Mason was fishing with his parents Tim and Dawn, his 8-year-old brother Kolby and Jeremy Seabolt, who runs a guide service on Lake Nottely. An alligator has a wider shovel-shaped snout that is shaped less like an A than you would expect. Alligators are a part of the natural order down here and are really quite common in most of Florida's lakes, rivers and streams. Alligators have lived in the marshes, swamps . With its crystal clear waters, stunning mountain views, and location just 3 miles from the awesome restaurants in downtown Blue Ridge, Lake Blue Ridge is one of the most popular and picturesque mountain lakes in Georgia. The odds, though, of seeing alligators in the lake are greatly increased by the number of alligators thriving only 400 miles south of them in the same state. For fun on the water, the parks Visitors Center offers seasonal kayak, canoe, paddle board, and paddle boat rentals. Other than a few campsites, the lakes 18 miles of shoreline is complete wilderness. With five access points for boats, this is a great location to get your boat wet this season. Youll also find a pavilion next to the lake thats perfect for a picnic or relaxing by the water, as well as an open beach area if you want to soak up some sun. Every year the Lake RabunAssociation sponsors a community BBQ, wooden boat parade, and a dazzling firework show over the water thats nothing short of spectacular! In fact, they are a very common lake resident, and they are not a cause for concern. What is the best lake to live on in Georgia? Cauble Park is also on this side of the lake, with two playgrounds and picnic tables scattered throughout. Wondering if there are any nice lakes that do NOT have alligators and are safe to swim and kayak etc.? That is the assumption we always make. Moccasin Creek State Park is located on the western side of the lake, where Moccasin Creek comes into Lake Burton. Lake leeches are widely present in Georgia's lakes and ponds. Lake Blue Ridge will appeal to Floridians who can't imagine life without gators in their favorite body of water. READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton GA. Carters Lake is one of several man-made lakes in Georgias Blue Ridge mountains. There have been alligators spotted in the Oconee River that eventually flows into Lake Oconee, but sightings are rare. Between the 270 miles of shoreline and 25,000 acres of public land surrounding the lake, theres no shortage of activities at Red Top. It was there that, in 2019, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvested a 700-pound, 13-foot, 4-inch alligator. great . The lake is a convenient 45-minute drive from the city of Charlotte. Home Travel Guides United States Georgia (GA) 15 Best Lakes in Georgia. Its relatively undeveloped, so you can enjoy the areas pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. Lake Seminole is a prime fishing territory for recreational fishermen and experienced anglers. They pose a danger to tubers, skiers and swimmers who may not see the hazards until too late. It holds a treasure trove of fish, including spotted bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, and many more. We're talking upwards of 200,000. The areas undisturbed nature is what draws people here to enjoy a classic day at the lake. Lake Eloise was home to Cypress Gardens, one of Florida's earliest tourist attractions that opened in 1936. If youre ready to get out on the water, there are three Lake Burton marinas where you can rent boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards to take to the lake. This massive lake is sure to give you exactly what you are looking for. READ MORE:North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree. Lake Norman. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement, 57 boating fatalities took place at the reservoir while 145 people drowned to their deaths between 1998 and 2018. Sinclair Lake has the distinguished honor of not only being one of the best lakes in Georgia (see more of our top picks above), but also the clearest lake in Georgia. For example, visitors may enjoy boating, skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other water sports. This would be the most common alligator type to live in northern Georgia, as well. Lake Lanier Lake Lanier is the most popular lake in Georgia, with millions of people visiting each year. There are also several waterfalls to explore nearby, including Hemlock Falls(not to be confused with the Hemlock Falls at northwest GAs Cloudland Canyon State Park). Lake Okeechobee "Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators, due to its size and availability of suitable habitat," an FWC spokesperson said. Keep reading to find out which lake you should visit! She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Accommodation is mostly lakeside rentals, though a few cabins and campgrounds pop up here and there in the area. What should someone do if they spot an alligator in Lake Lanier. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes and is located on the Canada-United States border. Scorpions have infiltrated the, Georgia has its own Little Shop of Horrors. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! Today, the lake continues to have an eerie connection to its past, even if locals do not generally discuss the black community that was there before the water was deep. In Northeast Georgia, Lake Lanier is a man-made lake created during the building of Buford Dam. In fact, they are a very common lake resident, and they are not a cause for concern. Lake Burton Lake Burton is a large reservoir located in Rabun County, Georgia. The state of Georgia is absolutely stunning, and although there are a few spots in nature to be concerned with, its not worth missing out on all the beauty. Swimmers are encouraged to swim at designated swim areas only.Corps day use parks with designated swim areas include: An alligator, which is estimated to be about 2-to-3-feet long, has been seen on the north end of Lake Lanier near Don Carter State Park. Are there alligators in Blue Ridge lake? By Tony Rehagen - February 3, 2014. Theres also a sandy beach and a small swimming area for kids to splash around in. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. Theres a lakeside beach where adults can relax and soak in the sun while kids play in the water. What lake in Orlando has the most alligators? Not only are they in our Lakes, they are in our rivers and any random pond the middle of nowhere. In South Carolina, alligators have been recorded to reach lengths of more than 13 feet. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. High Falls is also notable for its exquisite fishing, be sure to check out their website for tips and tricks to getting the best fish on the lake. 15 Best Lakes in Georgia: Lake Allatoona; Lake Blackshear; Lake Seminole; Lake Lanier; Lake Blue Ridge; High Falls Lake; Lake Oconee; Lake Rabun; Lake Burton; Lake Varner; Chatuge Lake; Carters Lake; Richard B Russell Lake; Lake Nottely; Lake Seed READ MORE:The 25 Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List. Perhaps the most well-known remnant of the land that Lake Lanier now occupies is Looper Speedway, which Coughlin said was a dirt race track. Located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Conasauga Lake is the highest lake in Georgia (3,150 feet above sea level). For starters, the lake was dammed up in the 1950s. Visiting the events calendar can be overwhelming with the number of wonderful events, festivals, and activities to attend! Having no homes or shops near the lake gives it a remote feel thats perfect for a nature escape. So yes, there are alligators in Florida lakes just as there are sharks in the oceans and birds in the sky but this is no reason for concern or panic. With plenty of vacation rentals to be had along the shore, be sure to bring your friends and your boat for this lakefront adventure! Looking for places to kayak in Florida that don't have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. If youre just looking to relax on a white sandy beach, theres Timpson Cove Park. Withlacoochee. Private boats are permitted, and fishermen flock to Richard B. Russell Lake to cast their line for largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, and striped bass. Alligators dont have a breeding population in North Georgia. Its also home to Camp High Harbour, a popular youth summer destination. Amphibians must stay wet to stay alive, unlike alligators and crocodiles. In fact, the area is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia! You might also encounter a ghost alligator given the spooky history of this haunted lake. No alligators are endemic to the region of northeast Georgia. Yes, there are alligators in Georgia. Theres 39,000 acres of Lake Lanier we cant be everywhere at once, Flowers said. I took a canoe and toured the Okefenokee Swamp while in graduate school at Valdosta State University. Wondering if there are any nice lakes that do NOT have alligators and are safe to swim and kayak etc.? However, these reptiles are not native species to the waters here. With cabins ranging in size, there is sure to be something that fits the size of your party. It is not only safe to swim in Lake Lanier, thousands of Georgia residents flock to Lake Lanier Islands every summer to do just that. Located on Georgias border with South Carolina, the lake has over 26,000 acres of water and 540 miles of shoreline. The lake is tucked away deep within the North Georgia mountains about 12 miles north of Dahlonega, so its more remote than some of the other lakes on the list. Sheltered by densely forested hills, Lake Sinclair has public boat ramps, tailrace fishing, and over four hundred miles of scenic shoreline. Located at the southwestern end of the Cohutta Mountains, close to the Cohutta Wilderness and Ellijay GA, Fort Mountain Lake is part of the historic Fort Mountain State Park. Mason Tompkins, 11, of Milledgeville, had the catch of the day with his 46-lb. The Tallulah Falls Lake is located within the great Tallulah Gorge State Park, which is home to the second deepest gorge in North America. With half of the lake located in North Carolina and the other half in Georgia, this lake is an inter-state wonder. The beautiful little park boasts hiking trails, campgrounds, a picnic shelter, playground, boat dock and ramp, as well as a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. It's the South, and let's be honest it gets quite muggy out here. The alligator-infested lakes in Texas include Lake Lewisville, Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, Caddo Lake, Lake Travis, Lake Livingston, and Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake). This 15,000+ acre lake just outside of Milledgeville is known for having some of the cleanest, most crystal-clear waters in all of Georgia. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The area also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and swimming beaches. . CUMMING, GA A pair of alligators have somehow made their way to a pond in Cumming. Were curious! The area is known for its excellent goose hunting, but also known for the variety of wildlife. There are bathrooms, a changing station, and showers close by. Richard B. Russell State Park is on the lake, and features a beach area that provides a perfect place to soak in the sun or splash around in the water. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are no alligators. Picture yourself relaxing on a scenic lakeside shore, listening to the calming sounds of lapping water. Source: Carolyn Davidson Hicks / Shutterstock, Source: RodClementPhotography / Shutterstock, Source: Cesar Zapata-Lozada / Shutterstock, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA). A crocodile has a pointy snout like a witchs hat. Spanning the border of Georgia and North Carolina, Lake Chatuge is nestled in between beautiful NC forests and some of the tallest mountains in GA. Needless to say, the views are spectacular! Georgias Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole, Spend Three Days At Three Beaches On This Weekend Road Trip In Georgia, The Natural Swimming Hole At Dicks Creek Falls In Georgia Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days, This Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Georgia Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List, This Summer, Take A Dinner Boat Cruise Tour For The Ultimate Georgia Day Trip, 6 Places In Georgia That Are Like A Caribbean Paradise In The Summer, The Georgia Brewery Thats Always Worthy Of Your Summer Bucket List, The Lakefront Cottage At Lake Oconee In Georgia Is The Ultimate Place To Stay Overnight, summer swimming hole in Georgia, Lake Blackshear, A favorite swimming spot in Georgia, Lake Seminole. Do alligators live in Georgia? These lakes offer great fishing and recreational boating, from small quiet lakes to mammoth party lakes, whatever you are looking for can be found in the great state of Georgia. Our list of the most dangerous places in Georgia begins in Lake Country. The 1.7-mile Lake Conasauga Songbird Trail takes you along beaver ponds, a mountain bog, and a forest frequented by songbirds, while the 5.3-mile Grassy Mountain Tower Trail leads to a historic fire tower atop the mountain. Once repairs were completed, there was concern about ground shifting that happened in 2011, so the lake repairs partially drained. The state has a self-guided boat ride where anyone can take a canoe and go out into those alligator-infested waters. This lake is consistently named the deadliest in the U.S., even though it is a popular swimming attraction for both visitors and locals. This picturesque lake is popular for a healthy population of striped bass, crappie, and bluegill fish. Formed in 1942 by damming the Nottely River as a power and flood control project of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Nottely Lake is one of the lesser known Blue Ridge lakes. Our favorite hike is the 5.3-mile Red Top Mountain Homestead Trail, which follows along the lakes shoreline, explores the lush surrounding forest and features an authentic Appalachian cabin. Are there any lakes in Florida without alligators? . Kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating are all popular activities here, with the Yonah boat ramp providing access to the lake. But the true backstory of Lake Lanier, built over an underwater ghost town, is just as interesting. But there is also the worry that this is an exotic species of alligator, such as a dwarf caiman. Additionally, the dense forest that surrounds the lake is perfect for wildlife watching and hiking. But there are remnants of the farms that still protrude above the water line. You might encounter many things while driving along I-35 W's access route. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. I personally always find this snout shape to be confusing. 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