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Hartwell Lake and Dam

by Belinda Dobie on 02/03/10 at 10:42 am

Hartwell Lake and Dam are wonderful places to visit in Georgia, USA especially if you want to have a picnic at the waters edge, take a leisurly stroll, do some fishing or take your boat out onto the water.

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

Canadian geese are self-appointed Guardians of the Lake or more precisely Guardians of the picnic tables.  These beautiful birds abound in the area and nest on one of few islands in the lake.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake on the border of Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. This Lake contains nearly 56,000 acres of water with a shoreline of 962 miles.  Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963 as part of a flood control, hydropower, and navigation project.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

The public parks, marinas, and campgrounds conveniently located around the lake offer many outdoor recreational experiences – making Hartwell one of the most visited Corps lakes in the nation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

A convenient walkway built along the side of Hartwell Lake offers picturesque views of both the Lake on one side and the wooded acres of land on the other. This walkway, with its even walking surface offers those who either wish to  run, ride a bike or simply take a quiet stroll, a safe alternative to exercising along a road. This walkway extends about 2 miles starting at a recreational area and ending at the Harwell Dam.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

Hartwell Dam is constructed of concrete and earth and spans some 18,000 feet (over 3 miles), crossing the Savannah River. The concrete section is 1,900 feet long and rises 204′ above the riverbed at its highest point. Earthen embankments and dikes lengthen the dam at both ends. The spillway contains 12 large gates, each 40 feet by 35.5 feet high, for the quick release of water from the lake.
http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell/

     http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/                 

 From the top of the Dam wall the Savannah river can be seen. The depth of the lake behind the dam is approximately 180 feet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beldobie/

Hartwell Dam and Lake is situated only 9 miles from another fascinating sight to see in Georgia which are the “Georgia Guidestones” http://trifter.com/usa-canada/georgia/georgia-guidestones/  

 

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17 Comments

oldster

Mar 2nd, 2010

Lovely article Belle.
Perhaps you ought to write a guide book for days out with the family.

hfj

Mar 2nd, 2010

Great pictures and article Belle. This is a very facinating dam that i didn’t even know existed. Your pictures and description of the area were very detailed and graphic. You would make a good spokesman for the Hartwell Lake & Dam. At one time we had the biggest manmade dam in the United states, Kentucky dam. I don’t know where we rate now in terms of manmade dams, because this rating was done many years ago. Well done Belle dear.

Bo Russo

Mar 2nd, 2010

Reminds me a lot of El Monte Dam out here, but your is much prettier.

Cutealice

Mar 2nd, 2010

Very good post

XXElleXX

Mar 2nd, 2010

Canadian Geese are attractive ~ nice panoramic snapshots of the dam and surrounding areas Belle :-)

diamondpoet

Mar 3rd, 2010

Beautiful pic and well written article.

sambhafusia

Mar 3rd, 2010

well done

Cynthia Cox

Mar 4th, 2010

A beautiful destination to go. If I ever make to GA one day; I will surely look it up. I love visiting our lakes in the US where ever I go, just never made it that far south, yet; but I am not done traveling yet~ I love the pictures and your content makes it a top choice to see. Thank you for sharing a must see.

Francois Hagnere

Mar 4th, 2010

A superb place, beautifully described and photographed. Very interesting and enjoyable my friend. “I have Georgia on my mind” as you know…
Thank you.

sara2010

Mar 4th, 2010

nice post

I Have Had Enough

Mar 5th, 2010

Excellent article, Belle. It makes me want to take a trip out that way; and given what that would cost me, you can take that as a compliment to your imagery.

yes me

Mar 5th, 2010

Great pictures and writing…. makes me want to head up north
the out doors are calling…. cheers

Sharif Ishnin

Mar 6th, 2010

What can I say, I just love wide open spaces. Excellent place and article.

RS Wing

Jun 21st, 2010

Another great write on the beauties in Georgia. Looks like an awesome place to visit with fantastic sights. Love the pics, too. Great work!

davangdi

Jun 28th, 2010

It’s very beautiful.. Wish I could get there =) Good job ^^

Diamond Channing

Jul 30th, 2010

Excellent article with a wonderful choice of photos. You have a very nice writing style. Also a very pleasant manner in which you deliver the information. A gufted writer is what comes to mind. Glad I found you and look forward to reading and commenting on your future work.A+!

days out with the family

Mar 8th, 2011

I’m from the UK and have really enjoyed looking at your beautiful pics to inspire me while it’s raining outslde here.What a lovely place it looks – thanks for the article!

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