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Canoeing & Kayaking

Our Route Summary

• Submitted by: Al Vazquez, alvazquez@kayakguide.com
• Date Submitted: 7/2001
• Location: 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta
• Class: Typically flat water
• Distance Paddled: As much as you want with 38,000 acres of surrounding water
• Water Level: typically can be paddled even during periods of low water
• Wildlife: fish such as bass, stripers, brim, carp, and an occasional trout
• Special Regulations:

Entry and Exit

• Directions: From Atlanta, take I-85 North. Take Exit 113 onto I-985 North. Then take Exit 8 (Friendship Road). Turn left and drive about 4 miles west to Lake Lanier Islands entrance gate. Once past the gate, take a left and follow the signs to the boat ramp.
• Fee: $7 parking fee per vehicle
• Description: paved boat ramp with small adjacent beach and floating dock
• Parking: adjacent paved
• Facilities: picnic areas and pavilions, rest rooms, hotels, camping, water park, boat rentals
• Handicap Access: paved boat ramp and floating dock

What We Saw

There are a number of islands and nice coves to explore.

We were here on a week day and the lake was nice and calm for paddling. I suggest paddlers avoid weekends as I've heard the waters become filled with power boaters and can even become covered with a film of oil.

We were disappointed to find many picnic areas closed on the weekday we went and that the picnic area at the campground that overlooks the lake was littered with trash.