Paddle Boat Rentals now available at Lake Toccoa

By Jessica Waters

The official start of summer may still be a few days off, but summer fun is in full swing at Lake Toccoa.

This past weekend, paddle boat rentals started up for the season, and are available for rent this year from the new Paddle Boathouse, located on the southeast corner of the lake, closest to the Hwy. 17 Alternate and Black Mountain Road intersection, said Toccoa City Commissioner Terry Carter.

“The city has been busy the last three weeks working on preparing for the summer at Lake Toccoa. This past weekend, the paddle boats opened and those will be open through the end of August,” he said.

Paddle boats are available for rent from 2-7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

While the rental paddle boats are a popular option, Carter said citizens are welcome to bring their own watercraft.

“We encourage folks to come up and enjoy that, and you’re also welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe and get out on the lake. Lots of folks do that, and seem to enjoy it,” he said.

Boating activities on the lake are not the only recreation available at the Lake Toccoa facility, Carter said, pointing out that the facility also includes a golf course, walking trail and restaurant.

“The golf course has never looked better. They’re doing a great job on maintaining it, and of course, you can’t beat dinner or lunch on the patio at Pings,” Carter said.

Fishing is also a popular pastime at Lake Toccoa, and Carter said the city will be restocking the lake in a few weeks – something that is done every couple years.

Carter said The handicapped-accessible walking trail around the perimeter of Lake Toccoa is another asset for citizens, consisting of 0.7 miles of concrete paths and wooden boardwalks. Bikes, wheelchairs and strollers are permitted on the walking trail; motorized vehicles are prohibited.

“We just encourage folks to come up and enjoy the lake and walk around on the walking trails,” he said, “It’s a beautiful place and definitely an asset for our community.”

For more information on paddle boat rental, and other recreation opportunities at Toccoa Lake, visit www.laketoccoaeventfacilities.com.