Goat Rock Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goat Rock Lake |
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 Goat Rock Lake
Location in Alabama
Goat Rock Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Harris County, Georgia / Lee County, Alabama, US |
| Coordinates | 32°36′32″N 85°04′44″W / 32.609°N 85.079°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Chattahoochee River |
| Primary outflows | Chattahoochee River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 940 acres (4 km2) |
| Max. depth | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Shore length1 | 25 miles (40 km) |
| Surface elevation | 404 feet (123 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Goat Rock Lake is a large reservoir (a human-made lake) located on the Chattahoochee River. This lake is found right between Harris County, Georgia and Lee County, Alabama. It sits just south of Lake Harding and north of Lake Oliver. The lake was created by the Goat Rock Dam and Generating Plant. This dam helps to produce electricity for many homes and businesses.
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What is Goat Rock Lake?
Goat Rock Lake covers about 940 acres of water. That's like 700 football fields! It's not a very wide lake, but it stretches along the river. The lake's main job is to hold water for the Goat Rock Dam. This dam uses the water to make power.
Where is Goat Rock Lake Located?
Goat Rock Lake is a border lake. This means it touches two different states: Georgia and Alabama. On the Georgia side, it's in Harris County. On the Alabama side, it's in Lee County. The lake is part of the long Chattahoochee River system. This river flows through several states in the southeastern United States.
How Was Goat Rock Lake Formed?
Goat Rock Lake was created when the Goat Rock Dam was built. Construction on the dam started way back in 1912. The dam holds back the water of the Chattahoochee River, forming the lake behind it. The name "Goat Rock" comes from a fun story. Workers building the dam reportedly saw goats jumping around on the rocks in the river. That's how the lake and dam got their unique name!
Why is Goat Rock Lake Important?
The main reason Goat Rock Lake exists is to help make hydroelectric power. This is a clean way to make electricity using the force of moving water. The Goat Rock Dam and Generating Plant are operated by Georgia Power. They use the water from the lake to spin turbines. These turbines then create electricity. So, even though it's a quiet lake, it plays a big role in providing power to the area.
Fun Facts About the Lake
Goat Rock Lake is mostly known for its important job of making electricity. It's not a very busy lake for things like boating or swimming. There are only a couple of places where you can get onto the lake. One is on the Georgia side, and the other is on the Alabama side.
Fishing at Goat Rock Lake
Even though it's not a big recreation spot, Goat Rock Lake is very popular with local fishermen. People who live nearby know it as a great place to catch fish. The quiet nature of the lake makes it a peaceful spot for fishing.
Exploring the Area
Because access to the lake is limited, it remains a calm and natural area. While you might not find many big parks or swimming beaches, the lake offers a glimpse of the Chattahoochee River's beauty. It's a place where you can appreciate nature and the important work of the dam.
