About Lake Lanier

Convenient to Atlanta and the North Georgia Mountains

Lake Sidney Lanier is perfectly located in northern Georgia, sprawling along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains only a short drive from Atlanta.

Situated between Interstates 75 and 85, Lake Lanier has extensive access from a network of state highways and local roadways.

One of America's Favorite Lakes

With more than 7 million visitors every year, Lake Lanier is Georgia's most popular lake and one of the most popular lakes in the nation. Lake Lanier is one of the most visited Corp of Engineers projects in the country.

Fed largely by the Chattahoochee River (but by the Chestatee River, as well), the lake is named for poet Sidney Lanier, who was inspired by the area's beauty to write his famous "Song of the Chattahoochee."

Extensive Shoreline, Scenic Elevation

With a surface area of more than 37,000 acres at normal water level, Lake Lanier features almost 700 miles of shoreline across Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Gwinnett and Lumpkin counties at a beautiful elevation of 1,071 feet.

Olympic-Caliber Recreation With Waterpark, Golf and Conference Center

Lake Lanier has long been a favorite of boaters and jetskiers, as well as canoe, rowing and kayak enthusiasts.

The rowing and sprint canoeing events of the 1996 Summer Olympics took place on Lake Lanier, and the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club hosted the 2003 Canoe Sprint World Championships.

The Holiday and Aqualand marinas are two of the largest freshwater marinas in the world.

Boat rentals are available from small pontoon boats to luxury houseboats and group yachting rentals for up to 150 people.

One of the most popular attractions in the area, Lake Lanier Islands includes a mile of shoreline, a beach, and a waterpark with 13 water slides and Georgia's largest wave pool. The first-class amenities of the islands include a luxury hotel, full-service conference center, a golf course, equestrian center, a zip line and full-service day spas.

Holiday Lights

From mid-November through January, Lake Lanier Islands hosts Magical Nights of Lights, a six-mile animated light display that ends with a holiday village featuring carnival rides, bonfires, a Santa shop and live nativity scene.

The resort on the islands features full-moon parties and an annual Independence Day fireworks show.