Lake Blue Ridge – a North Georgia Gem
North Georgia is full of wonderful sights and sounds. Quaint mountain towns dot the landscape and offer a great variety of family vacation destinations. If you’re planning to visit or vacation in the north Georgia mountains this year, we hope you will stay at one of our riverfront rental cabins. Rosemary Lewis, frequent visitor of Rainbow Cabins, shares her unique perspective about the many activities that North Georgia has to offer.
Lake Blue Ridge has it all - crystal clear waters, fish in abundance, and spectacular mountain scenery. Named as TVA’s “most pristine lake” and located just 90 miles north of Atlanta, Lake Blue Ridge is tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains just minutes from Blue Ridge, Georgia. It is a 3,290 acre lake with over 100 miles of shoreline. Having over 90 National Forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina, hiking trails, public swimming and picnic areas, what more could you need?
Lake Blue Ridge is perfect for skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and fishing. It is home to the largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, bream, catfish, perch, crappie and walleye. Lake Blue Ridge is the only small mouth bass lake in Georgia and the only place south of the Great Lakes where you can catch a Muskie. Thirty-five fish attractors (man-made feeding centers) are scattered around the coves and creeks, which aid in making this a popular destination for anglers.
Lake Blue Ridge was formed when Blue Ridge Dam was completed in 1930. The dam is 167 feet high and stretches 1,000 feet across the Toccoa River. It was constructed by the Toccoa Power Company and took five years to build. In 1939, the Tennessee Valley Authority purchased the facility for hydroelectric power production. The water level ranges between 30 and 35 feet, although it suffered for a few years during the drought. In the last two years, however, normal levels have returned. For more information on lake levels or dam release schedules, go to www.tva.gov.
One of the two free boat ramps is Morganton Point Recreational Area. It’s the best place to take your kids because it has a designated white sandy beach, and a lifeguard on duty during the summer camping season. There are 43 campsites, 8 picnic sites, a covered pavilion, and bathrooms with electricity. The MPRA is open April through October. To get there from the McDonald’s in Blue Ridge (where all directions seem to stem from if you’re a local), go 4.5 miles up Hwy 515 towards Blairsville and turn right at the traffic light onto Hwy 60. Continue on Hwy 60 for two miles into Morganton. Turn right and follow the signs. You’ll find the campground entrance about a half mile down on the left.
The other free boat ramp is located at The Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area/Park which has 55 campsites, grills, picnic tables, tent pads, and bathrooms with showers. No hookups are provided. Hikers will enjoy the quiet half-mile loop trail that follows the shoreline. It’s also great for easy mountain bike riding. Located two miles from the intersection of Hwy 76 and Aska Road, turn left onto Dry Branch Road and follow for less than one mile. For availability from Memorial Day through Labor Day, contact the U. S. Forest Service—Toccoa Ranger District.
Fishing boats, pontoons and jet skis can be rented at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina, located off Hwy 76, close to the dam. It‘s a full service marina with boat and gas docks, a ski/fishing shop--and the only place to get food, gas or supplies on the lake. It’s Handicap accessible. The phone number of the Marina is (706)632-2618 if you need more information. You can also go on-line to check the dockside webcam for current weather conditions, including the water temperature. Every year the marina hosts a big 4th of July celebration, usually on the Saturday closest to the holiday. There’s a Bar-B-Q, live entertainment and fireworks. It’s a good old-fashioned time for all. Hope to see you there!