About
What makes vacationing in North Georgia so appealing is the variety of outdoor adventures to explore. One notable spot to check out is Blue Ridge Lake. The 3,290-acre reservoir features campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina, and public swimming and picnic areas. It’s 11 miles long with 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed.
Toccoa Electric Power Company began working on creating the reservoir in 1925 and 1930. When it went into service on July 1, 1931, the dam became the largest earthen dam in the Southeast.
In 1939, the Tennessee Valley Authority acquired the dam, adding it to its larger network of reservoirs designed to manage flooding and produce power.
Blue Ridge Lake sits on the Toccoa River, and 80 percent of its shoreline borders the Chattahoochee National Forest. That protection keeps the surroundings green and free from heavy development, making the lake picturesque.
The lake’s proximity to the town of Blue Ridge makes it convenient when planning your vacation itinerary. Grab a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or enjoy the trails in the Aska Adventure Area; the possibilities are endless. And when hunger strikes, you’re just a short drive from dining spots like Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill and Bigfoot Biscuit.
As we’ll see in our next section, Blue Ridge Lake has something for everyone. So, tag along and discover all this reservoir has to offer!
Blue Ridge Lake: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Anglers have a soft spot for this region, and for good reason. The town of Blue Ridge is hailed as Georgia's trout capital. The reservoir supports walleye, large and smallmouth bass, bream, catfish, and trout, which makes it a favorite for both fly fishers and casual rod-and-reel folks.
The Toccoa River above the dam gets stocked with trout during the season, so the odds of landing something are strong. Few spots in North Georgia pack this much fishing variety into one location.
The Lake Blue Ridge Marina is your go-to for boat, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. And when you need food and drinks, the Boat Dock Bar & Grill will satisfy, offering some of the best views of the water.
For a full day on the water, Morganton Point Recreation Area is the place to land. This spot offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, and camping, all set against the mountain backdrop.
The Point, located near the boat ramp, sells snacks and souvenirs and rents kayaks and SUPs during the season. They have a limited number of rentals, so arrive early to ensure you get a kayak or SUP for your water adventure.
The Lake Blue Ridge Campground Trail is an easy 1.1-mile paved loop with an elevation gain of 85 feet. Most of the path is in the forested area of the campground, but when it opens up, you have unobstructed views of the lake.
More advanced hikes are nearby, such as Flat Creek Loop, which is a short drive south of the lake. The 5.6-mile loop is ranked “moderate” by AllTrails due to its 1,023 feet of elevation gain and some slippery spots.
If you enjoy mountain biking, multi-use trails abound, offering everything from easy to technically challenging terrain.
Whether you’re seeking a day on the water, tackling the trails, or trying to land a trout or bass, Blue Ridge Lake checks every box on a North Georgia vacation.
Local Tips
- Free parking is available at the Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area.
- Plan trout fishing trips between late March and October, when the Toccoa River is stocked.
- Pack a meal to enjoy at one of the 8 picnic tables.
- Check seasonal hours before visiting, especially from November through early April.
