Paddling Lake Yonah Georgia
Nessie and the Mini van at Lake Yonah, Georgia
Lake Yonah is the last of the string of Georgia Power Lakes on the Tugalo River. The river flows into Lake Hartwell after it leaves Lake Yonah. The boat ramp is located in Tugalo Park operated by Georgia Power and the City of Toccoa, GA. This is not the same at Tugalo State Park. Tugalo Park has primitive tent campsites, restrooms, and picnic tables. The boat ramp is suitable of small craft and the lake is limited to boats with motors under 25 hp.
Tugao Dam, Lake Yonah
Nessie at boat ramp Lake Yonah
Dock at Lake Yonah, Georgia
Small stream entering Lake Yonah, Georgia
Ferns and Rocks, Lake Yonah
Rocks in small stream entering Lake Yonah
We got to the boat ramp by taking Tugalo short cut off of US 23 to Tugalo village road and then following the signs to signs to Tugalo Park.
The shoreline of the lake is well developed with a mix of summer and permanent homes. We didn't see anyone during our paddle so I assume that most of the homes are summer homes.
The lake provides a nice paddle. There are a couple of small streams feeding into the lake that provide a nice sound.
As we were leaving the lake we encountered a group of kids and their teacher from the Tallulah Falls School who had come down for a swim in the lake. We learned a bit about the area and got some suggestions on places to paddle.