Come discover Lake Lanier with us!
We are here to make sure everyone who visits Georgia's ultimate getaway has the best time!
Our local tour guides are here to help you make the most of your Lake Lanier getaway, from guides to the best parks to explore, to tips on where to eat, or what lakeside cottages are best for pets, we've got you covered!
With several million visitors annually enjoying its recreational facilities, Lake Lanier is the most popular lake in the southeast. You will enjoy the time you spend at Lake Lanier. We guarantee it.
How Big is Lake Lanier? Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia, having nearly 700 miles of shoreline spread over 38,000 acres of spectacular scenery.
The water in Lake Lanier comes from Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The rain falls on the mountains, runs over beautiful waterfalls, and then makes its way down to Lake Lanier via the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers.
The completion of the Buford Dam on the south end of the lake in 1956 by the Army Corps turned the area's Chattahoochee River and Chestatee River into Lake Lanier.
While the original goal was a multipurpose lake for water supply, flood control (flood protection for the region), and natural resources protection, Lake Lanier today also serves as one of the preeminent lakes in the Southeast for recreation and tourism.
Lake Lanier is located in portions of Hall (60%), Forsyth (30%), Dawson (5%), Gwinnett (4%) and Lumpkin (1%) counties. The major towns proximate to the lake are Buford (to the south), Gainesville (northeast), and Cumming (southwest). It's just 60 miles north of Atlanta and about 150 miles southeast of Chattanooga, TN and about 210 miles southwest of Charlotte, NC.
Lake Lanier offers something for everyone. Though the most popular activities include fishing, boating and camping, based on the areas abundant natural resources, Lake Lanier has recreational activities recreational activities for the whole family. Lake Lanier has golfing facilities, as well as the world's best kayaking, water skiing and swimming.
Over 45 parks, line the shores of Lake Lanier. In 2013, Lanier welcomed its first state park, Don Carter State Park.
With so many lovely parks and campgrounds scattered around the 700 miles of shoreline, visitors won't have difficulty finding a park to suit their needs.
Whether you desire an RV hookup, boat ramp, beach, designated swim area, hiking trail, picnic table, playground, pavilion or barbecue, Lake Lanier has a park for all.
There’s plenty to do off the water, too. Visitors to Lanier can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment in the surrounding area. The two largest cities on Lake Lanier are Buford and Gainesville, each with a historic downtown and distinct flare.
Visitors can enjoy the city of Atlanta and, in the space of a 30-minute drive, can lose themselves in the tranquility of Lake Lanier.
Visitors can also take a day trip to the north Georgia mountains for a hike on the Appalachian Trail, or to enjoy a waterfall or one of the north Georgia mountain wineries. Lanier's neighboring north Georgia towns of Helen and Dahlonega are not to be missed.
Come to Lake Lanier for a vacation you'll remember forever! From the many attractions, like thrilling water parks, beautiful golf courses, and the finest restaurants, you can come for a weekend or stay longer.
Make the trip to Lake Lanier the vacation highlight of your year!
Fill up your boat's fuel tanks, grab a quick bite, and stock up on supplies for an unforgettable day on the water in the Marinas at Lake Lanier!
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Experience the adventures in one of Lake Lanier's campgrounds and find that perfect spot to sleep under the stars.
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Four seasons of fun awaits you, check out the best activities and waterparks in the land!
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A culinary journey awaits. From lakeside pubs, to farm-to-table delights, save a table for us!
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"It's like having a personal tour guide to the wonders and beauty of Lake Lanier! I wouldn't travel without it."
Check out our latest articles, guides and get the most up-to-date information on all things Lake Lanier.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of northern Georgia, Lake Lanier is a sprawling reservoir, a beloved recreational haven, and a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Created in the 1950s by the damming of the Chattahoochee River, this 38,000-acre lake boasts over 690 miles of shoreline. While many …
Lake Lanier, a vast reservoir located in the northern part of Georgia, is known for its stunning beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant community activities. Among the myriad of events that take place on its sparkling waters, one stands out to me above all others for …
Are you the kind of person who wakes up excited to share the hidden gems of Lake Lanier? Whether it’s revealing the best spots for a quiet evening dinner or covering the liveliest events on the lake, your insider knowledge could be exactly what we’re …
As the operators of LakeLanier.com, we always get a healthy dose of comments whenever the lake is mentioned. The lake has some controversy literally “buried” beneath the surface… So is Lake Lanier haunted? The fact is that there is no actual evidence that Lake Lanier …
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is set to launch a new water park this season called “Fins Up Water Park“. The waterslide roller coaster attraction is tentatively scheduled to open May 4th in advance of the Summer peak tourist season. This waterslide is said to have …
Gwinnett County, GA – Margaritaville at Lanier Islands has announced that they will no longer allow swimming in Lake Lanier. The decision has been met with disappointment from longtime visitors, who have enjoyed swimming at their Landshark Landing beach for years. The ban on swimming …
