Lake Harding, Alabama & Georgia, USA

Stretching 13 miles along the border between Georgia and Alabama, Lake Harding has almost 6,000 acres of water for boating, water skiing and fishing. Also known as Bartlett’s Ferry Lake or Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir, the lake is in the River Heritage Region of Alabama and the Presidential Pathways Region of Georgia and in Harris County, Georgia and Lee County, Alabama. Lake Harding’s recreation opportunities are doubled as well with parks and boat ramps in both states and vacation rentals on both shores. With its clean, clear water and fantastic fishing, there is enough fun for more than two states, and visitors come from all over to enjoy beautiful Bartlett’s Ferry Lake.

Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River. The reservoir was created in 1926 with the construction of the Bartlett’s Ferry Dam by the Columbus Power Company. In 1930 it was bought by the Georgia Power Company who still owns and manages the reservoir and dam today. The dam is used to generate hydroelectric power and the reservoir has become a valuable recreation resource for both Alabama and Georgia.

Striped bass are stocked in Lake Harding, and there are abundant populations of spotted bass and largemouth bass. The fishing is good year round with February through April being the best time to pull citation black and white crappie from the lake. There are also healthy populations of bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, chain pickerel and yellow perch to challenge anglers. Fishing piers on both sides of the lake provide access to bank fishermen, and boat access is from a number of public boat ramps in both states.

Bartlett’s Ferry Lake is popular with all kinds of boaters including power boats, sail boats and fishing boats. There are several islands in the lake to explore by canoe or kayak. Along with the public boat ramps, there are also several marinas. Georgia Power Company draws down the lake periodically but tries to maintain a 1.1 foot variance from normal full pool protecting boating opportunities.

On the Georgia side of Lake Harding, Georgia Power Company maintains Blanton Creek Park. The park includes a lakeside campground with day use facilities and borders the Blanton Creek Wildlife Management Area. The 5,000 acre area is managed by the Georgia DNR and provides habitat for white tailed deer, grey and red foxes, raccoons, bobcats and a variety of waterfowl.

Chattahoochee Valley Park is on the Alabama side of Bartlett’s Ferry Reservoir. It has a fishing pier, boat ramp and picnic area. Po-Boy Landing is also on the Alabama side at the most southern point of the lake and has a fishing pier and boat ramp. Downstream from the lake, Goat Rock Recreation Area surrounds 940-acre Goat Rock Reservoir. Slightly further south on the Chattahoochee River, Standing Boy Creek State Park has 1,579 acres to explore.

Lake Harding is 20 miles north of Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. It has waterfront residential development and real estate available for sale. Any amenity a visitor or resident might need is easily accessible and available on both sides of the lake. With two states worth of recreation opportunities, Lake Harding is much more than two times the fun and makes a fantastic Georgia or Alabama getaway.