Blue Ridge Lake, Georgia, USA

Located some 90 miles north of Atlanta and near Blue Ridge, Georgia, Blue Ridge Lake has all the desirable qualities for lovers of outdoor excitement and adventure. Visitors sightseeing down the Georgia Mountain Parkway (southern portion named Zell Miller Mountain Parkway) will pass within a few miles of the Blue Ridge Dam. Blue Ridge Lake’s 3000+ acres of crystal clear dark blue waters are an enticing draw for the many anglers, campers and others seeking a great outdoor experience. Camping, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing along its 65 miles of shoreline are just some of the outstanding attractions of Lake Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Lake was formed by the construction of Blue Ridge Dam by Toccoa Electric Power Company from 1925 to 1930. At construction time, it was the southeast’s largest earthen dam. The Dam impounds the north flowing Toccoa River and generates 22,000 kilowatts of electricity. The lake’s original name was Toccoa Lake, but changed to Blue Ridge Lake in 1934. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) acquired the dam and 18 miles of shoreline in 1939 as part of its flood control authority along with Blue Ridge Lake’s obvious superb recreational potential. A scenic overlook and picnic areas near the powerhouse make nice relaxing points.

Sport fishing in Lake Blue Ridge offers a choice of fishing for white bass, bluegill, walleye, and small mouth bass. Additional fishing opportunities exist for the intrepid angler, including channel catfish, yellow perch and flathead catfish. Below the Dam, stream trout fishing excites some anglers although the Toccoa River becomes hazardous quickly when there is a water release; be sure to check the dam release schedule before you go (see internet resource below).

There are over 90 national forest campsites and Morganton Campground (43 sites) available for campers around Blue Ridge Lake. Several boat ramps and a full service marina provide both access and service for your boat, along with a variety of boat rentals. And for the geocaching enthusiast, there are over 30 caches to find within a few miles of Lake Blue Ridge.

With 85% of Blue Ridge Lake nestled within Chatahoochee National Forest, only a small part of the shoreline is developed, making a visit to the Lake a wonderful outdoor experience. Try it; you’ll like it!