Stuart Wade, Envision Web The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offer campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed. The lake was formed when Blue Ridge Dam was constructed on the Toccoa River in 1930 by the Toccoa Electric Power Company. At the time it was built, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the Southeast. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the facility in 1939 for hydroelectric power production. There’s a scenic overlook above the dam and a shaded picnic area near the powerhouse. The canoe and kayak launch site below the dam gives non-motorized boaters access to the Toccoa River. The river is noted among anglers for its sunfish, trout, and bass. When water is released from Blue Ridge Dam to generate electricity, the river becomes a Class I-II float through the Georgia hills. Besides providing power and recreational opportunities, Blue Ridge also helps reduce flood damage. The lake is home to bass, bream, catfish, perch and crappie, which make the area popular with anglers. It is the only lake south of the Great Lakes where Walleye are caught, and is also known for small-mouth bass fishing. Recreation on Lake Blue Ridge Pontoons and jet skis are available for rent at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina, on old U.S. 76. The marina has a boat ramp, fishing, boating supplies and boat storage. Swimming, camping, fishing and boat ramps are available at Morganton Point Recreation Area in Morganton. Other boat ramps are located at Lakewood Landing on Old Highway 76, Morganton, and Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, Aska Road.