Georgia has some beautiful popular lakes, but there are some hidden gems that even some locals don’t know about.
We’re talking quiet water, fewer crowds, and the kind of views that make you forget your phone exists (except when you’re taking a million photos).
These lakes are the secret spots locals whisper about and everyone else somehow misses.
So if you’re into peaceful paddling, early-morning fishing, or just finding a place where your only neighbors are deer and dragonflies, you’re in for a treat.
Here are five of Georgia’s best-kept lake secrets, and trust me, you’re gonna want to add every single one to your bucket list.
1. Conasauga Lake
Conasauga Lake sits high up in the Chattahoochee National Forest at 3,150 feet, making it the highest lake in Georgia.
It’s only 19 acres, but it’s surrounded by thick pine forest and has crystal-clear water that’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just floating with zero crowds.
There’s a quiet 1.2-mile trail that loops around the lake, and you might spot deer, wild turkeys, or even a black bear if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about bears).
No motorboats are allowed, so it’s peaceful all day long, and the lake even has a small campground with around 35 campsites if you want to stay overnight under the stars.
2. Yonah Lake
Next up is Yonah Lake, a 325-acre hidden gem just outside of Helen, Georgia, that somehow stays off most people’s radar.
This place is all about those mountain views—seriously, you’ll be paddling with a front-row seat to the north Georgia foothills.
It’s fed by the Tugaloo River, which gets its flow from the Tallulah and Chattooga Rivers, and stays calm thanks to Yonah Dam, making it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.
There aren’t any big beaches or boat ramps here, so you’ll mostly see locals hanging out, fishing for bass, or just enjoying the quiet.
3. Banks Lake
If you’re into swampy, wild vibes, Banks Lake near Lakeland, Georgia, is totally your spot.
This 4,049-acre lake is packed with cypress trees, Spanish moss, and lily pads, and honestly, it looks like something straight out of a movie.
You can rent a canoe at the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge and paddle through winding water trails while keeping an eye out for gators, herons, and maybe even a bald eagle.
It’s flat, peaceful, and kind of magical.
You should definitely try to experience a sunrise here when the fog rolls over the water and everything goes quiet.
4. Lake Winfield Scott
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains at 2,854 feet, Lake Winfield Scott is an 18-acre alpine-style lake that feels like your own little mountain getaway.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Blairsville, and it’s totally surrounded by forest, so you get full-on fall colors in October and cool, shady hikes in summer.
There’s a sweet 0.4-mile trail that loops right around the lake, plus a connection to the Jarrard Gap Trail, which links up with the Slaughter Creek Trail and Appalachian Trail to form a 4.5- to 5.7-mile loop if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
You can swim, paddle, or just hang by the water with a picnic.
Plus, the nearby campground has tent spots, fire rings, and zero cell signal (aka actual peace).
5. Walter F George Reservoir
And now for something big.
Walter F. George Reservoir, also called Lake Eufaula, stretches a whopping 45,000 acres along the Georgia-Alabama border.
This place is famous for its bass fishing (it’s even called the “Bass Capital of the World”), so don’t be surprised if you see folks reeling in 10-pounders like it’s no big deal.
It’s not just for fishing though, as you’ve got sandy swim beaches, boat ramps, and even historic sites like the Fort Gaines Historic District nearby.
Whether you’re cruising on the lake by pontoon, camping at Cotton Hill Campground, or just watching the sunset from the bluffs, this spot is perfect for a weekend getaway.
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