Lake Burton is the first of five lakes that make up the Tallulah River Watershed and is located in Rabun County in northern Georgia. Lake Burton was started dammed up in December 1919 as part of the North Georgia Hydro Project - one of the first large, integrated hydroelectric systems to be built in North America.
Please scroll down for more info, history, videos, local weather and vacation rentals!!
Clayton Georgia's average summer high temperature is a comfortable 84 degrees making it a highly desirable retreat for those low landers just a bit further south. With a downtown hosting fine shops and dining and an area that includes fresh mountain streams, waterfalls, whitewater rafting and more - Clatyon, Lake Burton and Rabun County are a family experience must!
Be sure to scroll down for an interview with Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban who has a house on Lake Burton.
Here are the top 5 restaurants in or near Lake Burton and Clayton, Georgia according to TripAdvisor.
For more dining options, visit this page [TripAdvisor].
|
Lake
Burton - Clayton GA Restaurants
|
Breakfast
|
Lunch
|
Dinner
|
| Fortify Kitchen and Bar 69 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525-4263 706-782-0050 Closed Mon,Tues |
|
Sun Brunch |
X |
| Fortify Pi 69 N Main St Suite A, Clayton, GA 30525-4263 706-782-0079 Closed Mon,Tues |
X |
X |
|
| The Rusty Bike Cafe 677 Hwy441s, Clayton, GA 30525 706-212-2020 |
X |
X |
|
| The Clayton Market 48 North Main Street, Clayton, GA 30525-4288 tel:+1 706-960-9245 Closes 5PM Tue,Wed |
X |
X |
X |
| White Birch Provisions 60 E Savannah St, Clayton, GA 30525-7037 706-782-2263 |
X |
X |
Fri/Sat |
Please scroll down for North Georgia vacation rentals!
... Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban and Tim Tebow discuss football, family and relaxing on Lake Burton - just outside Clayton Ga.
About this rental
House
3 bedrooms
3 beds Sleeps 6
2 bathrooms
2 full baths
Spaces
Kitchen Living Room Deck/Patio
Overlook at Lake Burton is your perfect cabin getaway. Snuggled in the woods with views of Lake Burton (best views in winter time). Close to LaPrade's Marina, rent boats, enjoy restaurants, visit Moccasin Creek Fish Hatchery, not far from the Appalachian Trail. Relax on the porch with your morning coffee or come back from a day of hiking and layback in the hot tub and watch the stars come out!
From $228
About this rental
Cabin
1600 sq. ft
3 bedrooms
4 beds Sleeps 8
3 bathrooms
3 full baths
Spaces
Kitchen Living Room Deck/Patio
Imagine waking in the beautiful North Georgia mountains at Tara’s Treehouse, and as soon as your eyes open you see the breathtaking view: the hazy blue Appalachian mountain range, low lying clouds flirting with the mountain tops…one minute they’re touching them, the next they’re gone. The glisten of Lake Burton, so clear and sparkling it appears like diamonds are sitting atop the water. You head to the porch to soak in the view.
From $175
About this rental
House
800 sq. ft
2 bedrooms
2 beds Sleeps 4
2 bathrooms
2 full baths
Spaces
Kitchen Living Room Lawn/Garden
This beautify landscaped cottage has been completely restored, yet its original charm of the 1950's was maintained. The furnishing have the feel of an upscale B&B, decorated with antiques, collectible and artist finds. It is less than a half mile from charming downtown Clayton, known for its quaint boutiques, upscale antique shops, as well as numerous Farm-to-table restaurants (voted #1 in Georgia). Many of North Georgia Mountain towns are cluttered tourist traps; however, Rabun County’s scenery is well preserved; 80% of the county is National Forrest!
From $109
About this rental
House
200 sq. ft
1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 bathroom
1 full bath
Spaces
Deck/Patio Dining Area Lawn/Garden
Even though listing details are provided, questions I've been asked. YES, the caboose has a fully functional, tricked out bathroom, in the silo adjacent to it (see photos and reviews). YES, the caboose has Air Conditioning & Heat in caboose and bathroom. YES, there is Hot Water in the bathroom. YES, there's an HD LCD television with Sound Bar, and with full DirectTV line-up of channels, along with Netflix and other streaming services. YES, high-speed (40mbs) wifi is provided. In other business - No more than 2 adults, TWO NIGHT MINIMUM, no children, no pets, no smoking, non-smokers only please, and no discounts ever given.
From $149
About this rental
Bungalow
150 sq. ft
1 bedroom
1 bed Sleeps 2
1 bathroom
1 full bath
Spaces
Deck/Patio Dining Area Dining
Try Out The Tiny House Lifestyle With Added Amenity Bonus!
Ever wanted to stay in a Tiny House? How about one in a beautiful place near Georgia's pristine Lake Burton? We would love for you to be our guest. Nestled in Rabun County, GA this once old woodshed has been transformed into a small tiny gem. The tiny house includes a double bed, 50” flat screen TV, small fridge, microwave, k cup machine, bathroom with shower and loft reading nook. Outside you will find 8 acres to roam, a two person hot tub, 2 grills (charcoal and gas), fire pit, and small waterfall with a porch.
From $ 93
About this rental
Cabin
1 bedroom
Sleeps 2
1 bathroom
1 full bath
Spaces
Kitchen Dining Area
Retreat cabin with lake access community dock and seasonal mountain views. This 1BD /1 BA cabin includes a spacious deck and an outdoor spa that overlooks southwestern mountain vistas. Just a short walk or one minute drive to Burton Getaways community dock for swimming, boating, and fun on beautiful Lake Burton. Close to LaPrades Marina/restaurant and Anchorage Marina. Explore nearby NE Georgia whitewater, wineries, hiking trails, and charming mountain town squares. Pet friendly with prior approval and additional fee. (1) pet maximum.
From $219
Lake Burton is a 2,775 acre reservoir with 62 miles of shoreline located in the northeastern corner of Georgia in Rabun County.The lake is owned and administered by the Georgia Power/Southern Company, but it is a public lake. Noted for the remarkable clarity of its water and surrounded by the biodiverse ecosystem of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake celebrated its centennial in 2020.
Lake Burton was constructed in a deep valley located along a 10-mile section of the Tallulah River.[2] Its dam was closed on December 22, 1919 and was declared full August 18, 1920. The maximal depth is 105 feet. The generating capacity of the dam is 6,120 kilowatts. Lake Burton is the highest Georgia Power lake in Georgia. About 70% of the homeowners lease their land from Georgia Power Company; the remainder is fee-simple, or privately owned.
About this rental
Cabin
1100 sq. ft
2 bedrooms
2 beds Sleeps 4
2 bathrooms
1 full bath1 half bath
Spaces
Kitchen Deck/Patio
There’s nothing more rejuvenating than an escape to Georgia’s high country, and this cute mountain cabin is ideal for an intimate retreat with your loved ones! Enjoy barbecuing on the deck, roasting s’mores over the fire pit, and sipping morning coffee amidst the wooded surroundings. The 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath vacation rental, ‘Possum Trot,’ sits within a short drive of Lake Burton, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and unbeatable hiking trails, so your group of outdoor enthusiasts won’t be disappointed!
From $117
About this rental
Cabin
1 bedroom
2 beds Sleeps 4
Spaces
Kitchen Living Room Deck/Patio
Decor is cute, quaint, comfy and cozy! Walls are white washed tongue and groove! Totally stocked cabin. Free WiFi for all your streaming on new Smart TV. I supply free Amazon Tv and Visio TV! Blu Ray DVD with lots of dvds to watch! Seconds to historic downtown Clayton but feels like the middle of nowhere! Tons of hikes, parks and gorgeous waterfalls!
From $89
About this rental
House
1400 sq. ft
3 bedrooms
5 beds Sleeps 7
2 bathrooms
2 full baths
Spaces
Kitchen Deck/Patio
Surrounded by towering trees and impressive natural vistas, this secluded-yet-central vacation rental invites your crew to unwind and explore Clayton’s attractions in style! Boasting upscale interior living spaces and a sweeping back deck, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has everything you need for a blissful mountain escape. After traversing through scenic state parks, indulging at local wineries, or strolling down the city’s historic streets, return home to stargaze and recount the day’s memories.
From $180
The Upper Tallulah Valley was inhabited by the Cherokee Indians until the land was ceded to the State of Georgia in 1817. The first land lot for settlement was issued in 1821. The discovery of gold in 1828 on Dick's Creek drew more settlers to the remote valley. Lake Burton's name was derived from the town of Burton, which was the second largest town in Rabun County with a population of approximately 200. The former town now lies below the lake's surface. The town (and the lake) was named after local prominent citizen Jeremiah Burton, the first postmaster, and was situated along the road from Clayton, Georgia, to the Nacoochee Valley. As a young man, Andrew Jackson Richie, founder of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, carried the daily mail to Burton by mule.
With the introduction of hydroelectric power to America in the 1880s and due to the fact that the Tallulah River has the greatest verticality of any river in the east, a series of six stair step dams was constructed in the period 1914–1927 over a distance of 28 miles. Lake Burton, being the largest and highest of the lakes, was intended to be the primary reservoir for the water needed to power the turbines downstream. This North Georgia Hydro Project was one of the first large, integrated hydroelectric systems to be built in North America. The electricity it provided would begin Atlanta's growth into the economic metropolis it is today.
To construct the dam, the Georgia Railway and Power Company (now the Georgia Power/Southern Company) bought out the 65 families in the town of Burton, and demolished the town. It is said once the dam was closed, the water rose so rapidly that the ruins of the town could not be totally removed. Thus, the steeple of the Baptist Church in the town floated in the lake for three years before it sank. No traces of the town remain other than a handful of cemeteries.
The High South Media Network
We are a VRBO and Expedia affiliate. We search these two services and list select rentals here for you. These are rentals in good locations, good ratings and good value! Our Western North Carolina service, HighSouthRentals.com has helped thousands find great rentals. Thanks for using our site!
TourNoGao.com
TourNorthGeorgia.com
TheHighSouth.com