10 Scenic Lake Getaways Just A Day Trip From Athens, Georgia

Getting on a midnight train to Georgia may take travelers back to a simpler place and time. But it also teleports them to a sweltering Southern state, particularly in Athens, where daily high temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for nearly five months, from mid-spring to early fall. That's not including the muggy air, which can turn even the most stately Southerner into a sweaty mess during June, July, and August when the relative humidity climbs over 70%. Which is all to say, if you're staying in Athens, you'll need a place to cool down. Fortunately, there are 10 scenic lake getaways just a day trip away from the city.

The Peach State has over 425,000 acres of landlocked water spread across about 4,500 lakes. A vast majority of them are surrounded by woodlands, with a few boasting mountain settings. These are the perfect spots to boat, camp for the night, cast a line for a lunker or two, or maybe go for a round of golf by the lakeside. Many are clean and swimming-friendly, and a day spent paddling a kayak never goes amiss.

Athens makes a great base, with several lakes within a reasonable driving distance that let you take in the scenery while enjoying your favorite lake activity. Oh, and a worthwhile place to cool off when it's a barn-burning 95 degrees in the shade.

Few things can defeat the Georgia summer heat better than 132 miles of shoreline hugging a 7,000-acre, man-made lake. Lake Chatuge offers a one-stop destination for boaters, swimmers, and campers, all less than two hours from Athens. Anglers in particular should flock there, as bream, crappie, and a variety of bass roam the waters. Those looking to stay overnight at the lake can enjoy sites right on the shore. The water quality at Lake Chatuge has a good reputation, too, thanks mostly to the efforts of locals who have devoted time and energy to keeping it clean.

The 19,000-acre Lake Oconee aims to be a higher-end destination about an hour south of Athens. The well-regarded eateries and luxury digs within its orbit make it an ideal getaway for visitors who prefer pampering. Naturally, that means you might want to bring your golf clubs. Reynolds Lake Oconee, the ultimate vacation playground, offers a golf course that offers a unique sensation: Playing a round almost entirely on the water. You can take a dip too. With sandy beaches and a variety of watersports available, Oconee makes a great destination no matter what sort of lake getaway you're after.

Perhaps the easiest inclusion in this article is Lake Lanier. The millions of annual visitors can attest to the lake's broad appeal, which lies just over an hour away from Athens. Its nearly 700-mile shoreline crosses five counties, creating a rich bounty of activities, from fishing to golfing, as well as 45 parks. Swimming, waterskiing, and kayaking are all a joy as well, with the lake's clear waters regularly monitored, as the lake also doubles as the drinking water supply for 5 million Georgians.

Some of Georgia's lakes have strict rules regarding swimming — you can't. Bear Creek Reservoir, about 20 minutes northwest of Athens, falls into this category. As the water supply for three counties, authorities are understandably protective of the 505-acre body of water. That doesn't hamstring daytrip plans for kayakers, anglers, and boaters, who can avoid dipping a toe in the water. The lake's public boat ramp on its northern shore lets visitors launch a vessel (electric motor or paddle only). Anglers should bring a rod and try to reel in the reservoir's walleye, bluegill, crappie, and trout.

Just over an hour's drive northeast of Athens, you'll find Lake Hartwell, ranked the third-cleanest lake in America by Lake.com. That makes this spot one of the best in the entire country for swimming and playing in the water. Of course, the 56,000-acre lake offers boating, too, and visitors who'd rather stay dry can enjoy golf and eateries along its 962 miles of shoreline. Like most of Georgia's lakes, it's also a mecca for fishing. Bass, bream, and walleye swim beneath the water's surface, with legendary 60-plus pounders reeled in and 20-plus pound fish fairly common.

Sometimes, a gargantuan lake presents a dilemma: It is possible to have too much water to explore. Lake Rabun offers a reasonably-sized lake about a 90-minute drive north of Athens. The 835-acre lake has 25 miles of shoreline — tiny when compared to some of the other lakes mentioned. Yet it still offers all the usual fun, like fishing and water skiing, with an annual antique wooden-boat parade every July 4. Locals in Rabun County have formed a civic association dedicated to keeping the lake pristine, with regular clean-ups ensuring the water is as clear as possible and the shoreline litter-free.

Some lakes double as mountain destinations, exploiting Georgia's chunk of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just over two hours north of Athens in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest lies Lake Blue Ridge, an idyllic retreat at 1,800 feet above sea level. The 3,290-acre expanse of blue has two recreation areas that offer water access, boat launches, camping, and picnic options. Swimmers can hit the Morganton Point Recreation Area, which offers paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking, all with lovely mountain views in the background.

While the lakes on this list boast scenic surroundings, Lake Burton throws a sandy beach into the mix. It creates a tropical-feeling, toes-in-the-water type of escape about 90 minutes north of Athens. Timpson Cove Beach at its eponymous park offers a swimming area on the 2,775-acre lake's shore. Anglers should come prepared, as catfish, crappie, trout, and walleye swim below the surface, with bass being the main targets while you enjoy the mountain air and vistas.

Another pretty spot nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, Carters Lake checks the boxes for a one-size-fits-all aquatic destination. With a natural shoreline offering a list of activities and amenities just over two hours of driving from Athens. Known as Georgia's "miracle in the mountains," it mixes rough-and-tumble with scenic beauty. Boating, fishing, and camping are all available, with Harris Branch Beach offering the best swimming spot. The marina also offers boat and cabin rentals. There are no private docks or development around the lake at all, and the Army Corps of Engineers website goes so far as to describe Carters as "one of the most scenic lakes in the Southeast."

Another aquatic gem lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering 4,180 acres of bucolic vistas, a 106-mile shoreline, and clear waters. Lake Nottley, about two hours from Athens, offers an underrated destination for camping and a boat lovers' paradise, with marinas and boat ramps available to help visitors set sail or rent a vessel for a day out on the water. Cast a line to reel in some striped bass. Travelers who'd rather get in the water should hit Poteete Creek Campground, which has a beach swimming area.