Don Carter State Park is the newest state park in Georgia, named in honor of Georgia Department of Natural Resources board member Don Carter, an influential figure in the establishment of Lake Lanier. The lovely Gainesville-area park, which is anchored around the 38,000-acre manmade reservoir, is a popular spot for summer recreation for metropolitan-area Atlanta residents, offering a large seasonal swimming beach with public bathhouse facilities. Boat ramps are offered for visitors to access the lake's waters and the waters of the nearby Chattahoochee River for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Hikers and bikers can explore 12.5 miles of multi-use nature trails throughout the park's hardwood forest areas, which are also open to equestrian riders. Other amenities include an overnight tent and RV campground, rental cabins, a children's playground, a fish cleaning station, and outdoor fitness equipment.

Address: 5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506, Phone: 678-450-7726

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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