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Lake Rabun Road, Tallulah River, Georgia
Photo: pseabolt · CC BY 3.0

Drives Georgia North Georgia and the Upstate

Lake Rabun Road

Lake Rabun Road, Burton Dam Road · Lakemont → Georgia Highway 197

Intense13.1 mi30 min1,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,100 ftOne way
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The drive

Lake Rabun Road leaves Old US 441 at Lakemont and winds along the lakes on the Tallulah River. It follows the northern shore of Lake Rabun, then the eastern shore of Seed Lake, before it reaches Burton Dam Road and the end of the drive at Georgia Highway 197 above Lake Burton.

Georgia Power owns the lakes, which were built on the Tallulah River for hydroelectric power; Lake Rabun is the third in the chain and its dam was completed in 1915. The road is narrow and tree-lined, with little shoulder and lakeside cabins, driveways and cyclists at the edge. At 13.1 miles it takes about 30 minutes, and it is slow going.

Rider Magazine lists the Lake Rabun to Lake Burton loop among the top five motorcycle roads in Georgia. It describes a 31-mile loop that starts near Lakemont and goes entirely around Lake Burton. This drive stops at Georgia 197.

Along the way

  1. Lakemont (Old 441)
  2. Georgia Highway 197
Elevation
1,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,100 ft
LakemontGeorgia Highway 197
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
LakemontGeorgia Highway 197
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is narrow with tight curves; a camper review warns that anything larger than a van is a poor fit.
  • Expect cyclists, and lakeside driveways with little shoulder.
  • Check Georgia 511 after storms.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Georgia 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does Lake Rabun Road take?

Lake Rabun Road from Lakemont to Georgia Highway 197 is 13.1 miles and takes about 30 minutes, because it is narrow and slow.

Where does Lake Rabun Road start?

It begins at Lakemont, where Old US 441 becomes Lake Rabun Road, and runs west past Lake Rabun and Seed Lake.

Is Lake Rabun Road a good motorcycle road?

Rider Magazine lists the Lake Rabun to Lake Burton loop among Georgia's top five motorcycle roads. The road is narrow and tight with little shoulder.

Who owns the lakes along Lake Rabun Road?

Georgia Power owns and operates Lake Rabun, Seed Lake and Lake Burton, which were built on the Tallulah River for hydroelectric power.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Lake Rabun Road, from Lakemont to Georgia Highway 197