Georgia is home to an extensive network of rivers, with the Chattahoochee River being one of the most significant. Spanning approximately 430 miles, it serves as a critical water source for cities like Atlanta and Columbus. The Savannah River, forming the border with South Carolina, stretches over 300 miles and is vital for hydroelectric power and shipping. Other major rivers include the Altamaha River, one of the largest river systems on the East Coast, and the Flint River, which flows through southwest Georgia. These rivers support diverse ecosystems, agriculture, recreation, and transportation, making them integral to Georgia’s environment and economy.
Explore the map of Georgia with rivers, lakes, and geographical / physical features which is clearly marked on the map.
List of Rivers in Georgia
River
Length (miles)
Major Cities/Regions
Watershed
Notable Features
Chattahoochee River
430
Atlanta, Columbus
Apalachicola River Basin
Major water source for Atlanta; recreation and hydropower
Savannah River
301
Augusta, Savannah
Savannah River Basin
Forms Georgia-South Carolina border; supports shipping
Altamaha River
137
Jesup, Darien
Altamaha River Basin
One of the largest river systems on the East Coast
Flint River
344
Albany, Bainbridge
Apalachicola River Basin
Important for agriculture and wildlife
Ocmulgee River
255
Macon
Altamaha River Basin
Key resource for central Georgia
Oconee River
221
Athens, Milledgeville
Altamaha River Basin
Feeds into the Altamaha River
Coosa River
280
Rome
Mobile River Basin
Supports hydropower and recreation
Etowah River
164
Canton, Cartersville
Coosa River Basin
Known for scenic beauty and wildlife
Satilla River
260
Waycross, Woodbine
Satilla River Basin
Significant for Georgia's coastal plain
Suwanee River
246
South Georgia
Suwanee River Basin
Popular for recreation and wildlife
List of Lakes in Georgia
Lake
Surface Area (acres)
Location
Primary Purpose
Notable Features
Lake Lanier
38,000
Northeast Georgia
Flood control, water supply, recreation
Popular for boating, fishing, and tourism
Lake Oconee
19,000
Central Georgia
Hydropower, recreation
Known for golf resorts and scenic views
Lake Allatoona
12,010
Northwest Georgia
Flood control, water supply, recreation
Major recreational area near Atlanta
Lake Sinclair
15,300
Central Georgia
Power generation, recreation
Popular for fishing and water sports
Lake Hartwell
56,000
Northeast Georgia
Hydropower, recreation
Straddles Georgia and South Carolina
Clarks Hill Lake
71,000
East Georgia
Hydropower, water supply, recreation
Largest lake in Georgia
West Point Lake
25,900
Western Georgia
Flood control, recreation
Known for bass fishing and camping
Lake Blue Ridge
3,300
North Georgia
Hydropower, recreation
Offers stunning mountain views
Lake Seminole
37,500
Southwest Georgia
Flood control, recreation
Located near the Florida border
Lake Rabun
835
Northeast Georgia
Hydropower, recreation
Charming lake with historic homes
Rivers and Lakes in Georgia
Rivers in Georgia
Overview
Georgia is home to an extensive network of rivers, with over 70,000 miles of streams and rivers that traverse the state. These water bodies play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, supporting ecosystems, and sustaining human activities like agriculture, water supply, and recreation. Major rivers like the Chattahoochee, Savannah, and Altamaha are significant not only for Georgia but also for neighboring states.
Major Rivers
Chattahoochee River
- Length: Approximately 430 miles
- Route: Originates in the Blue Ridge Mountains in northeast Georgia and flows southward into Alabama and Florida.
- Significance: Provides water for millions, including the city of Atlanta, and supports recreation and hydropower generation.
Savannah River
- Length: 301 miles
- Route: Forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Significance: Supports the Port of Savannah, one of the largest ports in the U.S., and generates hydroelectric power.
Altamaha River
- Length: 137 miles
- Route: Formed by the confluence of the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Significance: One of the most significant ecosystems on the East Coast, supporting diverse wildlife.
Flint River
- Length: 344 miles
- Route: Originates near Atlanta and flows southward to merge with the Chattahoochee River.
- Significance: Critical for agriculture and recreation in southwest Georgia.
Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers
- Ocmulgee: Flows through Macon and contributes to the Altamaha River.
- Oconee: Flows through Athens and Milledgeville, merging with the Ocmulgee to form the Altamaha.
Significance of Rivers
Rivers in Georgia provide water for over 10 million residents, support diverse ecosystems, and serve as transportation routes. They are also central to recreation, offering fishing, kayaking, and scenic beauty.
Lakes in Georgia
Overview
Georgia boasts numerous lakes, both natural and man-made, that are integral to the state's water management, recreation, and energy production. These lakes are spread across the state, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The largest lake, Clarks Hill Lake, covers over 71,000 acres, while smaller lakes like Lake Rabun are prized for their tranquility.
Major Lakes
Lake Lanier
- Surface Area: 38,000 acres
- Location: Northeast Georgia
- Significance: Provides drinking water to metro Atlanta and is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Southeast.
Clarks Hill Lake (Strom Thurmond Lake)
- Surface Area: 71,000 acres
- Location: East Georgia
- Significance: The largest lake in Georgia, used for hydropower, recreation, and water supply.
Lake Oconee
- Surface Area: 19,000 acres
- Location: Central Georgia
- Significance: Known for its scenic beauty and upscale resorts.
Lake Allatoona
- Surface Area: 12,010 acres
- Location: Northwest Georgia
- Significance: A major water source for Atlanta and a popular spot for fishing and water sports.
Lake Sinclair
- Surface Area: 15,300 acres
- Location: Central Georgia
- Significance: Used for power generation and recreation.
Significance of Lakes
Georgia’s lakes support recreation for millions, provide drinking water, and generate hydropower. They are vital for flood control and serve as economic hubs due to tourism and local activities.
