Lake Burton is a mountain lake in Rabun County in northeast Georgia, surrounded by forested ridges and a scattering of cabins and boathouses that range from rustic to extravagant. It is one of a chain of six lakes along the Tallulah River, and one of the prettiest — clean, clear water backed by green mountains and a peaceful atmosphere that draws families back year after year.
The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. Two marinas serve as social hubs: LaPrades, a local institution since the 1920s that burned down on Mother's Day 2005 and was rebuilt with new boat rental and restaurant facilities in 2007, and Cherokee Marina with its outdoor deck overlooking the water and live music on Friday nights. Moccasin Creek State Park, on the lake's eastern shore, offers camping and boat access — and on Sunday mornings hosts an open-air "boat church" where people arrive by water in bathing suits and pyjamas.
Lake Burton is at its best in summer and early autumn, when the water is warm enough for tubing and the surrounding mountains are lush. It is a quiet, family-oriented place — no jet skis, no party boats — where the main activity is doing not very much at all.