Lake Allatoona

Lake Allatoona is a reservoir in northwestern Georgia covering roughly 19 square miles with a shoreline extending about 270 miles. The water reaches a maximum depth of approximately 145 feet (44 meters) and sits among wooded hills.

Construction of the Allatoona Dam started in 1946 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in 1950. The facility was built to control flooding on the Etowah River while also generating hydroelectric power.

The name comes from the town of Allatoona, which was submerged when the dam was built. Anglers and sailors now use the many quiet coves, while families gather along the shores for picnics and swimming.

The area offers numerous public boat ramps and several campgrounds spread around the entire shoreline. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, so checking current conditions before visiting is helpful.

During extreme low water in the 1980s, parts of the former lakebed emerged and people spontaneously played baseball on them. Some locals even mowed the dry areas before the water returned.

GPS coordinates: 34.13833,-84.64389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:46