Best Places To Kayak In Atlanta: A Local’s Guide To Top Rivers, Lakes, and Launches

Atlanta might be known for traffic and skyscrapers, but it’s also surrounded by excellent spots for kayaking, from calm lakes to flowing rivers just a short drive from downtown. Whether you’re a beginner renting a boat for the first time or a paddler with your own gear looking for new routes, there are plenty of options in and around the city.

Below is a practical guide to where to kayak in Atlanta, how to access these spots, and what to know before you go.

Quick Overview: Top Kayaking Spots Around Atlanta

Chattahoochee River: Atlanta’s Signature Kayaking Spot

If you only kayak one place near Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River (“the Hooch”) is the classic choice. The river runs along the north and northwest side of the metro area, with multiple public access points.

Popular Access Areas In and Near Atlanta

Most access is managed by the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), overseen by the National Park Service.

Key units and commonly used sections:

• Powers Island / Interstate North

  • Location: Near I-285 and Powers Ferry Road SE, Sandy Springs
  • Vibe: Very popular with tubers, kayakers, and paddleboarders in warm months.
  • Why go: Convenient from Buckhead, Midtown, and inside the Perimeter. Often used for short downstream floats and rentals.

• Johnson Ferry Unit

  • Location: Johnson Ferry Road SE at the Chattahoochee, near Sandy Springs / East Cobb line.
  • Vibe: Suburban river corridor, steady flow, wide channel.
  • Why go: Common put-in or take-out point for half-day kayak trips.

• Island Ford

  • Address: 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  • Vibe: Wooded, quieter feel, more wildlife sightings.
  • Why go: Good for those who want a more natural, less urban stretch still close to Atlanta.

• Paces Mill

  • Address: 3444 Cobb Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Vibe: One of the most used units, just off I-75.
  • Why go: Convenient access if you’re in Vinings, Smyrna, or Northwest Atlanta.

What To Expect On The Chattahoochee

• Difficulty: Generally beginner-friendly with a gentle current, though conditions can change with water releases from upstream dams.
• Scenery: Tree-lined banks, occasional rock shoals, views of local neighborhoods, and plenty of birds.
• Typical outings: 2–4 hour downstream trips using two vehicles (one at the take-out, one at the put-in), or out-and-back paddles from one launch.

For current info on river conditions, fees, and access:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Headquarters
  1978 Island Ford Parkway
  Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  Phone: (678) 538-1200

💡 Tip: Always check water levels and release schedules before you go, especially if you’re planning a longer paddle. The river can rise and flow faster when water is released upstream.

Kayaking Lakes Near Atlanta

If you prefer still water over a moving river, several lakes around Atlanta are excellent for kayaking. These are great for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a more relaxed paddle without worrying about current.

Stone Mountain Lake (East of Atlanta)

• Location: Inside Stone Mountain Park, about 20–30 minutes east of downtown.
• Address (Main Park Entrance):
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
  Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Vibe: Calm flatwater lake with views of Stone Mountain.
• Why go:
  • Easy for first-timers and kids.
  • Good for short after-work paddles or low-key weekend mornings.
• Considerations:
  • Park entry/parking fees apply.
  • Boat traffic is usually moderate, but still be alert.

Lake Lanier (Northeast of Atlanta)

• General Area: North of Atlanta near Buford, Gainesville, and Cumming.
• Vibe: Large reservoir with many coves, clearer water and lots of recreational boaters.
• Why go:
  • Great for full-day kayak adventures.
  • Many parks and public areas offer access, including:
    • Lake Lanier Islands area
    • Multiple Corps of Engineers parks and county parks
• Considerations:
  • Can be busy with motorboats on weekends and holidays.
  • Paddlers often seek out quieter coves and launch early in the day.

For overall lake and recreation info:

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Lake Sidney Lanier Project Management Office
  1050 Buford Dam Road
  Buford, GA 30518
  Phone: (770) 945-9531

Lake Allatoona (Northwest of Atlanta)

• General Area: Near Acworth, Cartersville, and Woodstock.
• Vibe: Another major lake with many fingers and coves to explore.
• Why go:
  • Popular for combining camping and kayaking.
  • Several public access points and parks around the shoreline.
• Considerations:
  • Like Lanier, Allatoona can see heavy boat traffic; calmer water is usually found closer to shore and in narrower inlets.

For general information:

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Allatoona Lake Project Management Office
  1138 GA-20 Spur SE
  Cartersville, GA 30121
  Phone: (678) 721-6700

State Parks and Nature Areas With Kayaking Near Atlanta

Sweetwater Creek State Park

• Address:
  1750 Mount Vernon Road
  Lithia Springs, GA 30122
  (Roughly 20–30 minutes west of downtown Atlanta)
• Waterway: Sweetwater Creek and the park’s lake area.
• Vibe: Scenic, wooded, and often less crowded than big lakes.
• Why go:
  • Short, calm paddles combined with hiking and picnicking.
  • Good for beginners or those who want a half-day nature outing close to the city.
• Overseen by: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Parks & Historic Sites
  Main office (for statewide info):
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1352 East Tower
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Phone: (770) 389-7286

Other state parks within 1–2 hours drive of Atlanta, such as Fort Yargo State Park (near Winder) and Hard Labor Creek State Park, also offer flatwater paddling options if you’re willing to go a bit farther.

Small Lakes and City Parks Inside the Metro Area

While many city and county lakes around Atlanta are small, they can be useful for a quick paddle or practice session if private boats are allowed.

Examples include:

• Murphey Candler Lake (Brookhaven)
• Lake Acworth (near downtown Acworth)
• Local reservoirs managed by city/county water authorities (access rules vary)

Because policies can differ widely, it’s important to check local rules. Often, city or county parks departments can confirm whether:

• Kayaks are permitted
• Permits are required
• Electric or gas motors are restricted

Where To Start If You’re New To Kayaking In Atlanta

If you’re just getting into kayaking around Atlanta:

1. Choose calm water first.

   • Lakes like Stone Mountain Lake, or quiet coves on Lanier or Allatoona, are often easier than jumping straight into a river with current.

2. Look for beginner-friendly sections of the Chattahoochee.

   • Short floats between popular access points near Powers Island, Johnson Ferry, and Paces Mill are commonly used by first-timers.

3. Consider going with an experienced friend or group.

   • Local paddling meetups and outdoor organizations often organize group trips around Atlanta waterways.

4. Check access and parking details before you go.

   • Many river access points in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area have parking fees or passes.
   • State parks like Sweetwater Creek and Stone Mountain Park also have their own parking or gate fees.

Practical Tips For Kayaking Around Atlanta

• Season and weather:

  • Spring through early fall is the most popular time.
  • Summer heat can be intense in Atlanta, so paddling early morning or late afternoon is often more comfortable.

• Water temperature:

  • The Chattahoochee can be noticeably colder than the air, even in summer. Having quick-dry clothing and a plan if you get wet is important.

• Safety basics:

  • Use a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD).
  • Let someone know where you’re paddling and when you expect to return.
  • Keep an eye on changing weather, especially thunderstorms in warmer months.

• Regulations:

  • Most Georgia waterways fall under rules managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • General inquiries:
    Georgia DNR – Wildlife Resources Division
    2065 U.S. Highway 278 SE
    Social Circle, GA 30025
    Phone: (770) 918-6400

How To Decide Which Atlanta Kayak Spot Is Right For You

When you’re choosing where to kayak in Atlanta, ask yourself:

• How far do I want to drive?

  • Staying close: Try Chattahoochee River (Powers Island / Paces Mill) or Stone Mountain Lake.
  • Willing to drive farther: Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Sweetwater Creek State Park, or other Georgia state parks.

• Do I want moving water or still water?

  • Chattahoochee River for a gentle current and a “river trip” feel.
  • Lakes (Stone Mountain, Lanier, Allatoona) for calm, flat paddling.

• Am I going with kids or first-timers?

  • Quiet lake coves and small park lakes are usually easiest.
  • Short, well-traveled river sections on the Chattahoochee can also work if conditions are mild.

Once you know your comfort level and how much time you have, you can match yourself to one of these Atlanta-area options and get out on the water with more confidence.