Georgia has numerous dams built to support the state's hydro-electric system. Many of the dams, built by the Army Corps of Engineers and regional power companies, are also used for flood control and the management of fish and wildlife. In addition, the bodies of water created by the dams provide abundant recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Carters Dam, found in northern Georgia, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The dam, completed in 1975 by the Army Corps of Engineers, is 445 feet high and stretches over 2,000 feet across. The structure is the highest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River and creates Carter Lake, which provides numerous recreational choices for visitors. You can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, hunting and mountain biking in the area. The lake also features a rustic, natural setting with no development along 62 miles of its shoreline.
Carters Project
P.O. Box 96
Oakman, GA 30732
706-334-2248
carters.sam.usace.army.mil/
Hartwell Dam completed in 1959; is located in northeast Georgia, on the Savannah River, near the Georgia/ South Carolina border. Operated by the Army Corps of Engineers; this dam is made of concrete and earth, stretches approximately three miles long, and stands over 200 feet high. The dam forms Hartwell Lake by controlling the flow of the Savannah River and is one of the region's largest and widely used recreational bodies of water. The lake has nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline with numerous public parks, camping areas, marinas and other recreational facilities.
Hartwell Dam and Lake
5625 Anderson Highway
Hartwell, GA 30643
706-856-0300
sas.usace.army.mil/
Located approximately 80 miles southeast of Atlanta, Sinclair Dam creates Lake Sinclair along the Oconee River. Georgia Power completed the dam in 1954. Built of concrete, the structure stands over 100 feet tall, and is almost 2,000 feet long. The lake has numerous restaurants, camping, and picnic areas for you to enjoy. Lake Sinclair features many marinas and is one of the state's most popular boating areas. The dam operator has also created a prominent fishing area located downstream from the complex.
Oconee/Sinclair Land Management Office
125 Wallace Dam Road
Eatonton, GA 31024
706-485-8704
gerogiapower.com
Goat Rock Dam, located along the Alabama border, stretches across the Chattahoochee River near Columbus, Georgia. This concrete structure, built in 1915, stands 68 feet high, and spans over 1,300 feet. The dam creates the Goat Rock Reservoir which provides 25 miles of shoreline for boating and fishing enjoyment. Operated by Georgia Power, the dam's reservoir also features a lighted marina for 24 hour access to the water.
Bartletts Ferry Land Management Office
1516 Bartletts Ferry Road
Fortson, GA 31808
706-322-0228
georgiapower.com
The Blue Ridge Dam was completed in 1930 and is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The dam is part of the Blue Ridge Reservoir, located in northern Georgia inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. Made of earth, the Blue Ridge Dam is 167 feet high and 1,000 feet long. You will find a picnic area near the dam's powerhouse with canoe and kayaking available along the Toccoa River. The reservoir and river provide a popular fishing area with boat ramps and covered picnic areas.
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-632-2101
tva.gov
