
An Overview of Georgia's Rivers and Lakes
Major Water Features of Georgia
Georgia is blessed with several significant rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. The largest and most famous rivers include the Chattahoochee River, which forms part of the border with Alabama, and the Savannah River, which marks part of the border with South Carolina. Lake Lanier is a prominent reservoir, serving as a major water source and recreational area north of Atlanta. Streams and creeks such as the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers are vital to the state's ecosystem and provide scenic beauty.
Sources of Water for Georgia's Rivers and Lakes
Many of Georgia's rivers, lakes, and streams are fed by local sources such as mountain snowmelt from the Appalachian Mountains in the northern part of the state. However, some rivers, like the Chattahoochee, also receive water from distant sources, including rivers originating in other states like Alabama.
Types of Rivers and Lakes in Georgia
Georgia's major perennial rivers, such as the Chattahoochee and Savannah, flow year-round and are crucial for irrigation and transportation. Exotic rivers, such as the Altamaha, are characterized by unique flora and fauna. Tributary rivers like the Ocmulgee feed into larger water bodies, while distributary rivers like the Satilla branch out into smaller streams. Man-made rivers, like the Atlanta Water Supply Canal, and natural rapids add to the diversity of Georgia's inland waterways.
Types of Lakes in Georgia
Georgia's lakes are primarily anthropogenic, with examples like Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell created for water supply and flood control. These lakes serve various purposes, from recreational activities like boating and fishing to supporting agriculture and municipal water needs.
Orientations of Georgia's Rivers
Georgia's rivers generally run east-west or north-south, depending on the region. For example, the Savannah River flows southeastward, while the Chattahoochee River runs southwestward towards Alabama.
Dams on Georgia's Waterways
Georgia has numerous dams on its rivers and lakes, primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation. Lake Lanier's Buford Dam, for instance, is crucial for Atlanta's water supply and recreation.
Recreational Use of Georgia's Water Bodies
Many of Georgia's lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are popular for recreational activities such as fishing, sailing, boating, and kayaking. Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona are particularly famous for house boating and water sports, attracting visitors throughout the year.
Water Features Supporting Georgia's Agriculture
Several of Georgia's lakes and rivers, such as the Altamaha River and Lake Lanier, play essential roles in supporting the state's agriculture industry. They provide irrigation water for crops and help maintain stable water levels for agricultural needs.
Georgia Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Alapaha River, Ben Hill Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Berrien Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Echols Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Irwin Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Lanier Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Lowndes Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Tift Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Turner Co, Georgia
Alapaha River, Wilcox Co, Georgia
Alcovy River, Gwinnett Co, Georgia
Alcovy River, Newton Co, Georgia
Alcovy River, Walton Co, Georgia
Allatoona Lake, Bartow Co, Georgia
Allatoona Lake, Cherokee Co, Georgia
Allatoona Lake, Cobb Co, Georgia
Alligator Creek, Dodge Co, Georgia
Alligator Creek, Laurens Co, Georgia
Alligator Creek, Telfair Co, Georgia
Alligator Creek, Wheeler Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Appling Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Glynn Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Jeff Davis Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Long Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, McIntosh Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Montgomery Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Tattnall Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Toombs Co, Georgia
Altamaha River, Wayne Co, Georgia
Altman Pond, Brantley Co, Georgia
Altman Pond, Ware Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Barrow Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Greene Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Gwinnett Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Morgan Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Oconee Co, Georgia
Apalachee River, Walton Co, Georgia
Arabia Swamp, Clinch Co, Georgia
Armuchee Creek, Chattooga Co, Georgia
Armuchee Creek, Floyd Co, Georgia
Armuchee Creek, Walker Co, Georgia
Banks Lake, Lanier Co, Georgia
Beaverdam Creek, Burke Co, Georgia
Beaverdam Creek, Elbert Co, Georgia
Beaverdam Creek, Hart Co, Georgia
Beaverdam Creek, Jenkins Co, Georgia
Beaverdam Creek, Screven Co, Georgia
Big Arm,Echols Co, Georgia
Big Cedar Creek, Floyd Co, Georgia
Big Cedar Creek, Polk Co, Georgia
Big Mortar Swamp, Liberty Co, Georgia
Big Mortar Swamp, McIntosh Co, Georgia
Big Sandy Creek, Jones Co, Georgia
Big Sandy Creek, Twiggs Co, Georgia
Big Sandy Creek, Wilkinson Co, Georgia
Big Satilla Creek, Appling Co, Georgia
Big Satilla Creek, Bacon Co, Georgia
Big Satilla Creek, Jeff Davis Co, GA
Big Satilla Creek, Pierce Co, Georgia
Big Satilla Creek, Wayne Co, Georgia
Big Slough,Decatur Co, Georgia
Big Slough,Grady Co, Georgia
Big Slough,Mitchell Co, Georgia
Blue Ridge Lake, Fannin Co, Georgia
Boggy Head Bay,Bryan Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, Burke Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, Jefferson Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, McDuffie Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, Richmond Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, Screven Co, Georgia
Brier Creek, Warren Co, Georgia
Broad River, Elbert Co, Georgia
Broad River, Franklin Co, Georgia
Broad River, Madison Co, Georgia
Broad River, Oglethorpe Co, Georgia
Broad River, Wilkes Co, Georgia
Buckhead Creek, Burke Co, Georgia
Buckhead Creek, Jenkins Co, Georgia
Buffalo Creek, Hancock Co, Georgia
Buffalo Creek, Washington Co, Georgia
Buffalo Swamp, Glynn Co, Georgia
Buffalo Swamp, Wayne Co, Georgia
Bull Town Swamp, Liberty Co, Georgia
Bull Town Swamp, Long Co, Georgia
Bull Town Swamp, McIntosh Co, Georgia
Bulloch Bay,Bryan Co, Georgia
Bulloch Bay,Bulloch Co, Georgia
Buzzard Bay,Atkinson Co, Georgia
Buzzard Bay,Clinch Co, Georgia
Buzzard Bay,Ware Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Bryan Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Bulloch Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Candler Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Evans Co, Georgia
Canoochee River, Liberty Co, Georgia
Carters Lake, Gilmer Co, Georgia
Carters Lake, Murray Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Carroll Co, GA
Chattahoochee River, Clay Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Cobb Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Coweta Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Douglas Co, GA
Chattahoochee River, Early Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Forsyth Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Fulton Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Gwinnett Co, GA
Chattahoochee River, Habersham Co, GA
Chattahoochee River, Hall Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Heard Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Seminole Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, Union Co, Georgia
Chattahoochee River, White Co, Georgia
Chattooga River, Chattooga Co, Georgia
Chattooga River, Rabun Co, Georgia
Chattooga River, Walker Co, Georgia
Chatuge Lake, Towns Co, Georgia
Chickasawhatchee Creek, Baker Co, GA
Chickasawhatchee Creek, Calhoun Co, GA
Chickasawhatchee Creek, Dougherty Co, A
Chickasawhatchee Creek, Terrell Co, GA
Cloughs Bay,Ware Co, Georgia
Commissioner Creek, Baldwin Co, Georgia
Commissioner Creek, Jones Co, Georgia
Commissioner Creek, Wilkinson Co, Georgia
Conasauga River, Gordon Co, Georgia
Conasauga River, Murray Co, Georgia
Conasauga River, Whitfield Co, Georgia
Coosa River, Floyd Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Bibb Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Crawford Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Houston Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Lamar Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Monroe Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Peach Co, Georgia
Echeconnee Creek, Upson Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Bartow Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Cherokee Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Dawson Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Floyd Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Forsyth Co, Georgia
Etowah River, Lumpkin Co, Georgia
Fifteenmile Creek, Candler Co, Georgia
Fifteenmile Creek, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Flat Shoal Creek, Harris Co, Georgia
Flat Shoal Creek, Meriwether Co, GA
Flat Shoal Creek, Troup Co, Georgia
Flint River, Baker Co, Georgia
Flint River, Clayton Co, Georgia
Flint River, Crawford Co, Georgia
Flint River, Decatur Co, Georgia
Flint River, Dooly Co, Georgia
Flint River, Dougherty Co, Georgia
Flint River, Fayette Co, Georgia
Flint River, Macon Co, Georgia
Flint River, Meriwether Co, Georgia
Flint River, Mitchell Co, Georgia
Flint River, Peach Co, Georgia
Flint River, Pike Co, Georgia
Flint River, Spalding Co, Georgia
Flint River, Sumter Co, Georgia
Flint River, Talbot Co, Georgia
Flint River, Taylor Co, Georgia
Flint River, Upson Co, Georgia
Footlog Bay,Ware Co, Georgia
Gooding Bay,Ware Co, Georgia
Grand Bay,Lanier Co, Georgia
Grand Bay,Lowndes Co, Georgia
Green Swamp, Charlton Co, Georgia
Green Swamp, Ware Co, Georgia
Hartwell Lake, Franklin Co, Georgia
Hartwell Lake, Hart Co, Georgia
Hartwell Lake, Stephens Co, Georgia
Hog Creek, Coffee Co, Georgia
Hog Creek, Ware Co, Georgia
Holly Creek, Murray Co, Georgia
Hudson River, Banks Co, Georgia
Hudson River, Franklin Co, Georgia
Hudson River, Madison Co, Georgia
Hurricane Creek, Bacon Co, Georgia
Hurricane Creek, Jeff Davis Co, Georgia
Hurricane Creek, Pierce Co, Georgia
Ichawaynochaway Creek, Baker Co, GA
Ichawaynochaway Creek, Calhoun Co, GA
Ichawaynochaway Creek, Randolph Co, GA
Ichawaynochaway Creek, Terrell Co, GA
Ichawaynochaway Creek, Webster Co, GA
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Columbia Co, GA
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Elbert Co, GA
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Lincoln Co, GA
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, McDuffie Co, GA
J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Wilkes Co, GA
Jackson Lake, Butts Co, Georgia
Jackson Lake, Jasper Co, Georgia
Jackson Lake, Newton Co, Georgia
Johns Pond, Brantley Co, Georgia
Jones Creek Swamp, Clinch Co, Georgia
Kinchafoonee Creek, Dougherty Co, GA
Kinchafoonee Creek, Lee Co, Georgia
Kinchafoonee Creek, Marion Co, Georgia
Kinchafoonee Creek, Sumter Co, Georgia
Kinchafoonee Creek, Terrell Co, Georgia
Kinchafoonee Creek, Webster Co, Georgia
Kings Bay,Brantley Co, Georgia
Kings Bay,Camden Co, Georgia
Kneeknocker Swamp, Brantley Co, Georgia
Lake Blackshear, Crisp Co, Georgia
Lake Blackshear, Dooly Co, Georgia
Lake Blackshear, Lee Co, Georgia
Lake Blackshear, Sumter Co, Georgia
Lake Burton, Rabun Co, Georgia
Lake Harding, Harris Co, Georgia
Lake Harding, Muscogee Co, Georgia
Lake Miccosukee, Thomas Co, Georgia
Lake Oconee, Greene Co, Georgia
Lake Oconee, Hancock Co, Georgia
Lake Oconee, Morgan Co, Georgia
Lake Oconee, Putnam Co, Georgia
Lake Seminole, Decatur Co, Georgia
Lake Seminole, Seminole Co, Georgia
Lake Sidney Lanier, Dawson Co, Georgia
Lake Sidney Lanier, Forsyth Co, Georgia
Lake Sidney Lanier, Gwinnett Co, GA
Lake Sidney Lanier, Hall Co, Georgia
Lake Sinclair, Baldwin Co, Georgia
Lake Sinclair, Hancock Co, Georgia
Lake Sinclair, Putnam Co, Georgia
Lake Tobesofkee, Bibb Co, Georgia
Little Hurricane Creek, Bacon Co, GA
Little Hurricane Creek, Coffee Co, GA
Little Hurricane Creek, Jeff Davis Co, GA
Little Hurricane Creek, Ware Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Bleckley Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Dodge Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Jeff Davis Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Telfair Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Twiggs Co, GA
Little Ocmulgee River, Wheeler Co, GA
Little Ogeechee River, Chatham Co, GA
Little Ogeechee River, Effingham Co, GA
Little Ohoopee River, Emanuel Co, GA
Little Ohoopee River, Johnson Co, GA
Little Ohoopee River, Washington Co, GA
Little Okefenokee Swamp, Brantley Co, GA
Little Okefenokee Swamp, Charlton Co, GA
Little River, Brooks Co, Georgia
Little River, Colquitt Co, Georgia
Little River, Cook Co, Georgia
Little River, Jasper Co, Georgia
Little River, Lowndes Co, Georgia
Little River, McDuffie Co, Georgia
Little River, Morgan Co, Georgia
Little River, Newton Co, Georgia
Little River, Putnam Co, Georgia
Little River, Taliaferro Co, Georgia
Little River, Tift Co, Georgia
Little River, Walton Co, Georgia
Little River, Warren Co, Georgia
Little River, Wilkes Co, Georgia
Little Satilla Creek, Appling Co, GA
Little Satilla Creek, Pierce Co, GA
Little Satilla Creek, Wayne Co, GA
Little Tallapoosa River, Carroll Co, GA
Lotts Creek, Bryan Co, Georgia
Lotts Creek, Bulloch Co, Georgia
Lotts Creek, Candler Co, Georgia
Lotts Creek, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Lotts Creek, Evans Co, Georgia
Lotts Creek, Jenkins Co, Georgia
Middle Fork Broad River, Banks Co, GA
Middle Fork Broad River, Franklin Co, GA
Middle Fork Broad River, Habersham Co, GA
Middle Fork Broad River, Stephens Co, GA
Middle Oconee River, Barrow Co, Georgia
Middle Oconee River, Clarke Co, Georgia
Middle Oconee River, Hall Co, Georgia
Middle Oconee River, Jackson Co, GA
Middle Oconee River, Oconee Co, Georgia
Moon Change Swamp, Screven Co, Georgia
Muckalee Creek, Lee Co, Georgia
Muckalee Creek, Marion Co, Georgia
Muckalee Creek, Schley Co, Georgia
Muckalee Creek, Sumter Co, Georgia
Mud Swamp, Lowndes Co, Georgia
Mulberry Creek, Harris Co, Georgia
Mulberry Creek, Talbot Co, Georgia
Murder Creek, Jasper Co, Georgia
Murder Creek, Putnam Co, Georgia
North Fork Broad River, Franklin Co, GA
North Fork Broad River, Stephens Co, GA
Nottely Lake, Union Co, Georgia
Ochlockonee River, Colquitt Co, Georgia
Ochlockonee River, Grady Co, Georgia
Ochlockonee River, Thomas Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Ben Hill Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Bibb Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Bleckley Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Butts Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Coffee Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Dodge Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Houston Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Jasper Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Jeff Davis Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Jones Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Monroe Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Pulaski Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Telfair Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Twiggs Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Wheeler Co, Georgia
Ocmulgee River, Wilcox Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Baldwin Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Clarke Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Greene Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Hall Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Hancock Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Jackson Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Jeff Davis Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Johnson Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Laurens Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Montgomery Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Morgan Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Oconee Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Oglethorpe Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Putnam Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Treutlen Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Washington Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Wheeler Co, Georgia
Oconee River, Wilkinson Co, Georgia
Ogeechee Creek, Bulloch Co, Georgia
Ogeechee Creek, Screven Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Bryan Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Burke Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Chatham Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Effingham Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Glascock Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Hancock Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Jefferson Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Jenkins Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Screven Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Taliaferro Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Warren Co, Georgia
Ogeechee River, Washington Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Appling Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Candler Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Johnson Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Tattnall Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Toombs Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Treutlen Co, Georgia
Ohoopee River, Washington Co, Georgia
Okapilco Creek, Brooks Co, Georgia
Okapilco Creek, Colquitt Co, Georgia
Okefenokee Swamp, Charlton Co, Georgia
Okefenokee Swamp, Clinch Co, Georgia
Okefenokee Swamp, Echols Co, Georgia
Okefenokee Swamp, Ware Co, Georgia
Oostanaula River, Floyd Co, Georgia
Oostanaula River, Gordon Co, Georgia
Patsiliga Creek, Talbot Co, Georgia
Patsiliga Creek, Taylor Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Emanuel Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Johnson Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Laurens Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Montgomery Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Toombs Co, Georgia
Pendleton Creek, Treutlen Co, Georgia
Phinizy Swamp, Richmond Co, Georgia
Pinhook Swamp, Clinch Co, Georgia
Potato Creek, Lamar Co, Georgia
Potato Creek, Spalding Co, Georgia
Potato Creek, Upson Co, Georgia
Pumpkinvine Creek, Bartow Co, Georgia
Pumpkinvine Creek, Paulding Co, GA
Rays Millpond,Berrien Co, Georgia
Rays Millpond,Lanier Co, Georgia
Richard B Russell Lake, Elbert Co, GA
Rocky Comfort Creek, Glascock Co, GA
Rocky Comfort Creek, Jefferson Co, GA
Rocky Comfort Creek, Warren Co, GA
Roundabout Swamp, Atkinson Co, GA
Saint Marys River, Camden Co, Georgia
Saint Marys River, Charlton Co, GA
Satilla River, Atkinson Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Brantley Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Camden Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Charlton Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Coffee Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Pierce Co, Georgia
Satilla River, Ware Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Burke Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Chatham Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Columbia Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Effingham Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Richmond Co, Georgia
Savannah River, Screven Co, Georgia
Seventeen Mile River, Atkinson Co, GA
Seventeen Mile River, Coffee Co, GA
Seventeen Mile River, Irwin Co, GA
Seventeen Mile River, Ware Co, GA
Skinner Bay,Clinch Co, Georgia
Skinners Bay,Effingham Co, Georgia
South River, Butts Co, Georgia
South River, DeKalb Co, Georgia
South River, Fulton Co, Georgia
South River, Henry Co, Georgia
South River, Newton Co, Georgia
South River, Rockdale Co, Georgia
Spring Creek, Calhoun Co, Georgia
Spring Creek, Clay Co, Georgia
Spring Creek, Decatur Co, Georgia
Spring Creek, Early Co, Georgia
Spring Creek, Miller Co, Georgia
Sugar Creek, Dodge Co, Georgia
Sugar Creek, Telfair Co, Georgia
Suwannee Creek, Atkinson Co, Georgia
Suwannee Creek, Clinch Co, Georgia
Suwannee Creek, Ware Co, Georgia
Suwannoochee Creek, Clinch Co, Georgia
Suwannoochee Creek, Echols Co, Georgia
Sweetwater Creek, Carroll Co, Georgia
Sweetwater Creek, Cobb Co, Georgia
Sweetwater Creek, Douglas Co, Georgia
Sweetwater Creek, Paulding Co, Georgia
Tallapoosa River, Haralson Co, Georgia
Tallapoosa River, Paulding Co, Georgia
Tatum Creek, Clinch Co, Georgia
Tenmile Bay,Berrien Co, Georgia
Toccoa River, Fannin Co, Georgia
Toccoa River, Union Co, Georgia
Upatoi Creek, Chattahoochee Co, GA
Upatoi Creek, Marion Co, Georgia
Upatoi Creek, Muscogee Co, Georgia
Upatoi Creek, Talbot Co, Georgia
Walter F George Reservoir, Clay Co, GA
Walter F George Reservoir, Quitman Co, GA
Walter F George Reservoir, Stewart Co, GA
Warrior Creek, Colquitt Co, Georgia
Warrior Creek, Worth Co, Georgia
West Chickamauga Creek, Catoosa Co, GA
West Chickamauga Creek, Walker Co, GA
West Point Lake, Heard Co, Georgia
West Point Lake, Troup Co, Georgia
White Oak Creek, Coweta Co, Georgia
White Oak Creek, Meriwether Co, Georgia
Whitewater Creek, Macon Co, Georgia
Whitewater Creek, Talbot Co, Georgia
Whitewater Creek, Taylor Co, Georgia
Williamson Swamp Creek, Emanuel Co, GA
Williamson Swamp Creek, Jefferson Co, GA
Williamson Swamp Creek, Washington Co, GA
Withlacoochee River, Berrien Co, GA
Withlacoochee River, Brooks Co, GA
Withlacoochee River, Cook Co, GA
Withlacoochee River, Lowndes Co, GA
Yellow River, DeKalb Co, Georgia
Yellow River, Gwinnett Co, Georgia
Yellow River, Newton Co, Georgia
Yellow River, Rockdale Co, Georgia
Zero Bay,Pierce Co, Georgia