The lake at a glance
| Shoreline | 270 miles |
|---|---|
| Size | About 12,000 acres |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. Lake office (678) 721-6700 |
| Counties | Mostly Cherokee and Bartow, with a small part in Cobb near Acworth |
| Marinas | 8 commercial marinas |
| Visitors | Millions a year: the Corps says nearly 7 million, Recreation.gov says more than 6 million |
| Dam | On the Etowah River, in operation since 1950 |
| Summer level | About 840 feet above sea level ("full pool") |
How the lake came to be
Congress authorized the lake in the Flood Control Acts of 1941 and 1944. The lake began filling behind the Etowah River dam in December 1949 and was fully operating by January 1950. The water covered the old town of Allatoona. Today the lake handles flood control, drinking water and hydropower, and draws millions of visitors a year.
The battle before the lake
On October 5, 1864, Union troops held the railroad cut at Allatoona Pass against a Confederate attack. It was a small battle with heavy losses on both sides. You can walk the cut today: see our Allatoona Pass battlefield guide.
Red Top Mountain
Red Top Mountain State Park sits on a peninsula between the lake's two arms: 1,776 acres with beaches, boat ramps, trails and cabins. Paddling Red Top.
Questions
How big is Lake Allatoona?
About 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline.
Who manages Lake Allatoona?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. The lake office is at (678) 721-6700.
Sources
- Allatoona Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District
- Allatoona Lake on Recreation.gov
- Lake Allatoona (Wikipedia)
- Battle of Allatoona (Wikipedia)
- Red Top Mountain State Park (Georgia State Parks)
Checked October 16, 2026. Fees and hours change; confirm with the operator before you go.