7 Best Places to Paddle Board in Georgia (GA)

Welcome to Georgia: the Peach State with captivating waterways.

Dreaming of paddling through serene lakes or exploring vibrant river ecosystems?

The best places to paddle board in Georgia are calling your name.

Jump on board, and let’s discover Georgia’s enchanting waters together. Adventure awaits!

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Georgia

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Lanier

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Buford Dam Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, freshwater lake, occasional afternoon wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, birds of prey
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Buford Dam, shoreline parks, wooded islands
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations

Lake Lanier, located just northeast of Atlanta, is a vast reservoir spanning over 38,000 acres. With abundant shoreline parks and hidden coves, this freshwater paradise is a favorite spot for paddle boarders from beginners to advanced.

Explore the numerous marinas, wooded islands, and parks that dot the shoreline while taking in the beautiful scenery on your paddleboard.

#2 Chattahoochee River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Johnson Ferry in Sandy Springs (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, occasional calm wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, river otters, turtles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Riverside parks, surrounding forests
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe local river regulations, be cautious of rocks

The Chattahoochee River, flowing through the metro Atlanta area, offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience within city limits. The tree-lined banks provide shade and serenity, making it perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Drift along the calm currents while observing the abundant wildlife that call the riverbanks home.

#3 Tybee Island

• 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
• 📍 Access Point: North Beach Access (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean tides, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea birds, dolphins, sea turtles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Tybee Island Lighthouse, nearby sand dunes
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for ocean swells and riptides, follow beach rules

Tybee Island, located just off the coast of Savannah, provides adventurous paddle boarders with a chance to explore the beautiful Atlantic coastline. The island is known for its scenic sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant wildlife.

Take advantage of the moderate waves for a more thrilling paddleboarding experience, or simply enjoy the warm sun on your back as you view the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse.

#4 Clark’s Hill Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: West Dam Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm freshwater lake, light winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, bald eagles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sprawling shoreline, parks, secluded coves
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, follow lake regulations

Clark’s Hill Lake, also known as J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, is Georgia’s largest body of water, straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border. Its expansive 71,000 acres and 1,200 miles of shoreline offer numerous opportunities to find the perfect paddleboarding spot.

Meander along the sprawling shoreline, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the stunning scenery while sharing the waters with local wildlife.

#5 Allatoona Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Galts Ferry Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm freshwater lake, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, catfish, various birds
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Shoreline parks, tree-covered islands, Red Top Mountain State Park
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations

Allatoona Lake, located northwest of Atlanta in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a popular destination for paddle boarders seeking a peaceful retreat. The 12,000-acre lake offers dozens of parks and islands to explore and is accessible from several marinas and ramps.

Take in the majestic views and enjoy some quality time with nature on Allatoona Lake’s serene waters.

#6 Savannah River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Oliver’s Park Access Point (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild current, gentle breeze
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, turtles, alligators
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Riverfront park, historic Savannah backdrop
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of currents, watch for boat traffic

The Savannah River meanders along the city of Savannah, offering a historic paddleboarding experience. Glide past the picturesque riverfront park and take in the unique architecture that makes Savannah a Southern gem.

Wildlife encounters are plentiful along the riverbanks, making the Savannah River perfect for nature lovers or those looking to experience the city from a different perspective.

#7 Augusta Canal

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Eisenhower Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, calm wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, herons, egrets
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic mills, Augusta skyline, scenic bridges
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow canal regulations

The Augusta Canal, which runs through the city of Augusta, is a historic waterway perfect for leisurely paddleboarding. Paddle past remnants of the industrial past, picturesque bridges, and the scenic Augusta skyline.

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as herons and turtles as you enjoy the calm, gentle currents of the canal.

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