2008 Official Georgia Travel Guide

Brunswick-Golden isles cVB Fun on the water Activities on and near the water abound across the state by AndreA FreygAng brunswick Landing Marina M any people who visit the Peach State at some point immerse themselves in one of the many bodies of water scattered throughout Georgia. From the Atlantic Ocean to a myriad of lakes and the more than 14 rivers flowing through Georgia, opportunities for recreation on and off the water are endless. No matter which part of the state you travel to, the chance to go fishing, boating, tubing, rafting or swimming is available. About a half-hour drive north from Atlanta, Lake Lanier is a prime spot for all types of recreation. This 38,000acre lake is especially great if you have time to spend at least a few days on the water. Lanier has plenty of lodging options, including villas overlooking the lake, upscale resorts, houseboat rentals and camping. Hidden within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nearby activities include horseback rid- ing, golfing and a water park on Lake Lanier Islands. Mall of Georgia, one of the largest malls in the Southeast, is in Buford, south of the lake. Close by is Gainesville, a medium-sized city with plenty of unique shops, eateries, art galleries, theaters and more. To expand your water- and natureinspired activities, head west toward Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, a favorite spot for those who visit Georgia. With a 729-foot waterfall, trout fishing, hiking and plenty of dog-friendly lodging and day-trip options, the park offers a wide variety of activities—even a ropes course for the more adventurous. Like Lanier, another great water spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains is 450-foot deep Carters Lake. One of two feeder lakes for the Coosa River Basin, the lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Carters Lake is mostly undeveloped with plenty of walleye, bass, crappie, catfish and blue- gill; but keep in mind that boat access is limited to small jon boats. While you’re there, tour an apple orchard in Ellijay, which is famous for apples, mountains and historic sites. Another lake option near Ellijay is Lake Blue Ridge, known for its spectacular mountain view and the numerous waterfalls nearby. Starting just north of Ellijay, the Coosawattee River is perfect for some quick-paced rafting and canoeing. The river dams at Carters Lake and starts again after Carters, flowing to Calhoun where it turns into the Oostanaula River. The Oostanaula flows through Rome before merging with the Etowah River to form the Coosa River. The Oostanaula has five drop-in boat ramps and the Etowah has two in the Rome area. Both of these are placid rivers that make for a pleasant canoe ride, even for the toddler-set. For a faster-paced ride down the water, take a trip down the Chattooga GEORGIA.ORG • 1-800-VISIT GA 14 Official Georgia Travel Guide http://www.georgia.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of 2008 Official Georgia Travel Guide

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.