This scene is duplicated each day over 962 miles of shoreline.

Beautiful Lake Hartwell is located 30 miles southwest of Greenville, South Carolina, and 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. I-85 bisects the lake, making it easily accessible. Fed by two rivers that come right out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the water in Lake Hartwell is reported to be purer than in many municipal water systems.

Lake Hartwell covers a land area of 56,000 acres and has a shoreline of 962 miles. If the shoreline were stretched out in one straight line, it would span the distance from Atlanta to Buffalo, New York! With a width of approximately 6 miles at its widest point, the views on Lake Hartwell are both picturesque and panoramic. Yet, there are numerous secluded coves and islands to provide privacy and tranquility.

Outdoor water-related recreation opportunities abound. Boaters of all kinds enjoy sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, or canoeing. Avid fishermen and weekend anglers alike will enjoy chasing the 21 species of edible fish. (As the lake is 200' deep at its deepest point, the fish have plenty of hiding places.) Large mouth bass, black crappie, bluegill bream, and walleyed pike are abundant. Numerous natural sand beaches along the lake shore and many islands are a swimmer's delight. Picnicking, sight seeing, camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities can be enjoyed at the many public recreation areas located around the lake.

The lake is managed by the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (see links above) The Corps maintains an extensive listing of recreation areas on the lake. These include boat ramps, camping areas, state parks, public-use marinas, day use areas, and "swimmin' holes". Some areas are handicapped accessible.

This magnificent and serene lake is located in a quiet rural setting, yet is only minutes from the city of Anderson, South Carolina. The lake is an excellent place for either a full-time residence or a summer/vacation home. Some from such far-away locales as New York City, Miami, and Germany maintain summer homes on the lake. Property on Lake Hartwell is considered to be an excellent investment. As the Corps has limited sites for development, homes and land on the lake can only increase in value.