Georgia's Online
Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Guide - www.n-georgia.com
Discover Georgia's
beautiful parks, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, coast and
islands, Civil War and historic sites, gardens, trails, festivals, and
other fun places to visit. Whether you are going out for a day or
vacationing in Georgia, this site is full of outdoor recreational ideas
and maps at your fingertips. Relax, browse around and get ready
for good times in Georgia.
Lake Sidney Lanier
Day Use Parks Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake
Sidney Lanier, one of America’s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a
year visit Lanier. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known
for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and many recreational
activities.
Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950’s, Lake Lanier
is a multi-purpose lake that provides for flood protection, power
production, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife
management. It has won the best operated lake of the year award in
1990, 1997 and 2002. Contact Numbers: Water
Release Schedules 770-945-1466 Lake Info 770-945-1467 & Corps of Engineers
770-945-9531
Directions: From I-985/Buford
Take GA Hwy 20 West, from GA 400/Cumming, take GA Hwy 20 East, to North on
Suwanee Dam Road. Go 3 miles and go left on Buford Dam Road. The Visitor
Center is one mile down on the right. Make reservations at
1-877-444-6777.
Lake Lanier Day Use Parks and Amenities
Balus Creek Park -
770-945-9531 - Balus Creek Drive in Flowery Branch. Amenities: Restrooms, boat ramps, user fee and pets allowed
Bethel Park - 770-945-9531 -
On Swiss Air Road Amenities: Restrooms, boat ramp, dock and pets allowed Directions: Off Bethel Road from Browns Bridge Road/GA 369
Big Creek Park - 770-945-9531
- Holiday Road in Buford Amenities: Restrooms, boat launch ramp, sandy beach,
user fee and pets allowed Directions: Located at the end of Big Creek Road, off
Holiday Road in Buford. Next to Big Creek Tavern and near the marinas on
Holiday Road.
Bolding Mill Park -
770-945-9531 Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, picnic shelter, boat
ramp, swim area, pets are allowed Directions: From Atlanta,
take SR 400 north to Exit 17, turn right on GA Hwy 306, turn right on GA Hwy
53, turn left on Old Sardis Rd, and turn left on Chestatee Rd. Follow into
park and campground.
Buford Dam Park - 770-945-9531
- 1200 Buford Dam Rd. in Cumming Amenities: Laundry, picnic tables, picnic shelter, boat
launch ramp, beach with swim area, volley ball and basketball areas,
playgrounds, user fee and pets allowed. Laurel Ridge Trail (3.8 miles) goes
through Buford Dam Park, in addition to Powerhouse Park and Lower Overlook.
Note: Open only Thursday
through Sunday and on the "big three" holidays: Memorial Day, July Fourth
and Labor Day. It is a fee park and costs $4 per vehicle and $1 for
pedestrians. Shelters in Buford Dam Park can be rented for $90 per day. Call
770-945-9531 to make reservations.
Burton Mill Park -
770-945-9531 - Yacht Club Road off Gaines Ferry Road Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp,
beach, swim area, walking trail that goes through woods, user fee, no pets
allowed
Charleston Park - 770-945-9531
or 770-781-2215- Off Browns Bridge Road (GA 369) Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp,
user fee and pets allowed. Cost $3 to launch your boat.
City Park - Close to Starboard
Marina Amenities: Picnic area and playground, plus nice views and
good fishing.
Clarks Bridge Park -
770-535-8280 - Clarks Bridge Rd., (off Limestone) Gainesville Amenities: Boat launch ramp, dock, picnic tables, grills,
swimming platform, beach, designated swim area, bathrooms, boat launch ramp,
boat dock, canoe and kayak club, rowing club (row the 1996 Olympic course),
canoe and kayak rentals, and Lanier Centre
Duckett Mill Park -
770-945-9531 - Duckett Mill Road, Oakwood (off Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53) Amenities: Boat launch ramp and pets are allowed
East Bank Park - 770-945-9531
- Located off Buford Dam Road in Buford - close to the Dam Store. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat launch ramp,
docks, user fee and pets allowed
Holly Park - 770-531-2680 -
Located on Holly Park Drive Amenities: A small boat ramp and two areas with
beautiful locations overlooking the lake and a large, sandy swimming beach.
Directions: Off Old Thompson Bridge Road from Thompson
Bridge Road in Gainesville.
Keith's Bridge Park -
770-945-9531 - Off Rt. 306 and Keith Bridge Rd Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp,
swim area, playground and pets allowed. Great picnic area for groups and
parties. If you are looking for something more secluded, drive to the
end of the parking lot and take the walkway. Follow this path to a
beautiful secluded beach.
Lanier Park - 770-945-9531 -
off Budford Dam Road in Buford Amenities: Restrooms, boat launch ramp, picnic tables,
grills, 1/2 mile walking trail, user fee and no pets allowed. Features a
pavilion area with its own dock on a peninsula with gorgeous views of the
lake. $4 per vehicle or $1 for pedestrians. The pavilion can be
reserved by calling 770-945-9531.
Lanier Point Park -
770-531-2600 - On Lanier Valley Dr. off Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53 in Gainesville
Amenities: Features a softball and baseball complex
with lighting, and a picnic pavilion with three picnic tables, playground
and a boat launch ramp. To reserve the picnic pavilion, call Gainesville
Parks and Recreation at 770-531-2600. Directions: Heading away from Gainesville on Dawsonville
Highway (Ga. 53), pass Home Depot and take a left at the church onto Lanier
Valley Drive. Follow Lanier Valley Drive to the park.
Laurel Park - 770-535-8280 -
Off Hwy 129, north of Gainesville Amenities: 2 Little League fields and 2 softball
fields, 2 Playgrounds, 2 restroom buildings, 2 tennis courts, 25
picnic sites with grills, 3 picnic shelters with water and electricity,
1-mile walking trail, Volleyball court, 2 large boat ramps, large parking
lot, and Sprayground (water playground) for small children. Features a 'Bark
Park' with space for large and small dogs to play in an enclosed area.
Directions: Take Exit 24 off I-985, and turn left at
end of ramp onto Jessee Jewell Pkwy. Travel to Limestone Pkwy (2nd
stoplight) and turn right. Go to the end of Limestone Pkwy and turn right
onto Clevleand Hwy. Park is located 1 mile from bridge on right at New
Bridge Baptist Church. Follow signs.
Little Hall - Dawsonville
Hwy/GA 53
restrooms, picnic tables, picnic shelter, grills, boat ramp, swim area, user
fee and pets allowed Directions: Go north on Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53 heading
toward Gainesville. The left turn for Little Hall Park is just after Bolling
Bridge.
Little Ridge Park -
770-945-9531 - Off Holtzclaw Road Amenities: Boat ramp and pets allowed
Little River Park - Off
Cleveland Hwy, north of Gainesville Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grill, boat launch
ramp, dock and pets allowed. Very well-liked spot for early morning
fishermen to launch their boat, and is one of the best bass fishing areas on
Lake Lanier. Directions: Go north on Hwy 129, heading towards Cleveland.
You will cross over Lake Lanier via Longstreet Bridge. There will be a State
Patrol office on the right. Shortly afterwards, there will be a small gas
station on the left with “Solo” pumps. Turn into the little street beside
this station onto Little River Park Road, turn left and head down “Little
River Park Road” for about a 1/4 of a mile.
Long Hollow Park -
770-945-9531 - Off GA 306 on Bryant Road (off Waldrip Road) Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp, swim area
and pets are allowed
Longwood Park - 770-531-2680 -
Located off Pearl Nix Parkway across from Gainesville High School. Amenities: 8 tennis courts with lights ,dogwood pavilion
with sheltered picnic tables and BBQ pit, unsheltered picnic tables with
grills, sheltered mini-pavilions overlooking lake, walking trail,
playground, beachfront and restrooms. Park is open 7am to dark.
For more info and to reserve the Dogwood Pavilion, call 770-531-2680.
Lower Overlook Park - Located
in Buford off Buford Dam Road. Amenities: Picnic tables, grills, winter view of Buford
Dam. laundry, restrooms, user fee and pets allowed. Laurel Ridge Trail (3.8
miles) goes through park
Lower Pool Park - 770-945-9531
- Off Buford Dam Road in Forsyth Co. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp and no pets
allowed
Lula - Amenities are boat ramp and pets
allowed
Mary Alice Park -
770-781-2010 in Forsyth Co. Amenities: Restroom facilities, picnic, beach and boat
launch ramps. $3.00 fee for park entry and to launch your boat.
Mountain View - 770-945-9531 -
On Old 141 Road off Browns Bridge Rd. (GA 369) Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp, dock, beach
front in cove, fishing, and pets allowed
Nix Bridge - 770-945-9531 -
Off GA 226 Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat launch ramp, nice
lake view, pets allowed Directions: To reach the park, turn right onto Ga. 136 just
north of the Dawsonville Outlet Malls and after a mile, turn right onto Ga.
226.
Old Federal Park -
770-945-9531 - Old Federal Road, Flowery Branch Amenities: Laundry, picnic shelter, boat ramps, beach,
swimming area, Volleyball court, user fee and pets are allowed
Powerhouse Park - Located off
Buford Dam Road in Buford Amenities: Features scenic views of the Chattahoochee River
and is a great spot for hikers, fishermen, tubers, and kayakers. The Laurel
Ridge Trail (3.8 miles) goes through this park. There is a wildlife lookout
point and a
lovely
bridge that takes pedestrians over the river just behind the dam. If you
want to go tubing or rent kayaks, Up the River Outfitters uses the park as
its drop spot. No pets are allowed.
Robinson Park - 770-945-9531 -
On Robinson Road off Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53 Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp and pets
allowed Directions: North on Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53. If you
are heading from Gainesville, make a left onto Lynncliff Road. Follow
Lynncliff Road to Robinson Road. Make a left onto Robinson Road, and go
straight into the park.
Sardis Creek - 770-945-9531 -
Antioch Church Rd., Gainesville Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp and pets
allowed Directions: From Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53, turn onto Sardis
Road (right turn if coming from Gainesville). Follow the signs to Sardis
Creek Park and turn right onto Antioch Road. Follow Antioch Road to the end.
Shoal Creek Park -
770-945-9531 - Shadburn Ferry Road, Buford Amenities: Picnic shelter, swim area, boat launch ramp and
pets are allowed Directions: Off Shadburn Ferry Road (which is off Buford
Dam Road).
Simpson Park - 770-945-9531
Amenities: Picnic tables, boat ramp and pets allowed
Heading from Gainesville, from Dawsonville Hwy/GA 53, make a left onto
Lynncliff Rd (shortly after Lanier Bridge). Follow Lynncliff to Simpson Park
Road. Turn left onto Simpson Park Road and follow it to the park.
Six Mile - boat ramp, user fee
and pets allowed
Thompson Bridge Park - Off
Thompson Bridge Road (GA 60) in Gainesville Amenities: Scenic lake views, boat ramp, boat dock, picnic
shelter, ample parking and pets are allowed Directions: Turn off Thompson Bridge Road (Ga. 60) onto
Dunlap Landing. Follow Dunlap Landing to park.
Thompson Creek -
770-945-9531 - Close to Dawsonville
Outlet Malls Amenities: Laundry, picnic tables, picnic shelter, large
BBQ pit and pets allowed
Tidwell - 770-945-9531 -
Located off exit 16 on 400 in Forsyth Co. Amenities: Restrooms, benches, boat launch ramp, $3 user
fee and pets are allowed Directions: To get to Tidwell Park, follow Pilgrim Mill to
the end.
Toto Creek Park - 770-945-9531
- On the north of Lake Lanier off Price Rd (GA 136) Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp,
swim area and pets allowed Directions: Take 400
north to Hwy. 136, turn right, turn right at stop sign, turn left before
crossing the bridge. Road ends at the park.
Two Mile Creek Park - Located
off Bethel Road (off GA Hwy 369) Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, fishing,
swimming, boat launch ramp and pets are allowed
Upper Overlook - picnic
tables, laundry, restrooms, user fee and pets allowed
Van Pugh North - 770-945-9531,
Gaines Ferry Road, Gainesville Amenities: Restrooms, abundant picnic tables, picnic
shelter, grills, playgrounds, boat ramp, beach and swim area, user fee costs
$4 per vehicle to enter and no pets allowed a picnic pavilion (call
770-945-9531 to reserve), a sheltered grill area next to the pavilion.
Van Pugh South - 770-945-9531
- On the southeast end of the lake. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp, and pets
are allowed. It is unique in that it is a day camp park. Visitors may
bring their tents, campers, gear, etc., however, they must vacate the park
at night. Sites are first come first serve. There are 57 sites with picnic
tables and grills, shower washhouses, playground and boat ramp. Sites are
limited to 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles. $10 fee for each vehicle that
enters the park. Pets must be leashed and alcoholic beverages are
prohibited. Opens at 8am on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Van Pugh South
Park also has a small non-pay section with beautiful views and nice beaches
(though not designated swim areas).
Vann's Tavern - 770-945-9531 -
Vann Tavern Road Amenities: Restrooms, boat launch ramp, dock, $3 launch
fee, swimming at beach with white sand and pets are allowed Directions: Off Waldrip Circle from Browns Bridge Road/GA
369
Wahoo Creek Park -
770-945-9531 - Mount Vernon Rd. in Gainesville Amenities: Picnic tables, boat ramp, secluded paths to lake
and pets are allowed
War Hill Park - 770-945-9531
or 706-344-3600- On the north end of Lake Lanier,
off Ga. 318. Recent plans were made to turn the park into a public
marina. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp,
beach, swim area and pets are allowed
West Bank Park - In Forsyth
Co. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, picnic shelter, swim
area, user fee, no pets allowed
West Bank Overlook - In
Forsyth Co. User fee and pets allowed
Young Deer - 770-781-2215
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, picnic shelter, pavilion
(for rent), grills, boat launch ramp ($3 fee), swim area and pets allowed.
To rent the pavilion, call Forsyth County Parks and Recreation at
770-781-2215
Lake Sidney Lanier
Day Use Parks
