Best Places to Kayak Near Athens, GA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Athens, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby21 Lakes4 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Georgia
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Chapman

Georgia · 4.1 mi

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a lake surrounded by trees

Bear Creek Reservoir

Georgia · 9.3 mi

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people riding on yellow kayak

Redlands (SR15)

Georgia · 18.1 mi

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landscape photo of river surrounded by trees

Fort Yargo State Park East

Georgia · 20.7 mi

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a stream running through a lush green forest

Fort Yargo State Park West

Georgia · 21.6 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Commerce Reservoir 51

Georgia · 21.9 mi

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a person in a small boat on a lake

Dyar Pasture

Georgia · 23.2 mi

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a large body of water sitting next to a lush green field

Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir

Georgia · 25.2 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Hard Labor Creek State Park

Georgia · 26.1 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and mountains

Redlands Wildlife Management Area - Redlands Recreation Area

Georgia · 28.7 mi

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a person in a small boat on a lake

Swords Recreation Area

Georgia · 29.6 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Blue Springs Marina

Georgia · 30.4 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Tribble Mill Park

Georgia · 31.7 mi

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a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Parks Ferry

Georgia · 31.9 mi

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a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Lake Varner

Georgia · 33.4 mi

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A river running through a lush green forest

Broad River (SR17)

Georgia · 33.9 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Sugar Creek Marina

Georgia · 34.8 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and mountains

Sugar Creek

Georgia · 35.0 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Beaverdam Creek Lake

Georgia · 35.3 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and mountains

Don Carter State Park #2

Georgia · 35.4 mi

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a person in a small boat on a lake

Clarks Bridge Park

Georgia · 35.8 mi

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a body of water with trees in the background

Middleton

Georgia · 35.8 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Don Carter State Park #1

Georgia · 35.8 mi

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a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Hideaway Bay Marina

Georgia · 35.9 mi

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brown wooden house on lake during daytime

Cleveland Access

Georgia · 36.1 mi

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a body of water surrounded by a forest

Lula Bridge Wildlife Management Area South

Georgia · 36.1 mi

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a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Coldwater Creek

Georgia · 36.1 mi

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a body of water surrounded by a forest

Lanier Point Park

Georgia · 36.5 mi

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a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Russell

Georgia · 36.6 mi

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people riding on yellow kayak

Lula Bridge Wildlife Management Area North

Georgia · 36.7 mi

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Athens, GA?

Top picks near Athens include Cleveland Access, Lula Bridge Wildlife Management Area South, Hard Labor Creek State Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Athens?

Near Athens you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Athens?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Athens are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.