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Lake Sidney Lanier

4.3 (26 reviews)

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Sorry rover.
Jamarcus T.

It was such a lovely day when we paid Lake Sidney Lanier a visit, and everyone else got that memo as well, because whoa, the crowds were all out and about. We specifically came to walk the trail that followed much of the lake shore, and along that walk, we encountered several families grilling, having picnics, sunbathing boating or simply swimming. The trails are well paved, clean and access points to the waters or beach have a natural trail that leads to it from the concrete trails. As you walk along you do get the sense that something is missing....and you'd be right....dogs! There's no pets allowed at Lanier, which is pretty socking considering all of the green space, but somewhat understandable, considering how some pet owners don't clean up after their fur babies. Stepping in a pile of poo will take the cool right out of your day. Animals are around though, in the form of geese, but they stay out of your way. One thing I don't like about the trails is they're very poorly marked, outside of one general map that gives a general overview of the trail and its distance. It doesn't give you any "you are here" markers though. Along the trail you'll find a couple of basketball courts, swing sets, volley ball, small strips of beach....some isolated completely and some filled with people. Throughout the park grounds there's several benches and grills. If you want a view of the dam up close, you can park at the smaller lot maybe a half mile away from the main entrance. This is free, and allows for more nice shots. Getting access to the main area and trail I've been speaking of costs $5 to enter per car Beautiful views, very clean and a nice area to bring your family and so much area to explore. Worth checking out!

Lennon and Colton
Lennon S.

Beautiful!!! There is no lack of activities to do on Lake Lanier. Boating, hiking, zip lining, fly boarding and many more. There are also lots of dining opportunities and beautiful properties that help make Lake Lanier a great community.

Chrisette L.

This was my first time at the lake considering I've lived in Atlanta less than a year. I loved it. I really enjoyed docking close to Margaritaville that seemed to also be a water park. Great for the family. Or if you're like me, great for having a get together with friends on a boat. The lake was way bigger than i expected it to be . I would definitely go again

Canadian Geese!
Angela S.

If you know me at all, you would know that I'm not an outdoor girl by any means. With that being said, I like coming to Lake Lanier - specifically to West Bank Park (directions to get there: http://www.lakelanier1.com/West_Bank_Park_Beach_Lake_Lanier_Beaches.html) - with my family. We come here a few times a year for our family barbeques. Parking costs $4 per car, but this is paid on an honor system. There is no parking attendant on duty in the booth by the entrance. However, there are envelopes by the entrance where you should put the money in. So bring a couple dollars and don't be cheap if you're going to the park to enjoy the benefits that it has to offer! During the warmer months, people like to cool off by swimming in the lake. The West Bank Park seems to attract families with small children, so be ready for that if you come to the park specifically to go for a swim. (There's also a small playground for kids.) This park is a chill spot where you can find a table with a BBQ grill right beside it in the picnic area. The grills were replaced probably less than a year ago, so they aren't super old and rusty. I really like that the picnic area is usually pretty quiet. Our family brings a large beach parasol and camping chairs and normally just hang out by our table and BBQ grill. I like to bring a book to pass the time while my siblings walk around and explore the park. It's also fun to pass the time watching the Canadian geese that are always hanging out. Although it is prohibited (as it should be!), people feed them all the time, so they'll swim or waddle close to you in anticipation of a snack. My biggest gripe is the fact that there is rarely any toilet paper in the restrooms, and there is no soap. Other than that, the restrooms aren't in bad shape, but you should definitely bring your own roll of toilet paper in case they run out and don't refill them. In addition, bring some hand soap or hand sanitizer because there isn't any in the restrooms. Overall, the West Bank Park of Lake Sidney Lanier gets 4 stars for its clean and relaxing environment. It isn't the best park you will visit, and there aren't a ton of things to do there, but it definitely isn't the worst. Again, it's a very chill spot that our family will continue to have our occasional family BBQs. [Review 216 of 366]

Tyrone M.

Good Ole Lake Lanier! What can I say? When can you go wrong with a great outdoors day with family, friends, grills, and boats?! I recently visited for 4th of July and had an amazing time! The staff was very friendly. The set up of the campsites was great and it was easy to maneuver around the park with he well place signs. It was just a great time! You can choose to be very secluded if you'd like or you can head to the beaches around the lake and be social with other campers! The lake was a little busy in the 4th so waves were kind of choppy but this is a great place to chill on the water in a boat or take a smooth sunset ride. I'd come back every weekend if I could!

Someone right next to us on Ski jet
Abdul S.

Close to home, awesome spot to spend few hours....or a day. There are lots of parks around the lake, with grills, pavilions and seating areas. Some parks have kids play areas too I love the place!

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2 years ago

Nice and quiet 4th of July was fun there had fun with my boo. He also enjoyed it will definitely recommend.

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2 years ago

Beautiful, calm water, easy access. Went paddle boarding, it was so fun! Took the dogs out with us!

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Very clean environment, space for plenty of people to grill and enjoy themselves on the beach

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Review Highlights - Lake Sidney Lanier

Known for their boating and lake activities but the other side offers a relaxed environment.

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McGinnis Reserve Lake & Walking Trail - View of the lake

McGinnis Reserve Lake & Walking Trail

(1 review)

The McGinnis Reserve Lake and Walking trail is interesting. Part of the perks of being a member of…read morethe McGinnis Reserve subdivision, non-members do have access to the walking trail via the Suwanee Greenway, which rests right along this subdivision. The lake that the paved walking trail surrounds is 20 acres total, and the trail is generally kept up fairly well, minus the side stepping all of the geese poop. The lake itself, which you can't fish out of, is a pretty clear and vibrant lake. Wildlife i've seen have included the aformentioned geese, cranes, and i've seen a few turtles as well. There's no mileage on the actual trail, but I do believe it's less than a mile and is flat in all but a couple of spots with a high hill. There are two access points to the walking trail and lake, one being near the suwanee greenway trail opening (very close to the entrance tot he subdivision), and another via a set of stairs, which leads to the actual subdivision homes. There is no direct parking for walkway access, outside of street parking. I parked at the clubhouse at the rear and walked to the trail. It was about a 12 minute walk, so you'll get a work out in when you combine that with the trail walk itself. Do you HAVE to visit this trail? Well, if you're not pooped out from the grenway, it's a nice lake to take in. If you live here, you definitely should be here daily. But I wouldn't make a special trip to this trail alone. Another fun outdoor stop worth checking out. Give it a shot if you can!

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

(5 reviews)

Bowmans Island at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a nice little escape if…read moreyou're looking for a quiet hike with plenty of water views. Parking is easy to find, with enough space for at least 75 cars, including spots near what looks like a boat ramp. It costs $8 for the whole day, which isn't bad if you plan to stay a while. Fishing seems to be the main attraction here. There were plenty of folks (kids and adults alike) either in boats or lined up along the shore, casting their fishing lines off the bank. The trails are mostly easy to moderate, but there are a few steep, narrow spots where you'll need to watch your footing. I walked about 3.5 miles with a hiking group, following a loop that winds through the trees and offers a mix of open views and shaded paths. There are some benches along the way if you need a break. Bathrooms are available, which is always a plus, and there's a lot of green space. But honestly, I wouldn't recommend spreading out a blanket for a picnic as the ground is littered with dog poop, despite the big "no dogs" sign at the entrance. It's about an hour's drive from Atlanta, with the last few miles on Buford Dam Highway being steep and winding. The park wasn't overly crowded when I went, but there were a good number of people fishing or tubing. If you're looking for a peaceful walk by the water and don't mind stepping around a few messes, it's worth checking out.

Plenty of parking. Trails in plenty of places to explore . Replace to take the family for picnic…read moreand grilling.

Lanier Park

Lanier Park

(5 reviews)

A lovely park beach on Lake Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as…read moreexcellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. It's easy to remember Lanier Park. It's on Lake Lanier, just off Buford Dam Drive, which means it's near Buford Dam. Lanier Park is a scenic hideaway where you can rest or play, not far from Buford Dam. A beautifully groomed, sandy beach that's just right for swimming or laying out in the sun. Then, add in nearby picnic area with sturdy tables and grills, a boat ramp, and a half-mile walking trail. You can rent a pavilion area with its own dock and gorgeous views of the lake. The Lanier Park beach is open from late March through late September from 7 AM until 10 PM. Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking. Lanier Park offers access to a designated swim beach, picnic areas and restrooms. Alcohol is not permitted. Pets are not allowed. Arrive early, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance fees to the park apply to all visitors. Fireworks prohibited. This location is available through advanced reservations only; no walk-ins. This location does offer first-come, first-served (walk-ins) availability on holidays only. All other dates are reservation only. Reservations cannot be made in person at the Park. Contact information is 1360 Buford Dam Rd., Buford, GA 30518. For any reservations contact 770-945-9531. Great spot to have a picnic lunch, watch the water and water fowl go by. I'll definitely be back many times.

Park is NOT open . Gate is closed and locked , but website states open along with hours listed…read more Update the hours so people don't waste their time driving to the Park only to find it closed

Lake Sidney Lanier - lakes - Updated May 2026

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