Lying in a boat on Lake Burton, it's easy to forget the troubles that plague your life. Comfort is inevitably found in the gentle rocking motion of the vessel and the sound of lapping waves as you stare into the robin's egg blue sky and watch the Red Tail hawks and an occasional bald eagle soar overhead.
Life on Lake Burton is simple, yet sophisticated. The mix of lifestyles is as evident as are the variations of architectural styles of both the homes and the boat houses. While some houses are large and elaborate, others are quaint and their humble beginnings as mere fish camps are evident. It's always fun to take first time visitors for a tour around the lakeshore to look at the boathouses. Many are more elegantly constructed than the houses they belong to. Small or large, old or new, impressive opulence or faded glory, each house on Lake Burton sports its own name. From 'Sticks 'n Stones', an elaborately detailed Adirondack style home with 7 bedrooms and 9 baths to Uncle Fred's, a bungalow up the river, directions can be followed by those in the know simply by going past Uncle Fre'fs up toward Camp High Harbor or by taking a right turn at the water safety man.  Hungry fish wait for fishermen at the Cat Gap put in the Persimmon Valley. The regular lake-goers and locals have their favorite spots to eat around the lake. The snack bar at Anchorage Marina serves both hotdogs and enormous hamburgers cooked and topped however you request. Joanie's, located just off the lake on Laurel Lodge Road, is noted for the fresh seafood that arrives weekly. Families crowd around the outdoor tables to share the many Italian style dishes served at Pazzo's near the southern entrance to Laurel Lodge Road. No matter your reason for being at Lake Burton, you can't help but fall in love with the lake and everything about it. As you watch the sun sparkle off the clean, clear mountain water and hear the sounds of laughter and happiness all around, it is impossible not to be transported into a time of joy and relaxation. | Situated on the mountain to the north and overlooking the lake is Waterfall at Lake Burton . Many Lake Burton home owners are members of the club and find it a welcome respite for activities on rainy days. The most famous of all places on Lake Burton is LaPrade's. Originally a fish camp opened in 1925 by the LaPrade's family, the new LaPrades is now a full service marina with slip rentals, boat rentals and the only water front dining on the lake at both the Lakeside Grill and the Water's Edge Restaurant. LaPrades is also noted for the famous faces that show up from time to time. While these folks may be notables, no one takes much notice. It's just that kind of place. 
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Lake Burton Facts Lake Burton covers 2,775 acres and has 62 miles of shoreline It is the highest Georgia Power Lake in Georgia Elevation is 1,866,5 feet above sea level Of the total 1,172 lake lots, 328 are fee simple lots and 844 are Georgia Power lease lots 72% of the total lots are Georgia Power lease lots. Lake Burton History In the early 1800's until the time of its removal in 1917, the town of Burton was the largest community in Rabun County with a population of approx 200. The Tallulah River supplied power for number businesses in and near the city. Commerce grew and by the time the town was bought by the Georgia Railway and Electric Company in 1917 it boasted three general stores. One of the purchasing agents for the railroad was John LaPrade, whose land on what now is now the shore of Lake Burton on Georgia 197 would serve as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and today is the site of LaPrade's Marina and Water's Edge Restaurant. The lake was built in a deep valley located along a ten mile stretch of the Tallulah River. The Lake Burton dam (128 ft in height with a span of 1,100 ft and capable of holding 5 billion cubic feet of water) was closed on December 22, 1919 and the river rose to form Lake Burton. The lake was completely filled by August 18, 1925 and has maintained a full pool ever since. The water is normally lowered in November and raised in March of each year to allow property owners to build and make repairs to their boathouses, dock sand sea walls. Lake Burton Real Estate Trends Lake Burton offers frontage on what is considered by many to be Georgia's most desirable and scenic lake. Quality and size of dwelling varies greatly, but site value is universally high. Overall market area condition is very good and typical Rabun County services including police, fire protection and schools are available. There are few unimproved lake front sites on the market causing increased demand. Due to this shortage of supply, leased and fee simple lots compete equally. Older, un-renovated cottages are being replaced with new construction. Demand remains high and supply short. The market sees little difference between older renovated homes and new construction. A lack of availability for a dock/boathouse permit has a distinct negative impact on value. Georgia Power requires 100 feet of Lake Frontage in order to consider permitting a sock or boathouse and only one of each is considered for permit for each lot. While Lake Burton residences have long been considered vacation and weekend homes, more and more property owners are choosing to make their lake are property their primary residence and spending much of the year in Rabun County. Described by the New York Times as 'The Hamptons of Atlanta', Georgia's mountain lakes a re quickly acquiring the reputation of being easy to get to, but almost impossible to leave. Lake Burton Civic Association The purpose and objectives of the Lake Burton Civic Association area to promote and maintain the interests and concerns of Lake Burton residents in discovering and resolving mutual problems regarding safety, protection, road maintenance and anything else that affects the welfare of the residents Annual dues are $75. A membership includes two adults, husband and wife, in the same family who are homeowners on Lake Burton. Adult co-owners, other than spouses, are considered to be separate families for membership purposes. Game Fish The Lake Burton Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Creek State Park are located on the western side of the lake. The lake is home to several species of fish, including Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Red Ear Sunfish, White Catfish, Walleye, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. Lake Burton holds state records for walleye (11 pounds) and yellow perch (2 1/2 pounds). Walleye and perch fishing are best in early spring, using minnows fished over weed flats. Catfish are caught all year on a variety of baits. White Bass also reach near record breaking size and average almost three pounds (which tops the average size in most lakes). | | |