Cumming is the county seat of Forsyth County, about 39 miles north of downtown Atlanta on GA 400, and the closest town to the western shore of Lake Lanier. Most people come for the outdoors: the Indian Seats overlook on Sawnee Mountain, Lanier’s beaches and parks, a paved greenway and a 1901 covered bridge. Here are the best things to do in Cumming.
- From AtlantaAbout 39 miles, 52 minutes without traffic
- CountyForsyth County
- Known forLake Lanier, Sawnee Mountain, the Cumming Fair
- Getting thereGA 400 north to exits 13 through 17
Top Things to Do in Cumming
1. Sawnee Mountain Preserve
The hike to the Indian Seats rock outcrop gives the best view in north metro Atlanta. Sawnee tops out at 1,967 feet. The visitor center is at 4075 Spot Road, and dogs are not allowed on the trails.
2. Lake Lanier
About 38,000 acres and 692 miles of shoreline, with Corps of Engineers beaches, parks and campgrounds on the Forsyth County side. See our Lake Lanier guide and Lanier parks list.
3. Big Creek Greenway
About 11 miles of wide paved trail and boardwalk from the Fulton County line up to Sawnee Mountain, good for bikes and strollers.
4. Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge
A 1901 town-lattice covered bridge over Settendown Creek in a county park with picnic spots and creek access.
5. Central Park
Forsyth County’s big park on Keith Bridge Road, with a paved walking trail, disc golf, ballfields and a recreation center.
6. The Collection at Forsyth
An open-air shopping center at Peachtree Parkway and Ronald Reagan Boulevard with restaurants and an AMC theater.
Events and Seasons
The Cumming Country Fair & Festival each October is the biggest event in town. Summer is the busy season on Lake Lanier, and fall brings the clearest views from Sawnee Mountain.
Nearby and Trip Planning
Cumming is a short drive from Alpharetta and Gainesville, and about an hour from Dahlonega and the mountains.
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Plan my tripCommon Questions
What is there to do in Cumming, GA?
Hike to the Indian Seats on Sawnee Mountain, spend a day at a Lake Lanier beach or park, ride the Big Creek Greenway and see Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge.
How far is Cumming from Atlanta?
Cumming is about 39 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 52 minutes by car on GA 400 without traffic.
Can you bring dogs to Sawnee Mountain?
No. Dogs are not allowed on any Sawnee Mountain Preserve trails. The Big Creek Greenway is a good dog-friendly alternative.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, prices and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Sawnee Mountain, greenway, parks
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Lake Sidney Lanier: lake size, parks
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.