A Day at Morganton Point Recreation Area

Picture yourself checking out of life and lounging along the sparkling shores of Lake Blue Ridge. Nestled in North Georgia’s Morganton Point Recreation Area, this natural gem is conveniently located a short drive from your Blue Sky vacation home rental and provides an abundance of recreation opportunities to keep all kinds of travelers happy.

From fishing to kayaking and sunbathing to birdwatching, Morganton Point offers exciting activities in every season and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip.

About North Georgia

Photo Credit: Sean Pavone

North Georgia is truly heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. With the 867,000-acre Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain Range, and boundless opportunities for fishing, hiking ( including the starting point of the famous Appalachian Trail), and exploring traditional wineries, you are absolutely spoiled for choice when you visit the region.

In addition to the outdoor opportunities, North Georgia boasts many lovely mountain towns that provide wonderful dining options, great shopping, and plenty of small-town charm. One of these towns is Morganton, home to the Morganton Point Recreation Area.

About the Morganton Point Recreation Area

Photo Credit: Patrick Jennings

• Address: 475 Lake Dr, Morganton, GA
• Website: gofindoutdoors.org/sites/morganton-point
• Entrance Fee: $5 for day-use per person (16+), $50 season pass (up to 4 people), and $5 for use of the boat launch.

The Morganton Point Recreation Area, located in Morganton, is a must-visit for anyone vacationing in North Georgia. Part of the massive Chattahoochee National Forest, Morganton Point offers 3,200 acres and over 60 miles of shoreline along the
3,290-acre Lake Blue Ridge. The area offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, swimming, and so much more.

Morganton Point Recreation Area is managed by FIND Outdoors, which ensures it stays open year-round and conducts guided tours and educational and outdoor opportunities for all ages and abilities

Amenities at the recreation area include:

• Picnic tables and dedicated picnic areas
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• On-site restrooms
• Boat launch
• Snacks

What to do at Morganton Point

Hiking

Photo Credit: lzf

There are a few short trails that start around the Morganton Point area. Near the day-use area, you will find the Morganton Point Trail, which takes you through the woods and follows along the shoreline before ending at the camping area. The trail provides beautiful lake views, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle for a few moments.

Boating

Photo Credit: Dudarev Mikhail

Morganton Point is the place to go for anyone interested in kayaking, canoeing, and SUPing. No matter your experience level, the beautiful and calm Lake Blue Ridge is the perfect spot for a relaxing day of paddling. The lake also offers excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities, so watch in the water, on shore, and in the skies above as you paddle around.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Feel free to bring your own equipment or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the day-use area at the Point. The rental options are a single sit-on-top kayak, double sit-on-top kayak, fishing sit-on-top kayak with reel holders, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP boards). Your rental includes your paddle and a life jacket.

Fishing

Photo Credit: TeodorLazarev

Morganton Point has a boat ramp for easy put-in, allowing anglers to make it their starting point for a day of fishing. Whether you are fishing from a motor boat or from a kayak or canoe, Lake Blue Ridge is a great spot.

Lake Blue Ridge is considered a hotspot for fishing in the region and offers the chance to catch many different types, such as largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and even rainbow or brown trout. Ensure you have the appropriate fishing license and know all the rules and requirements before you head out on the lake.

Birdwatching

Photo Credit: savitskaya iryna

Morganton Point Recreation Area is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Hike along the trails for the chance to see numerous songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, owls, and eagles. You might spot great blue herons, mallard ducks, ospreys, and even the majestic bald eagle near the water.

Swimming

Photo Credit: Goami

The Morganton Point day-use area is often referred to simply as “The Point” and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. This sandy beach provides a comfy area to sit and enjoy the views, work on your tan, or have a picnic lunch before jumping in the refreshing water. Head to the Morganton Point store (where you rent kayaks) to purchase water, ice cream, souvenirs, and other little treats. Morganton Point is the perfect place for a relaxing day at the lake.

 

When to Visit

The Morganton Point Recreation Area is open year-round, and each season offers something different. No matter what time of year you visit North Georgia, a stop at the Point should be on your list.

Spring

The North Georgia spring brings the return of sunny, warm days to Morganton Point. You will appreciate the lack of crowds, giving you a quiet and beautiful area to picnic, take a short hike, try your hand at birdwatching, or go for a peaceful paddle on the lake. The spring weather is comfortably warm, generally between 60-80F, and the sunshine is plentiful.

Summer

It is no surprise that summer in North Georgia is spectacular and is unsurprisingly the most popular time to visit Morganton Point! The hot Georgia summers make a refreshing dip in Lake Blue Ridge irresistible. Relax at the beach area or rent a kayak or SUP to head out onto the water. Summers in North Georgia are hot, sunny, and humid, typically hovering in the mid-to-upper 80s. Hard to turn down a lake day with those temperatures!

Autumn,

The cooler temperatures of autumn are a welcome relief in North Georgia. The weather is typically warm enough for an excellent day of paddling, and you have the added benefit of being surrounded by jaw-dropping North Georgia fall foliage!

The trees at Morganton Point and around Lake Blue Ridge put on a spectacular show, and it is truly a magical sight. The temperatures in autumn typically fall between 50-72F,, perfect for spending a sunny afternoon at the lake.

Winter

Winter is the perfect time to visit Morganton Point if you are looking for peace and solitude. You will find that there are very few other visitors in the winter, meaning you have a beautiful Point to yourself!

While the kayak rental shop is often closed or limited during the off-season, you are welcome to bring your own kayak for a quiet paddle. Due to the lack of crowds, you have a great chance of spotting wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled! Temperatures in the winter typically are fairly mild and fall between 35-50F. Snow is uncommon but possible.

Spend the Day at Morganton Point

Have the peaceful lake day of your dreams when you visit the Morganton Point Recreation Area on your North Georgia vacation. Whether you are hoping to relax on the sandy beach or gear up and head out in a kayak, schedule a stop at Morganton Point when you book your Blue Sky Cabin vacation!