Stone Mountain Park, this body of water is one of the centerpieces of the entertainment packed park. Hike and camp on its shores.Fishing is permitted on the lake from 6:00 a.m. until Midnight.  The lake has four types of fish:  bass, carp, catfish, and bream. You must have a valid Georgia Fishing License.

Private boats are allowed on the lake each day of the week during daylight hours. Boats must be launched from the Public Boat Ramp located near the Evergreen Pavilion. Outboard motors in excess of 10-horse power are not allowed on the lake. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any privately owned boat. 

 

WEST POINT LAKE

LOCATION: Southwest of Atlanta

COMMUNITIES: LaGrange, West Point

 

West Point Lake is a large reservoir totaling 26,000 acres. the completion of the West Point Dam in 1974 created the body of water for hydroelectric purposes. There are over 500 miles of shoreline encompassing a lake renowned as one of the nation's best for bass fishing. Watersports abound on the lake, from swimming to canoeing to skiing to waterboarding. Campers and hikers can enjoy beautiful flora and fauna, including Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles and wintering Northern Loons.

 

The renowned Highland Marina and Resort accommodates people who want to enjoy the lake, or decide on a permanent residence in the area. Located on magnificent West Point Lake and surrounded by the beautiful yellow pines and rolling hills of west Georgia, Highland Marina Resort is ideal for your family’s next vacation or weekend getaway. An area well known by water sport enthusiasts and fisherman alike, Let Highland Marina Resort's 200 acres of peace and quiet relax and refresh you. If fishing is your game, get ready for the best largemouth, crappie, and hybrid bass fishing in the country! West Point Lake has earned the title of one of the hottest fishing lakes in the nation. Anglers from all over the world flock to this lake where six-pound bass are common, the lake record bass is 14.2 pounds! Whether it’s tubing and wake boarding, fishing or jet skiing, or an incredible week of soaking up the sun on our sandy summer beach, there is always something for everyone at Highland Marina Resort.