Lake Burton (Georgia)
| Company type | Public reservoir |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power, Recreation |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Headquarters | Rabun County , United States |
Area served | Northeastern Georgia |
| Products | Hydroelectric power, Recreational activities |
| Owner | Georgia Power / Southern Company |
Lake Burton is a reservoir situated in northeastern Georgia, within Rabun County, featuring extensive shoreline. Managed and owned by Georgia Power/Southern Company, this public lake is celebrated for its pristine waters and the rich biodiversity of the Blue Ridge Mountains region. The lake observed its 100th anniversary in 2020.
History and description
Lake Burton was created by damming a segment of the Tallulah River; its dam construction was finalized on December 22, 1919, with the reservoir reaching full capacity by August 18, 1920. The dam is a gravity concrete structure standing tall and spanning wide. Its spillway is equipped with eight gates, each measuring by . Positioned at an elevation of , the reservoir contains , including a usable volume of , and reaches a maximum depth of . The facility generates 6,120 kilowatts of power through two generating units. As Georgia Power’s highest elevation reservoir in the state, about 70% of lakeside property owners lease land from the company, while the remainder possess fee-simple titles.
The Upper Tallulah Valley was initially home to Cherokee communities until their displacement in 1817. Following the discovery of gold in 1828, settlement increased significantly. Lake Burton derives its name from the submerged town of Burton, once Rabun County’s second-largest community with roughly 200 inhabitants. Both the town and lake were named in honor of Jeremiah Burton, a notable local figure and the area’s first postmaster.
Taking advantage of the Tallulah River’s steep descent—the most significant vertical drop east of the Mississippi River—a series of six hydroelectric dams were constructed between 1914 and 1927 under the North Georgia Hydro Project. Lake Burton, being the largest and highest reservoir among them, functions as the chief water source driving turbines downstream. This innovative integrated hydroelectric development played a key role in Atlanta’s economic expansion.
The Georgia Railway and Power Company (now Georgia Power/Southern Company) purchased and cleared the town of Burton to facilitate dam construction. Subsequent flooding rapidly submerged much of the former town; local accounts note that the Baptist Church steeple remained afloat for three years before sinking. Today, only a handful of cemeteries serve as reminders of this lost settlement.
Due to its isolated location and delays caused by The Great Depression and World War II, Lake Burton saw minimal development until the 1970s. Mostly encircled by national forest lands and inaccessible by automobile until the 1960s, it attracted anglers, naturalists, and hikers alike. The Appalachian Trail passes approximately west of the lake. As Atlanta expanded and road infrastructure improved, Lake Burton became increasingly popular as a destination known for its clear water, cooler climate compared to Atlanta, and proximity to National Forests and mountains such as Standing Indian Mountain (), located about north.
On the lake’s western shore lie the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park. The lake supports a wide variety of fish species including spotted bass, largemouth bass, white bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white catfish, walleye, brown trout, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. Its tributary streams are renowned as prime trout habitats. The surrounding temperate forest ranks among the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.
Residents around Lake Burton consist of both year-round occupants and seasonal visitors who organize through the Lake Burton Civic Association to maintain the lake environment via volunteer initiatives. Emergency response services are provided by Lakes, Wildcat, and Tallulah/Persimmon Volunteer Fire Departments. Law enforcement and safety oversight are conducted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources alongside local security efforts from The Mountain Patrol. In celebration of its centennial in 2020, The Lake Burton Civic Association Foundation released Our Southern Eden: A Centennial History of Lake Burton and the Upper Tallulah Valley, authored by Michael E. Maffett MD.
Events of Interest
The summer season at Lake Burton kicks off with a wooden boat parade held on Memorial Day weekend. Since its inception in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebrations organized by local homeowners led by Mason Whitney, the Fourth of July fireworks display has evolved into a cherished tradition spanning over three decades. Resident Hal Rhoad currently oversees this event, which is financed through contributions from both locals and visitors. The fireworks are launched from Billy Goat Island, drawing a crowd that mainly watches from boats nearby. The spectacle is uniquely complemented by the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, creating an impressive combination of sound and scenery. In addition to the fireworks, the July 4th festivities feature the Lake Burton Fun Run, a 2-mile race beginning at Moccasin Creek State Park and concluding at LaPrades Marina, where participants receive specially designed t-shirts by local artists. The Civic Association also organizes an annual home tour along with a golf tournament as part of the summer activities.
YMCA Camp High Harbour
Located near the source of Lake Burton, Camp High Harbour serves as the primary facility for the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta. Each summer, this camp welcomes more than 4,000 campers and provides a variety of programs including residential stays, leadership development courses, and retreats aimed at youth.
2011 Tornado
During the Super Outbreak on April 27, 2011, an EF3 tornado impacted the Lake Burton area, causing significant damage to Wildcat Creek marina and affecting over 60 homes through destruction or severe damage. Tragically, one fatality occurred: E. Earl Patton, an Atlanta businessman and former Georgia State Senator, lost his life when his lakefront residence was destroyed.
Notes
3. Our Southern Eden, A Centennial History of Lake Burton and the Upper Tallulah River Basin by Michael E. Maffett MD, 2020.
External links
- Georgia Power Website for Lake Burton
- Lake Burton Information
- Georgia Power lake levels
- The Lake Burton Civic Association (lbca.net)