Some of my all time fondest memories are family times spent on Lake Burton.  This lake is truly my personal favorite.  The only word that adequately describes Lake Burton for me is "magical".  If you have ever been on this lake, you know what I mean; you can just feel the magic, it's always there no matter how many years go by.  I was very blessed to be able to spend summers and holiday breaks with my family at my grandparent's cabin in Murray Cove.  My great grandfather helped build the Lake Burton Dam.

Today, there are stunning multi million dollar homes on this lake which have mostly replaced the old, rustic, modest cabins of the past.  The magic is still there though. Personally, I'll take my grandparent's old rustic cabin anyday but it's no longer there.  That old cabin was part of the wonderful experience of living and playing on this beautiful lake.  Below is a picture of Lake Burton back in the day!  Ok, back in the 1950s.  There, I said it. 

Picture taken in 1950s from my grandparents back porch

Family Fun with brothers and cousins - "Those were the days, my friend"

Lake Burton, owned and operated by Georgia Power is the largest lake in North Georgia consisting of 2,775 acres of pure natural beauty.  

Located in Rabun County in the northeastern corner of Georgia.  Lake Burton was the first lake out of five called the Tallulah River Watershed which follows the natural course of the Tallulah River.  Lake Seed, Lake Rabun, Lake Talluah Falls, Lake Tugalo and Lake Burton form the Chattoga River.  Back in the day, these lakes were the largest producers of hydroelectric energy in Georgia providing electricity to Georgia's largest city, Atlanta.

Lake Burton's 62 mile shoreline makes this lake suitable for boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing.  Swim and picnic at Timpson Cove Beach with its white sand.  There are two marinas on this lake and LaPrades, an old favorite has gone under new ownership and is being revitalized.  LaPrades is the only full service marina on the lake. Lake Burton is listed as one of the top ten most pristine lakes in the United States due to it's cool, clear water.  It remains full pool throughout the boating season. 

LaPrades

Sits on 12 acres and has 1,950 feet of frontage along Lake Burton, with the remaining 30 +/- acreage located directly across Highway 197.  LaPrades started out as a fish camp in 1925 and the operation was managed by the Laprades family until 1972.  They made LaPrades an all time favorite for locals and visitors alike with their family style restaurant and rustic rental cabins.  When the LaPrades family sold to the Nichols famiy in 1972, the Nichols then ran the camp and marina for 30 more years.  In 2002, LaPrade's investors and developers bought the old famous fish camp.  Unfortunately, and very sadly to many of us who hold a special place in our heart for LaPrades, the old restaurant that drew thousands through the years, suffered a loss in a mysterious fire which destroyed it in 2005.  The property was later purchased by VMG  in March 2006 who has now transformed the old favorite marina and brought a new and exciting energy to the property. 

That was then and this is now... Currently LaPrade's Marina consists of a newly completed Adirondack style 2 story building built by Anthony McCracken Construction Company in the unique round log timber framed style. You will find the Lakeside Grill and Bar, Water's Edge Restaurant and the Marina Store in the main building.  Also, there are boat slips available for rent, two fuel docks, a boat showroom and facilities for boat repairs and service.

 FISHING ON LAKE BURTON

Home to several species of fish, such as Spotted Bass, Walleye, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and White Catfish.  Moccasin Creek State Park and Lake Burton Fish Hatchery are located on the western side of the lake.

Lake Burton Fishing Report

Lake Burton Fish Hatchery

Lake Burton's Game and Fish

Moccasin Creek State Park

LaPrade's Guided Fishing Trips

RAFTING

Chatooga River

Donna Yates, Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-632-7311 office
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com