Hard Facts and Coming Changes in Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, and Clayton

An easy two-hour drive from Atlanta and you’re in North Georgia’s lake country, a rural and bucolic part of the state with stunning bodies of water surrounded by scenic mountains. While growing in popularity, the area home to Lakes Burton and Rabun is still semi-wild and a natural playground. It feeds those who relish in finding a new mountain trail, navigating it by waterfalls up to a grand vista—a special reward for making it to the top. It pleases fly fishermen in search of fat and healthy rainbow trout in the clear creeks, and lakeside anglers dropping a line for a largemouth bass. And it certainly fits the bill for anyone who loves a boat or water sport (note the spectacular boathouses). Residents on both lakes love the proximity to downtown Clayton, which is gaining a reputation as one of Georgia’s most appealing small towns with major shopping and dining swag.

HISTORY

A town called Powellsville has been lost beneath Lake Burton since 1919, when the Georgia Railway and Power Company (predecessor of Georgia Power) completed the Tallulah Falls dam and hydroelectric plant to meet the needs of a growing society. Powellsville was on the Tallulah River, along with a couple churches, general store, sawmill, gristmill, syrup mill, and moonshine business (Rabun County was the moonshine capital of Georgia). There’s plenty of tall tales about sounds of church bells ringing underneath the water, floating church steeples, and the like.

30525

Most populated zip code in Rabun County with 4,889 households

$435,000

Median sale price in Rabun County (based on sales last 12 months)

62

Shoreline miles on Lake Burton, compared to 25 on Lake Rabun

“The best things about Lake Rabun are the community of people on the lake, the enchanting scenery, and its size, which is a bit smaller and campy. You are tossed back in time out on Lake Rabun.” —Kay Douglass, Atlanta designer and Lake Rabun second-home resident

FUTURE

The vast majority of lakefront homes on Lakes Burton and Rabun are on land leased from Georgia Power—while the homeowner owns the structure, the land is on a 15-year renewable lease. On the upside, lease fees paid by the homeowners are used for the management and betterment of the lakes, though many consider restrictions on lease lots a negative, including the inability to use a house as a vacation rental. An alternative to leased lots are fee-simple properties, such as Burton, the new community being built adjacent to LaPrade’s Marina. In addition to a more traditional ownership structure, Burton homeowners will be allowed to place their ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) in a Burton rental program. With its first residents moving in this fall, Burton will be a walkable micro town with a general store and wellness center, pool and boathouse, and community events. To respect the land and its heritage, Burton’s environmental measures include uplighting restrictions and minimal grading to preserve the landscape’s natural contours.

IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW

The Waterfall Club is Lake Burton’s private community with a fantastic golf course and jam-packed social events during warm months and fall’s leaf season. Both lakes have Fourth of July fireworks, classic wooden boat parades, tours of homes, and other special traditions like community bingo nights throughout the year.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A HOUSE

The Lake Rabun Hotel, a historic property operating since 1922 with a charming restaurant, and right across the street from Max’s Lakeside and The Swing Bar.

Bridge Creek Inn, a new 45-room boutique hotel on Main Street, with a coffee shop, and restaurant.

BEST SHOPS

Dogwoods in Clayton, Old Sautee Store in Nacoochee, Wander North Georgia in Downtown Clayton, and Tallulah Falls Outpost.

MOST FAMOUS RESIDENT

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban calls Lake Burton home and is often seen dining at Lake Burton Grill at LaPrade’s Marina.

IF THERE WERE AN AREA MASCOT

A chocolate lab happily launching itself off a dock into the lake.