Beautiful Lake Blue Ridge

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area boast over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed. The lake was formed when Blue Ridge Dam was constructed on the Toccoa River in 1930 by the Toccoa Electric Power Company. At the time it was built, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the Southeast. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the facility in 1939 for hydroelectric power production.

Currently, TVA is in the process of making repairs to the dam penstock, and making modifications to the base of the intake tower and the upstream and downstream faces of the dam. For this reason, a deep drawdown of the lake is necessary beginning July, 2010, and the lake will be held at an elevation about 68 feet lower than the usual summer elevation for about six months. It is expected that the project will be finished on the lake side in early spring of 2011, however the return of the lake to normal summer pool in 2011 will depend on the spring rains.

During the summer of 2010, please see the TVA website for information about the Blue Ridge Dam Rehabilitation Project, and check carefully for dam releases during the period the lake is being drawn down. For more information on lake levels and releases, please see:
www.TVA.gov

The lake is home to bass, bream, catfish, perch and crappie, which make the area popular with anglers. It is the only lake south of the Great Lakes where Walleye are caught, and is also known for small-mouth bass fishing. During the Lake Blue Ridge Rehabilitation Project, from July 2010 to Summer 2011, boat ramp availability will be limited. Please check with the Welcome Center to find out which ramps are available.

Toccoa River & Lake Blue Ridge

Marina