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About Lake Lanier
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Lake Lanier cradled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains is known for its large expanses of open water and its incredible sunsets. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in the 1950's to provide flood protection, Lake Lanier has quickly become one of the most popular Lakes in America with over 7.5 million visitors per year coming to enjoy the incredible scenery and wide variety of recreational activities.
Lake Lanier is also home to Lake Lanier Islands, a very popular facility with 1,100 acres including a beautiful 18-hole golf course, luxurious spa services and an equestrian center for trail rides and riding lessons. Lake Lanier Islands also has more than 90 ski boats, pontoon boats, houseboats and excursion yachts available for rental.
There are many beautiful homes and property available on Lake Lanier and the Dinsmore Team can help you with your Lake Lanier real estate needs, whether it be buying, selling or building on the Lake, we are yourLake Lanier #1 Experts!!
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Lake Lanier has over 692 miles of beautiful shoreline and approximately 39,000 surface areas of aqua blue water for your relaxation and enjoyment. The Army Corp of Engineers operates 49 parks on the lake and there are ten marinas for your boating and recreational needs.
Renaissance Pine Isle Resort is another spectacular facility on Lake Lanier with 254 rooms, 7 tennis courts, indoor-outdoor pools and a sensational restaurant with astounding views of the Lake. There are 18 holes of golf built on the shores of Lake Lanier that also add to the ambience of the Renaissance Pine Isle Resort.
Additional pleasures can be taken from the many restaurants on and around the Lake. Many of these restaurants offer scenic views of Lake Lanier to enhance your dining experience.
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Lake Lanier Trivia
Lake Sidney Lanier is a manmade lake in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956, and is also fed by the waters of the Chestatee River. The lake encompasses 38,000 acres or 153.8km˛ of water, and 692 miles or 1114km of shoreline at normal level, a "full summer pool" of 1071.0 feet or 326.4 meters AMSL. It was named for poet Sidney Lanier, and was built and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is patrolled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR).
The lake is in Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, and Gwinnett counties, by about 60%, 30%, 5%, and 5% respectively, filling the valley into numerous small arms and fingers. The former thalweg of the Chestatee and the Chattahoochee south of it form the county line between Hall and a tiny corner of Gwinnett to the east, and Dawson and Forsyth to the west.
It is extremely popular with boaters, houseboats, jetskiers and others, particularly around the summer holidays. Over 7.5 million people per year visit the lake, including its marinas and the Lake Lanier Islands waterpark. It was used for the rowing events at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Much of Gwinnett's drinking water is also taken from the lake, after filtering out much of the treated wastewater which also goes into it. Requested permits to take more water out for the growing northeast metro Atlanta area, and to dump more of its wastewater in have triggered lawsuits recently.
Two resort hotels sit on the lake, Emerald Pointe and Pine Isle. Both were recently sold by CNL Hotels & Resorts, a hotel investment firm in Florida, to Georgia businessman Virgil Williams. Both assets sit on a ground lease from the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority which in turn leases the land from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Lake Sidney Lanier, one of the most-visited US Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the country, is nestled in the foothills of northeast Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier offers the adventure of fishing, boating, sailing, water sports, golf, resort vacations, horseback riding, hiking, camping, lakeside dining and wildlife.
Lake Lanier’s 692 miles of shoreline meander past picturesque parks, picnic areas and campgrounds. Lakeside camping at US Army Corps of Engineers Parks, plus well-appointed accommodations at Lake Lanier Island’s Emerald Point Hotel and Renaissance Pine Isle on the southeast side of the lake offer many options for enjoying all that Lake Lanier offers for an overnight stay, a long weekend or a week-long vacation.
The area is served by I-85, I-985 and GA 400, with easy access to the lake.
More than 8 million visitors choose Lake Lanier for weekend getaways, daytrips and extended vacations. It has been called the Crown Jewel of US Army Corps of Engineers lakes.
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History of Lake Lanier
On March 1, 1950 a group of men met in Buford, Georgia and seven of them each turned a spade-full of dirt over in what was a symbolic start to a project that was proposed shortly after construction began on Allatoona Dam in 1941 -- what would eventually be known as Lake Lanier (timeline of Lake Lanier). The meeting of these men was a culmination of effect by a large number of people from local communities, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the federal government.
There was a good deal of disagreement over almost every aspect of the dam. Its uses (should it be designated to provide power, water or recreation?), its location (originally proposed to inundate Roswell), even its name (Lanier would be chosen after the start of construction). Many starting dates are given, from 1950 (dam construction begins) to 1959 (first time Lanier reaches its "full" level of 1071 feet above sea level), 1946 (the date the Army Corps of Engineers was charged with developing the project on the Chattahoochee River, but in our minds the grand lake of the Southeast actually began with the first purchase of land in 1948. Owned by a relative of Forsyth County historian Don Shadburn, Shadburn's Ferry marked the first physical move towards creating what would be known as Lake Lanier.
There were a number of political factors involved in building Lake Lanier. To the west, Allatoona Dam was nearing completion, and the people in the Coosa Valley were already feeling the benefits. Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield was an early, vocal supporter. He was aided in moving the project along by Senator Richard B. Russell, who served on the powerful Senate Appropriation Committee and could always be counted on for supporting hydroelectric projects. Governor Talmadge joined the group after his election in 1948.
Shadburn's Ferry would be only one piece of history destroyed by the creation of Lake Lanier. Also covered was the toll-gate run by James Vann, the entrance to the Georgia Road (later known as the Old Federal Highway) and a number of other ferries that crossed the Chattahoochee River. Many covered bridges were also lost, the most famous of which would be the original Brown's and Keith's Bridge.
Wooden structures that would be covered by Lake Lanier's pool were removed. Concrete and brick structures were left in many cases. On a more personal level, graves were relocated, frequently from small, family graveyards that were common in these northeast Georgia hills.
The dam at Buford was more than just a political achievement. Technological advances had been made since the first dam built in 1902 just outside of Gainesville, Georgia and ironically covered by the completion of the new lake. Although the powerhouse would still need to tie to rock walls, engineers were confident that the river could be stopped with a series of "saddlebacks," dams created from gravel and dirt.
First, a channel was blasted and the powerhouse constructed. Then the Chattahoochee was diverted through the open gates of the powerhouse and the newly created channel while the saddlebacks were built. Once completed the saddlebacks were allowed to sit in place. Finally, on February 1, 1956 the powerhouse gates were closed and Lake Lanier began the slow process of filling. In 1957 the first power was generated and in May, 1959 the lake reached its full level for the first time.
One ongoing concern of the Army Corps of Engineers is the wildlife who use the Chattahoochee downstream from Buford Dam . Even before closing the dam to fill the lake, they had determined a minimum "continuous flow" requirement to preserve habitat and breeding grounds. Water always flows into the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam.
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Things To Do in Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier Islands Website - http://www.lakelanierislands.com/
Set on the picturesque shores of Lake Sidney Lanier is Lake Lanier Islands - Georgia's most visited lakeside resort destination. Located 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, the year-round 1,100-acre resort boasts a variety of amenities and attractions including the 216-room Emerald Pointe Resort, 30 New England-style lakeside cottages, 18-holes of championship golf, the lake's largest fleet of rental boats at Harbor Landing, a summertime Beach & Waterpark, scenic horseback riding and exquisite spa services.
Recreation
Lake Sidney Lanier is well known for its recreational opportunities. The Corps operates 46 park areas around the lake providing, picnicking, campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, group picnic shelters and hiking trails. Additional areas have been leased from the Corps and are operated as city and county parks as well as marinas.
With over 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands Lake Lanier is the perfect place to pursue your recreational adventure. Whether it is fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, swimming or a variety of other recreation activities, Lake Lanier has it all.
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Recreation in Lake Lanier
Fishing, Boating and Camping
Stripers, crappie and bass lure fishermen from across the country. Sailors and power boaters share the more than 39,000 acres of water in Lake Lanier. The area’s 10 marinas provide the gateway to Lake Lanier’s waters with boat rentals, gas docks, restaurants and services for boaters, fishermen and recreational visitors.
Dozens of islands with sandy beaches provide great locations for picnics. Fall color is spectacular in the foothills, and wildlife viewing is superb.
Enjoy golf, nearby Road Atlanta, shopping at one of the Southeast’s largest malls, seasonal festivals, special events and more in nearby Buford, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Oakwood.
Water Sports for the Whole Family
Lake Sidney Lanier is open all year and offers many activities for recreation and vacationing, from boating and fishing to jet-skiing and camping. Most campgrounds are open from March through November. The lake’s busiest season takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.
Fourth of July fireworks on the lake light up the sky from a variety of presenters. It is perhaps the busiest day on the lake. Area marinas also celebrate National Marina Day on the second Saturday in August.
Sights, Shopping and Sporting Around
Fall leaf tours, boat rides from area marinas and attractions and holiday festivities, including Lake Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights during the holiday season, round out the year. Lake Lanier Islands offers two resorts, two championship golf courses, plus a beach and water park for family fun.
For nature lovers and hikers, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on Springer mountain is just minutes from Dahlonega in the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers scenic mountain driving tours and waterfalls.
One of the Southeast’s largest shopping malls, the Mall of Georgia, is located in nearby Buford south of the lake. The area also has some of the finest outlet centers in the Southeast in Commerce and Dawsonville.
Road Atlanta in Braselton is widely recognized as one of the premier road courses in the world. Its 2.54-mile, 12-turn Grand Prix course is extremely challenging for the competitors. The track hosts the Petit Le Mans and the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown. NASCAR Driver Bill Elliott hails from Dawsonville, which is home to the new Thunder Road Museum.
Camping and hiking
There are many camping areas on Lake Lanier. Staff favorites include:
• Chestnut Ridge
• Van Pugh
• Old Federal
• Shady Grove
For more information on the individual areas, the Army Corps of Engineers site on Lake Lanier provides up-to-date information and on-line reservations.
Hiking is good in places, nonexistent in others. One of our favorites is the Laurel Ridge Trail, which connects Buford Dam with the South End camping and day use areas. Start this hike at the Lower Overlook restrooms. This 3.8 mile loop trail is a great way to spend the afternoon, especially if you want to wear the kids out before dinner. A second trail is the Buford Dam Trail, which covers the entire Lower Pool, part of Buford Dam Park.
Golf
Lake Lanier has become a destination for golfers from Atlanta and the Southeast. On its shores, or fairly close to the lake are some of the best golf courses in the state. Emerald Pointe and Renaissance Pine Isle which are both on Lake Lanier, Chateau Elan, in nearby Braselton or one of the less well-known clubs like the semi-private Chestatee Golf Club.
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Hotels and Lodging in Lake Lanier
Best Western Lanier Centre - http://www.laniercentrehotel.com
Gainesville, GA (800-782-8966)
Gainesville's full service hotel with hot country breakfast served each day. Across the street from ...
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort - http://www.chateauelan.com/
Braselton, GA (800-233-9463)
Located in the foothills of North Georgia mountains, 40 minutes north of Atlanta.
Emerald Pointe Resort - http://http//www.lakelanierislands.com
Lake Lanier Islands, GA (770-945-6700)
Gracious resort situated on the shores of Lake Lanier at Lake Lanier Islands.
Boating Supplies & Services - http://www.greatlakesofgeorgia.com/businesses/?lake=lanier&type=boating
Aqualand Marina - http://www.flagshipmarinas.com/
Flowery Branch, GA (770-967-6811)
A full-service marina, Aqualand boasts the largest inland marina and floating marina in the United States
Harbor Landing at Lake Lanier Islands - http://www.lakelanierislands.com/
Lake Lanier Islands, GA (770-945-6700)
Harbor Landing at Lake Lanier Islands features Lake Lanier's largest fleet of rental boats
Lake Lanier Cabin Rental - http://www.lakelanier-rental.com/
Log Cabins & Boat Rentals - http://www.lakelanierlodges.com/
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