Best Places to Kayak Near Atlanta, GA

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

30 nearby14 Lakes12 Rivers4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Georgia

Top Picks Near Atlanta

Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss1

Paces Mill

Just 11 miles from Atlanta — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Powers Island

A top-rated river launch on Chattahoochee River

RiverBeginner13 mi away
woman in black and red dress sitting on black boat on sea during daytime3

Acworth Beach

Standout kayak fishing on Etowah River - Lake Acworth

LakeBeginner30 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Paces Mill

Georgia · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a small boat on a lake

Stone Mountain Lake

Georgia · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a small boat on a lake

Paces Mill

Georgia · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Powers Island

Georgia · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Johnson Ferry

Georgia · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Morgan Falls Park

Georgia · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Garrard Landing Park

Georgia · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and a blue sky

Island Ford

Georgia · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Bull Sluice Lake

Georgia · 17.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a small boat on a lake

Jones Bridge

Georgia · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Campellton Road (SR166/154)

Georgia · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a house on a lake surrounded by trees

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Georgia · 18.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Blalock Reservoir

Georgia · 18.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Shamrock Reservoir

Georgia · 18.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people riding on yellow kayak

Abbots Bridge

Georgia · 20.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Black Shoals Park

Georgia · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and dirt

J. W. Smith Reservoir

Georgia · 23.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A boat floating on top of a river next to a lush green hillside

McGinnis Ferry

Georgia · 24.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Tribble Mill Park

Georgia · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a small boat on a lake

Lake Kedron

Georgia · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Lake Horton Park

Georgia · 29.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in black and red dress sitting on black boat on sea during daytime

Acworth Beach

Georgia · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Lake Varner

Georgia · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and mountains

Payne Public Use Area

Georgia · 30.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Lower Pool Park

Georgia · 31.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Lanier Park

Georgia · 31.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a small boat on a lake

East Bank Park

Georgia · 31.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Tanyard Creek

Georgia · 31.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Clark Creek

Georgia · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Harbor Town Marina

Georgia · 32.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Atlanta.

Decatur, GA2 miAvondale Estates, GA4 miScottdale, GA5 miClarkston, GA6 miPine Lake, GA7 miConley, GA7 miStone Mountain, GA7 miForest Park, GA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Atlanta include Paces Mill, Powers Island, Acworth Beach. 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 Atlanta?

Near Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

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