Lake Lanier & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Parks
For a specific list and locations of the numerous public parks surrounding Lake Lanier, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 770-945-9531.Or visit the Lanier Project Management Office/Visitor Center at 1050 Buford Dam Road in Buford, GA.
Or visit the Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau at 117 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. Suite 105, Gainesville, GA (770.536.5209)
Park Hours are from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited in all parks.
Lake Lanier
Fondly known as “Atlanta’s Beach,” Lake Lanier—Georgia’s largest and most visited lake—is enjoyed by over 7.5 million people a year. No wonder! Whether visitors plan a day’s adventure in a day-use park or picnic area, a weekend get-a-way or an extended stay at one of Lake Lanier’s privately owned resort properties on the southeast side of the lake, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Everything from sightseeing, picnicking, hiking, biking, and camping, to swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and house boating are offered on the lakes famous aqua blue-colored water which is dotted with launching ramps, marinas, recreational facilities and restaurants.
Named for Sidney Clopton Lanier (1842-1881)—the Georgia-born musician, scholar, and poet who penned the famous poem titled the “Song of the Chattahoochee”—Lake Lanier encompasses 39,000 acres of water with over 692 miles of scenic shorelines, featuring many natural and recreational attractions that have hosted a number of prestigious events like . . .
- The Games of the XXVI Olympiad—1996 Summer Olympics—held their rowing and canoeing events on Lake Lanier.
- In addition, in 1997, Lake Lanier was the site of the annual invitation only Bilderberg Conference .
- The 2003 Canoe Spring World Championship was also held on the lake at the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club.
History buffs may want to visit the Lanier Project Management Office/Visitor Center at 1050 Buford Dam Road in Buford, GA, that houses numerous displays and pictures, chronicling the history of the lake’s construction.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 46 park areas surrounding Lake Lanier. In addition, for year-round enjoyment, a number of communities bordering the lake’s scenic shoreline have leased park properties from the Corps.
Fishing and waterfowl hunting, the Corps of Engineers works in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources—and a dedicated community of volunteers— to actively manage the lake’s fish habitats and 39,000 surface acres of water. Fishing (year-round) and waterfowl hunting is permitted in accordance with state and federal regulations. Call the Corps of Engineers for more information: 770-945-9531
Picnicking at one of Lake Lanier’s hundreds of picnic sites, no matter the season, is sure to reveal an array of beautiful year-round views of the lake and its natural woodlands. Many of the picnic areas have restrooms, grills, electric outlets, and shelters that make for an ideal outdoor setting for everything from a simple brown bag or picnic basket lunch, to larger events (accommodating up to 100 people) like family reunions, birthday parties, corporate picnics etc. Call the Corps of Engineers for more information on specific sites, events, and reservations: 770-945-9531
Hiking along the 3.8 Laurel Ridge Trail—located near Buford Dam—offers hikers a variety of opportunities to view rare wildflowers and wildlife in addition to beautiful river and lake views.
Swimming, rafting, floating, and old-fashioned splashing: The Corps of Engineers operates 20 swimming areas throughout several of the cities and counties lining Lanier’s shores. However, please note: “Swim at your own risk.” There are no lifeguards on duty, and the Army Corps of Engineers recommends swimming at designated—Corp operated—swim areas only. Call the Corps of Engineers for more information and a list of the designated swim areas: 770-945-9531
Built to serve many purposes, including recreation, hydropower production, flood control, navigation, a quality water supply, and fish & wildlife management, Lake Lanier’s water level periodically fluctuates to meet these purposes and varying environmental factors. Therefore, water management decisions for the upcoming week are determined at weekly meetings. Call the Corps of Engineers at 770-945-9531 for updates on lake conditions and water levels.
For further information . . . The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides specific rules and regulations, regarding swimming, camping, fishing, boating, and other free activities and recreational amenities available in the numerous public parks surrounding Lake Lanier on numerous park signs and on their web site http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/ .
Directions to the Lanier Project Management Office/Visitor Center: From GA 400/Cumming, take GA Hwy 20 east to north on Suwanee Dam Road for 3 miles to Buford Dam Road. Turn left. The Visitor Center is one mile on the right at 1050 Buford Dam Road