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If you are looking to beat the heat of Atlanta, there is nothing better than spending a weekend at one of the many lakes near Atlanta. Some of them are in the surrounding suburbs of Atlanta, but most of these are in the North Georgia mountains.
The lakes featured in this post all are within the state of Georgia. Of course there are some amazing lakes in the Carolina’s and Alabama too!
All of these lakes are easily reached within a few hours of Atlanta. Travel times are, of course, always dependent on traffic in the metro area.
Many of these lakes make for a great day trip or weekend getaway.
Below you will find details of ten popular lakes near Atlanta and what makes each of them great.
Map Of The 10 Best Lakes Near Atlanta, Georgia
Lake Lanier
Miles from Atlanta: 50 miles
Lake Size: 38,00 acres
Lake Lanier is one of the larger lakes in Georgia. This is one of the best lakes near Atlanta, due to its size and proximity to Atlanta. It is a very popular getaway for the weekend. On holiday weekends, boat traffic is very heavy. Stay safe out there!
If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one or invite some friends and charter a boat. There are some great sunset boat cruises available.
Lake Lanier Islands is fun way to stay at the lake, all year long. If you are up for a challenge, the golf course is a challenging and scenic.
It is also home the the family favorite destination of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Our kids love Paradise Beach, one of the best lake beaches near Atlanta. They also love the water slides, obstacle course and the wave pool all at Margaritaville.
On the northern tip of Lake Lanier, you will find Don Carter State Park which has lake access, hiking and camping.
Lake Allatoona
Miles from Atlanta: 35 miles
Lake Size: 12,000 Acres
Lake Allatoona is home to a large recreational area both on and off the water. Adjacent to the lake is Red Top Mountain State Park and home to some great hiking near Atlanta.
There are many marinas and public swimming beaches to explore, making it a great spot to beat the heat on a day trip from Atlanta
Lake Burton
Miles from Atlanta: 110 miles
Lake Size: 2,775 Acres
If you are looking for a weekend getaway and love the great outdoors, Lake Burton is one of our favorite destinations. Even though the lake is small, it is extremely picturesque.
Lake Burton is home to many celebrities. The entire family loves to get on the boat and enjoy the architecture of the many beautiful homes.
The unique thing about Lake Burton is the elegant boat houses. Many have upper decks for relaxing or enjoying happy hour.
Off the boat, there are many outstanding hikes in the area.
Blue Ridge Lake
Miles from Atlanta: 100 miles
Lake Size: 3,290 Acres
Blue Ridge Lake is a smaller, but has crystal clear water and located within a few miles to downtown Blue Ridge. Plan ahead, the water levels vary depending on the time of year and the dam release schedule.
The adjacent town of Blue Ridge is a quintessential north Georgia mountain town and is not to be missed while you are in the area.
The lake also borders the Chattahoochee National Forrest. There is plenty of hiking not far from the lake, like the Aska Trail system, Springer Mountain and even the Appalachian Trail. Even Amicalola Falls State Park is close by
Lake Oconee
Miles from Atlanta: 84 miles
Lake Size: 19,000 acres
Lake Oconee is another lake that was created for power. Georgia Power created Wallace Dam on the Oconee River in 1979. Today the lake is home to many retirement communities and golf communities. Enjoy the Ritz Carlton Resort, if you want to kick back and enjoy the lake life in luxury.
There are many parks and public beaches to explore to enjoy the very clean water.
Lake Chatuge
Miles from Atlanta: 120 miles
Lake Size: 7,000 acres
Located on the border to South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Chatuge is a great weekend destination from Atlanta. This lake is another lake created and managed by the TVA. They built a dam on the Chatuge river in 1942.
Bass fishing is a primary activity on Lake Chatuge. If you are a trout fisherman, there are many streams around the lake and on the Hiawassee river for fly fishing.
Lake Hartwell
Miles from Atlanta: 110 miles
Lake Size: 56,000 acres
Located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, right next to Clemson University is Lake Hartwell. This lake is one of the largest lakes in the state of Georgia. When you are in town for a football game, why not stay at the lake?
The large lake is ideal for water sports, but there are other attractions in the area like hiking or antiquing in Hartwell, GA
Lake Sinclair
Miles from Atlanta: 86 miles
Lake Size: 15,300 acres
Sister lake to Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair is also operated by Georgia Power. Lake Sinclair offers two public boat ramps, but there are also marinas and storage locations around the lake.
Fishing is a major draw to Lake Sinclair, particularly bass fishing.
Lake Rabun
Miles from Atlanta: 105 miles
Lake Size: 853 acres
Lake Rabun is one of the smaller lakes in Georgia, but its location is not only ideal for boating and fishing, but also for hiking and camping. This lake is very close to Tallulah Gorge, making it the perfect destination to rest after hiking the gorge. There are plenty of hiking trails, zip lines, golf courses and white water rafting in the area.
Lake Nottely
Miles from Atlanta: 110 miles
Lake Size: 4,180 acres
Lake Nottely is another TVA lake in Georgia. There are multiple public boat launch sites making it an fun spot to launch your boat. There are even multiple boat marinas where you can rent a boat or jet ski.
Near the lake you will find plenty to do in Blairsville or hit the trial in Vogel State Park.
Didn’t see your favorite lake near Atlanta listed? Drop a comment and let us know why we should check out another lake for our next update!