We are drawn to water. It is a human thing. No matter if you are an avid swimmer or someone who would not even dip a toe in it, we are all born with a hard-wired attraction to water in nature. So, it is no surprise when we look for Appalachian lakes, rivers, or streams in the mountains.
Back when the Appalachian Mountains were being settled, water was critical to the well-being of the people. It was needed for crops, for livestock, and for drinking. Water is life. Perhaps not coincidentally, even the earliest Scotch-Irish settlers used that crisp, clear mountain water to make the New World version of uisce beatha, Irish for water of life, which came to be known as moonshine.
Appalachia is known as much for the lakes that fill the valleys as it is for the mountains that rise above them. A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. Nestled within the southern most part of the Appalachian Mountains, a series of lakes across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee offer a variety of recreational activities. For travelers from North Georgia towns like Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Ellijay, these Appalachian lakes are accessible destinations for day trips or weekend getaways.
Get back to nature…well, sort of
With very few exceptions, lakes in the Appalachian mountains are all man-made. Most were formed in the early 1900s as dams were built for hydroelectric power production. Despite this, the Appalachian mountain lakes have become a central part of the landscape and culture of the region.
The following list, divided by state, in the Southern Appalachian mountain region will give you an overview of the most popular lakes.
Exploring Appalachian Lakes – Georgia
Lake Blue Ridge – Georgia
Location: Fannin County, GA
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Blue Ridge, GA
Surface Area: 3,300 acres
Max Depth: 246 feet
Managed By: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Features: Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering picturesque mountain views
Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and camping
Entry Fees: Varies by facility; Morganton Point Recreation Area charges a day-use fee
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high, with some luxury properties available
Year Created: 1930
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Blue Ridge Dam
History: Lake Blue Ridge was formed by damming the Toccoa River. The lake is known for its clear waters and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Rabun – Georgia
Location: Northeast Georgia, Rabun County
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Lakemont, GA
Surface Area: 835 acres
Max Depth: Approximately 80 feet
Managed By: Georgia Power
Features: Winding shoreline, historic boathouses, and the Lake Rabun Hotel
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, and annual Fourth of July boat parade
Entry Fees: Public access points may have nominal fees
Lakefront Home Prices: High; considered a luxury market
Year Created: 1915
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Mathis Dam for hydroelectric power
History: Lake Rabun is known for its scenic beauty and has been a popular retreat for Atlanta’s elite for decades.
Lake Burton – Georgia
Location: Rabun County, GA
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Clayton, GA
Surface Area: 2,775 acres
Max Depth: Approximately 100 feet
Managed By: Georgia Power
Features: Mountain views, clear waters, and upscale homes
Activities: Boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming
Entry Fees: Public ramps may have fees
Lakefront Home Prices: High; luxury properties are common
Year Created: 1919
Man-Made: Yes, formed by the construction of Burton Dam
History: Lake Burton is one of Georgia’s premier lakes, known for its recreational opportunities and beautiful surroundings.
Lake Chatuge – Georgia
Location: Towns County, GA, and Clay County, NC
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Hiawassee, GA
Surface Area: 7,050 acres
Max Depth: Approximately 144 feet
Managed By: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Features: Mountain backdrop, marinas, and parks
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, and camping
Entry Fees: Varies by facility
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high
Year Created: 1942
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Chatuge Dam
History: Lake Chatuge offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, attracting visitors year-round.
Lake Seed – Georgia
Location: Rabun County, GA
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Lakemont, GA
Surface Area: 240 acres
Max Depth: Approximately 80 feet
Managed By: Georgia Power
Features: Secluded setting and clear waters
Activities: Fishing, boating, and kayaking
Entry Fees: Public access may be limited
Lakefront Home Prices: Varies; less developed than neighboring lakes
Year Created: 1927
Man-Made: Yes, formed by the construction of Nacoochee Dam
History: Lake Seed is one of the smaller lakes in the area, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Lake Trahlyta – Georgia
Location: Union County, GA
Nearest Major City: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Small Town: Blairsville, GA
Surface Area: 240 acres
Max Depth: Approximately 80 feet
Managed By: Georgia Power
Features: Secluded setting and clear waters
Activities: Fishing, boating, and kayaking
Entry Fees: Public access may be limited
Lakefront Home Prices: Varies; less developed than neighboring lakes
Year Created: 1927
Man-Made: Yes, formed by the construction of Nacoochee Dam
History: Lake Seed is one of the smaller lakes in the area, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Exploring Appalachian Lakes – North Carolina
Fontana Lake – North Carolina
Location: Graham and Swain Counties, NC
Nearest Major City: Asheville, NC
Nearest Small Town: Bryson City, NC
Surface Area: 10,230 acres
Max Depth: 440 feet
Managed By: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Features: 238 miles of shoreline, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping
Entry Fees: Varies by access point
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high
Year Created: 1944
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Fontana Dam
History: Constructed during World War II for hydroelectric power and flood control; the Appalachian Trail crosses the dam, and the nearby shelter is known as the “Fontana Hilton” due to its amenities.
Lake Lure – North Carolina
Location: Rutherford County, NC
Nearest Major City: Charlotte, NC
Nearest Small Town: Lake Lure, NC
Surface Area: Approximately 800 acres
Max Depth: 104 feet
Managed By: Town of Lake Lure
Features: Scenic backdrop, featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing”
Activities: Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking
Entry Fees: $10 parking fee at public beach
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high
Year Created: 1927
Man-Made: Yes, created by the Morse family for a resort community
History: Developed as a resort destination; known for its picturesque setting.
Exploring Appalachian Lakes – South Carolina
Lake Keowee – South Carolina
Location: Oconee and Pickens Counties, SC
Nearest Major City: Greenville, SC
Nearest Small Town: Seneca, SC
Surface Area: 18,500 acres
Max Depth: 297 feet
Managed By: Duke Energy
Features: Clear waters, used for cooling nuclear reactors
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking
Entry Fees: Varies by access point
Lakefront Home Prices: High
Year Created: 1971
Man-Made: Yes, created for hydroelectric power and cooling
History: Formed by the Keowee and Little Rivers; supports Oconee Nuclear Station.
Lake Murray – South Carolina
Location: Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, and Richland Counties, SC
Nearest Major City: Columbia, SC
Nearest Small Town: Lexington, SC
Surface Area: 50,000 acres
Max Depth: 200 feet
Managed By: Dominion Energy
Features: Known as the “Jewel of South Carolina”
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, sailing
Entry Fees: Varies by access point
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high
Year Created: 1930
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Saluda Dam
History: Built for hydroelectric power; submerged the town of Lorick.
Exploring Appalachian Lakes – Tennessee
Norris Lake – Tennessee
Location: Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, and Union Counties, TN
Nearest Major City: Knoxville, TN
Nearest Small Town: Norris, TN
Surface Area: 33,840 acres
Max Depth: 210 feet
Managed By: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Features: Over 800 miles of shoreline
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking
Entry Fees: Varies by access point
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate to high
Year Created: 1936
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Norris Dam
History: First dam built by TVA; named after Senator George Norris.
Douglas Lake – Tennessee
Location: Jefferson, Cocke, Sevier, and Hamblen Counties, TN
Nearest Major City: Knoxville, TN
Nearest Small Town: Dandridge, TN
Surface Area: 30,400 acres
Max Depth: 140 feet
Managed By: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Features: Located near the Great Smoky Mountains
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, birdwatching
Entry Fees: Varies by access point
Lakefront Home Prices: Moderate
Year Created: 1943
Man-Made: Yes, created by the construction of Douglas Dam
History: Built for hydroelectric power and flood control; popular for recreational activities.
Appalachian Lakes Roundup
Whether vacationing or relocating, the ideal mountain retreat often includes water. It might be the kinetic joy of speeding over a lake in a JetSki, or the fun of paddling a kayak in whitewater, or simply the sound of water splashing over a rocky cascade, water is an undeniable, powerful force of nature. In Appalachia, there are plenty of ways to satisfy that yearning for water. Be sure to take advantage of the many lakes that are found in the mountains.
For visitors to and residents of North Georgia towns like Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Ellijay, these Appalachian lakes offer accessible opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. Whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, each lake provides unique experiences within a reasonable distance.
Be sure to check out our blog about renting cabins in the Appalachian mountains!
