Lake Blue Ridge Water Fun
80 percent of Lake Blue Ridge shoreline is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
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 offer campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed; the balance is land in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 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.
Access Points on Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge Dayuse Area and Boatramp
Located two miles from the intersection of Hwy 76 and Aska Road (look for the sign on the left), the Lake Blue Ridge Dayuse Area is a U.S. Forest Service passive recreation area with a beautiful view of the lake and free boat ramp. The area is also a good place for quiet walks and easy bike rides. There is a short, easy hike along the shoreline, and also a one-mile paved loop road that is popular for walking. Kayak and paddle boards are available for rent. Alternate directions: In Blue Ridge from Old Hwy 76, turn on Dry Branch Road and follow less than one mile.
Morganton Point Recreation Area
Morganton Point is the place to take the kids to the "beach" on Lake Blue Ridge. The recreation area offers a boat ramp, 43 unit campground and picnic area with covered pavillion. The beach area has a concession, kayak and paddle board rentals, public bathrooms and showers. For swimming, take water shoes for the pebble beach. Open April through the end of October.
Directions:From the intersection of McDonalds and Hwy 5 in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy 515 East approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Hwy 60. Turn right and go to the stop sign; then turn left on Hwy 60. Go 1.5 miles into Morganton and turn right on Lake Drive for .5 miles.
Lakewood Landing Boat Ramp
Directions:Fee boat ramp located on Old Highway 76 in Morganton. From the intersection of McDonalds and Hwy 5 in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy 515 East approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Hwy 60. Turn right and go to the stop sign; turn right for .3 miles. The boat ramp is on the left.
Lake Blue Ridge Dam and Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area
Lake Blue Ridge Dam is one of the largest earth dams in North America. There is an information kiosk on top of the dam on Old Highway 76. Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation area has picnic tables, benches and is handicap accessible. There are beautiful views of the lake from this area. Below the dam is a good access point for launching canoes or kayaks and for trout fishing.
Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 5 and Hwy 515 travel northeast for .7 miles to Windy Ridge Road and turn right. Turn left at the end onto Old Highway 76 and go 1.7 miles to the dam.
Lake Blue Ridge Marina
Also located on Old Highway 76, the marina offers boat sales and storage, pontoon, kayak and paddle board rentals, boat ramp, marina store and bar & grill. For information, call 706-632-2618.