Lake Burton, Georgia

Lake Burton, situated in Rabun County, northern Georgia, is the primary lake within the Tallulah River Watershed, comprising five interconnected lakes. Its construction began in December 1919, as a crucial component of the North Georgia Hydro Project, which stands as one of North America's pioneering large-scale, integrated hydroelectric systems.

For additional content such as the top 3 activities, finest dining spots, historical information, videos, maps, weather updates, and an exclusive interview with Alabama Coach Nick Saban on Lake Burton, please scroll down!

Things to do in
Lake Burton, Georgia

When visiting Lake Burton, GA, there are several exciting activities to enjoy. Here are the top three things to do:

Water Sports: Lake Burton is perfect for water enthusiasts. You can indulge in activities like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Renting a boat and exploring the scenic lake is a popular choice among visitors. Additionally, fishing is also a favorite pastime for anglers looking to catch bass, trout, and other species.

Hiking and Nature Exploration: The area around Lake Burton offers numerous hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls. You can explore the Chattahoochee National Forest, which surrounds the lake, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes!

Relaxation and Picnicking: If you prefer a more laid-back experience, take advantage of the serene lake setting and have a peaceful picnic with friends or family. There are several picnic spots and parks along the lake's shoreline where you can unwind, enjoy a meal, and appreciate the tranquility of the area.

These activities ensure a delightful and memorable experience while visiting Lake Burton, GA.

Where to eat in
Lake Burton, Georgia

Lake Burton and its surrounding areas offer a diverse selection of restaurants to cater to various tastes and preferences. While the specific options may change over time, as of my last update in September 2021, here are the types of restaurants you might find in Lake Burton, GA:

Lakeside Eateries: There are restaurants located directly on or near the lake, providing a beautiful dining experience with scenic views. These eateries often specialize in seafood, southern cuisine, and grilled dishes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the natural surroundings.

Southern and Country Cooking: Southern cuisine is a staple in this region, and you can find restaurants that serve traditional comfort food like fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, and other Southern favorites.

Family-Owned Diners: Lake Burton's proximity to small towns and communities may lead to family-owned diners and cafes. These establishments often serve hearty breakfasts, homestyle cooking, and friendly service.

Barbecue Joints: Barbecue is a beloved culinary style in Georgia, and you may find barbecue restaurants serving up mouthwatering smoked meats, along with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.

Pizzerias and Italian Restaurants: Some dining options might offer Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta dishes, and other Italian-inspired meals.

Upscale Dining: For those seeking a more refined dining experience, there might be upscale restaurants with diverse menus, elegant ambiance, and a focus on quality ingredients and culinary creativity.

It's important to note that restaurant offerings can change over time, so it's a good idea to check the latest reviews and recommendations from locals or travel guides when planning your dining experiences in Lake Burton, GA.

[View our top Dining Matrix Below!]

Where to stay in
Lake Burton, Georgia

Check out these great vacation rentals in and around Lake Burton, Georgia

This link will open our new Blue Ridge Ga Vacation Rentals on HighSouthRentals.com!
[Lake Burton, Georgia Vacation Rentals]

The Upper Tallulah Valley was inhabited by the Cherokee Indians until the land was ceded to the State of Georgia in 1817. The first land lot for settlement was issued in 1821. The discovery of gold in 1828 on Dick's Creek drew more settlers to the remote valley. Lake Burton's name was derived from the town of Burton, which was the second largest town in Rabun County with a population of approximately 200. The former town now lies below the lake's surface. The town (and the lake) was named after local prominent citizen Jeremiah Burton, the first postmaster, and was situated along the road from Clayton, Georgia, to the Nacoochee Valley. As a young man, Andrew Jackson Richie, founder of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, carried the daily mail to Burton by mule.

Top Three Things to Do in Hiawassee Georgia
(let's call it four.. whitewater!!!)

Lake Burton!

Sitting on the shores of lovely Lake Burton, Moccasin Creek prides itself on being “where spring spends the summer.” Despite its mountain location, the park is relatively flat, offering easy navigation for large RVs, children’s bicycles and wheelchairs. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to seniors 65 and older and children 11 and younger, as well as all ages with a Georgia disability fishing license.
Reservations, Accommodations & Facilities
32 Acres
2,775 Acre Lake Burton
53 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites
1 Picnic Shelter (Before making reservations, call park for capacity limits.)
Boat Dock & Ramp
Wildlife Observation Tower
Fishing Pier — ADA accessible
Playground
Wi-Fi — available in the park office & campground
Things To Do & See
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling - rentals available
Lake Burton Fish Hatchery - open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Camping at Georgia State Parks
Geocaching at Georgia State Parks
Visit:
https://gastateparks.org/MoccasinCreek

Hiking around Lake Burton

The Lake Burton area in Georgia offers several beautiful hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty. Here are the top three hikes near Lake Burton:

Hemlock Falls Trail: This relatively easy hike is located in the Moccasin Creek State Park, just a short drive from Lake Burton. The trail leads to the picturesque Hemlock Falls, a stunning 25-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The hike is approximately 0.5 miles each way and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. [Video Tour of this Trail]

Rabun Bald Trail: For those seeking a more challenging hike, Rabun Bald Trail is an excellent option. It leads to the summit of Rabun Bald, the second-highest peak in Georgia. The trail is about 5 miles roundtrip and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the top.

Angel Falls Trail: Located within the Tallulah Gorge State Park, this moderate hike takes you to the beautiful Angel Falls and Panther Falls. The trail is about 1.5 miles roundtrip and showcases stunning cascades and rock formations along the way.

Please note that trail conditions and availability may change over time, so it's advisable to check with local authorities or visitor centers for the latest information and trail maps before embarking on any hike. Additionally, make sure to be prepared with proper hiking gear, plenty of water, and a trail map or GPS device when exploring these beautiful hiking trails near Lake Burton.

Picnic Lake Burton

Lake Burton offers several picturesque spots perfect for picnicking. One of the best places to have a picnic in Lake Burton, GA, is at Moccasin Creek State Park. This park is located on the western shore of the lake and provides various picnic areas with amenities and beautiful views.

The picnic areas at Moccasin Creek State Park typically have picnic tables, grills, and access to restroom facilities, making it convenient for families and groups to enjoy a meal in a tranquil setting. You can choose a spot near the lakeshore, where you'll have the calming waters of Lake Burton as your backdrop, creating a serene and enjoyable atmosphere for your picnic.

In addition to picnicking, Moccasin Creek State Park also offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and other recreational activities, making it an ideal location for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

Keep in mind that park facilities and regulations may change over time, so it's a good idea to check with local authorities or the park's website for the most up-to-date information before planning your picnic at Moccasin Creek State Park.
[Moccasin Creek State Park]

Scroll down for our whitewater rafting info!

Hemlock Falls Trail

Moccasin Creek State Park is located in Clarkesville, Georgia. This small 32-acre park sits on beautiful 2,800-acre Lake Burton. This park is mostly a 52-site campground, but we had a nice picnic along the lake then did a close hike afterward. Right outside the park is one our favorite hikes in Georgia! Hemlock Falls Trail; it's a 3-mile (or 2-mile depends on what website you read it from) round trip hike, along Moccasin Creek that takes you to beautiful Hemlock Falls. There is so much rushing water to view during the hike, with so many mini waterfalls to enjoy along the way, ahhh we just love the sound of running water!

Top Dining Experiences in Lake Burton Georgia

Lake Burton Georgia Dining

Lake Burton Georgia offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy various tastes and preferences. Here are some dining options you can explore in Helen:

The Top 5 Restaurants in Lake Burton Ga!

Hiawassee GA Restaurants	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
The Happy Hawg 1586 Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA 30546-2170 706-896-0012 Closed Mon, Tues, Wed		X
Monte Alban Restaurant 581 N Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546-2219 706-896-6698		X	X
Sundance Grill 715 N Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546-2220 706-896-4745	X	X	X
Daniel's Steakhouse 273 Big Sky Dr, Hiawassee, GA 30546-2240 706-896-8008 Closes 4PM Sunday		X	X
Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House 625 US Highway 76 West, Hiawassee, GA 30546-2150 706-896-3200 Closed Mon,Tues, Closes 3PM Sun		X	X

Life on Lake Burton

Life on Lake Burton...

... Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban and Tim Tebow discuss football, family and relaxing on Lake Burton - just outside Clayton Ga.

Special To Do: Wild & Scenic Chattooga

Rafting the Chattooga!

The headwaters of the Chattooga River start near our North Carolina base in Cashiers, NC! Starting as a small lake, the Chattooga River flows 57 miles to meet up with the Tallulah River at Lake Tugalo near Clayton, GA.

Since May 10, 1974, the Chattooga River has been protected along a 15,432-acre corridor as a national Wild and Scenic River. 39.8 miles of the river have been designated “wild”, about 2.5 miles “scenic”, and 14.6 miles “recreational” for a total of about 57 miles (92 km). On the commercially rafted sections (III and IV) there is a 1/4 mile protected corridor of National Forest on both sides of the river, allowing no roads to the river or development of any kind.

Visit Wildwater's Georgia Chattooga Adventures!
[Go Here!]

Lake Burton Georgia Weather

Today's weather in Lake Burton

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