Recreation guide

The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Camping enthusiasts may enjoy the luxuries of fully developed areas with water and electrical hookups or “rough it” at designated primitive areas. Most campgrounds have park attendants on duty to assist our visitors. Camping in undesignated areas such as on the lake’s shoreline and islands is prohibited.

Campsites w/ Hookups Campsites w/o Hookups Showers Dump Station Laundry Restrooms Picnic Tables Picnic Shelter Boat Ramp Swim Area User Fee No Pets

13 VAN PUGH SOUTH X XX X XXX X X X 17 OLD FEDERAL X XX X XXXXX XX X Temporarily closed for repairs 45 DUCKETT MILL X XX X XXX X XX X 50 BOLDING MILL X XX X XXXX X XX X 53 TOTO CREEK X XX X XX X 77 BALD RIDGE X XX X XXX X XX X 81 SAWNEE X XX X XXX X XX X

1 LOWER POOL EAST X X 2 LOWER OVERLOOK XX X 3 UPPER OVERLOOK 4 BUFORD DAM PARK XXX XX X 12 BURTON MILL XX X XX X 15 VAN PUGH NORTH XXX XXX X 18 OLD FEDERAL DAY USE X XXX X 19 BALUS CREEK X X X 20 MOUNTAIN VIEW X 30 BELTON BRIDGE 31 LULA X 36 LITTLE RIVER XX X 38 WAHOO CREEK X 39 THOMPSON BRIDGE X X X 41 SARDIS CREEK XX X 42 SIMPSON X X 43 ROBINSON X 45 DUCKETT MILL X 46 LITTLE HALL XXX XXX 50 BOLDING MILL X 53 TOTO CREEK XX XX 54 NIX BRIDGE XX X 55 THOMPSON CREEK X XX 59 KEITH’S BRIDGE XX XXX 60 LONG HOLLOW XX XXX 64 VANN’S TAVERN X X X 67 TWO MILE XX X 70 SIX MILE X X 76 TIDWELL X X X 80 LITTLE RIDGE X 82 WEST BANK XXX XX X 83 WEST BANK O’LOOK X 84 LOWER POOL WEST XX X XX 93 EAST BANK XX X XX 94 LANIER PARK XXX XXX X

99

Exit 17

The Corps operates 35 day use parks at Lake Lanier. Facilities range from parks with boat ramps to those with designated swimming areas, picnic tables, shelters and playgrounds. All day use parks close daily at 10 p.m. Boat launching is allowed at all hours unless otherwise posted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks.

Picnic shelters are available at several Corps’ parks around the lake. They can be reserved for a fee. Call the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-9459531.

Day use fees are charged at some park areas which have boat ramps or beach areas. Fees (per day): Boat launching $5 Vehicles $5 Commercial vehicle $20 Pedestrian/bicycle $2 Annual pass $40

Guidelines are not intended as restraints to the enjoyment of park visitors, but as aids for orderly operation, visitor safety and for the protection of the environment and public property. Complete rules and regulations are posted at the entrances to all campgrounds and copies are available at entry stations. To view annual opening and closing dates and rates for campgrounds and picnic shelters, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civ il-Works/Recreation/Lake-SidneyLanier/Schedules.

7 SHOAL CREEK 770-945-8787 11 BIG CREEK 770-945-8787 14 CHESTNUT RIDGE 770-945-8787 33 CLARK’S BRIDGE 770-535-8280 79 MARY ALICE PARK 770-781-2010 86 FLOWERY BRANCH PARK770-967-6371 52 LUMPKIN COUNTY PARK 706-864-3622 56 WAR HILL 706-344-3600 71 CHARLESTON 770-781-2215 74 SHADY GROVE 770-205-6850 75 YOUNG DEER 770-781-2215 87 LANIER POINT 770-535-8280 88 LONGWOOD PARK 770-531-2680 89 HOLLY PARK 770-531-2680 90 LAUREL PARK 770-535-8280 91 RIVER FORKS 770-531-3952 96 LAKE LANIER ISLANDS 770-945-8787 99 DON CARTER STATE PARK 404-656-3530

MORE INFO: Water release schedules - 770 945-1466 Lake information - 770 945-1467 Corps of Engineers - 770 945-9531 www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier

PHOTOS BY PAMELA A. KEENE Some of the 66 contestants hit the water early Saturday morning. By Pamela A. Keene

Sixty-six teams of high school anglers gathered at Laurel Park the second Saturday in May for the first-ever Statewide Georgia High School Association Bass Fishing Championship.

Teams converged from across the state, bringing boats, coaches, parents and friends to watch the event.

The winning team was Davis Madden, Fisher Faulkner. Their winning catch was five spotted bass totaling 20 pounds, 3 ounces. They represented Evans High School in Augusta.

Teams from across the US will converge on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC, for the 12th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship. It takes place June 30-July 3.

For more information about the Student Anglers Federation and High School Bass Fishing, visit highschool fishing.org.

You probably don’t need a reason to go fishing and boating … but just in case you need one how about this: National Fishing and Boating Week begins June 5.

“Boating and fishing are great activities that you can enjoy with your family and friends and that provide many benefits,” said Scott Robinson, Chief of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division’s Fisheries Management Section. “Benefits include connecting with family members, providing an opportunity for stress relief, and actively supporting conservation efforts with the purchase of a fishing license, equipment and boating fuel.”

National Fishing and Boating Week began in 1979 and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

Two free fishing days!

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers two fishing days, Saturday, June 5 and Saturday, June 12. On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license, trout license or Lands Pass (WMAs/PFAs) to fish. Where to celebrate

There are so many great places to fish in Georgia, from trout streams in North Georgia, to large reservoirs, to lazy rivers in the south part of the state. You can always start at one of the 11 Public Fishing Areas (www.georgiawildlife.com) or at one of many Georgia State Parks (www.gastateparks.org/) that offer fishing opportunities for family and friends.

According to the National Fishing and Boating Week website, one of the main reasons people don’t go fishing or boating is because no one has invited them. Make it a mission during National Fishing and Boating Week, or the next time you go fishing, to take someone new: a child, a relative or a friend.

For more information on National Fishing and Boating Week and all it has to offer, including free fishing days, nearest kids fishing event or places to fish, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/nfbw.

One of the teams from Columbus High School Blue Devils watches as their catch is measured to ensure fish meet the 14-inch minimum length.

(L-R) Davis Madden, Fisher Faulkner, and coach William Hopkins, pose with their catch of five spotted bass.

The Go Fish Education Center is hosting four Fishing Day Camps this June and July. Limited space is available and preregistration is required.

Camps are designed for youth, age 7-15, who would like to get outside and learn the basics of fishing. Participating kids will learn how to fish, receive safety tips, casting instructions and how to clean your catch. They will also learn about fish biology, habitats and conservation – all through guided instruction, tours and educational activities. • Session 1: June 15-17; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily • Session 2: June 22-24; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily • Session 3: July 6-8; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily • Session 4: (This camp session is currently full), July 13-15; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily

Cost for the camp is $100 (due on the first day of each session), which includes admission to the Go Fish Education Center, educational instruction, use of equipment and bait.

Campers will need to bring their own lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Register for camp by e-mailing marion.baker@dnr.ga.gov.

COVID-19 Safety at Camp: The Go Fish Education Center is following state and federal recommendations regarding COVID-19.

How about a whole family trip to the Go Fish Education Center? From June 1 through August 29, the center will be open Wednesday through Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 p.m.). What is there to see and do? Visit aquariums that hold more than 180,000 gallons of water and are loaded with Georgia freshwater

Fishing can be enjoyed by the whole family.

PHOTO: GOFISHEDUCATIONCENTER.COM

fish and wildlife, including alligators. Try out the fishing and shooting simulators. See a working fish hatchery from our huge gallery window. All that fish-gazing will surely get you ready to try out the casting pond (bait and tackle provided). Before you leave, be sure to browse through our gift shop. Planning a group trip? Contact the center in advance at info@gofisheducationcenter.com or call 478-988-7186.

For more info on the Go Fish Education Center, visit www.gofisheducationcenter.com or call 478-988-7187.

By Jane Harrison

Independence Day celebrations are back this summer around Lake Lanier and in headwater communities.

From patriotic concerts to footraces, livestock exhibits to fireworks, the July 3 and 4 festivities offer a variety of fun times. Note:

Many celebrations are set for Saturday, July 3.

o Tribute to America Concert, Braselton. North Georgia Winds performs patriotic tunes, 7 p.m. July 3, Town Green, Davis St. www.braselton.net.

o Laurel Park Celebration, Gainesville. All day celebration July 3 presented by Paul E. Bolding Post 7 American Legion;

Firewords at Margaritaville/Lanier Islands.

PHOTO: LANIERISLANDS.COM

gates open 9 a.m. with food vendors, kids’ activities, music, splash pad, and more, fireworks at dark visible from numerous points around north end of Lake Lanier, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $10 per car.

o University Yacht Club, Flowery Branch. Festivities for members only, fireworks display at dusk July 3 visible by boat, Burton Mill Park, and nearby coves. 6700 Yacht Club Rd. www.universityyachtclub.org, 770-967-2814.

o Family Day Celebration, Dahlonega. Family fun with patriotic parade and car show July 3, other activities on the Historic Square and Hancock Park July 4. www.dahlonega.org, 706-8643711. o Independence Day Festivities, Cumming. 8 a.m. 5K/10K road race, followed by 10 a.m. steam engine parade from Forsyth Central High School to Cumming Fairgrounds for celebration including children’s activities, food, vendors, live music, adult beverages, and more 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3; fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 3, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. $5 ages 13 and older, free to younger than 13. www.cummingfair.net.

o Farm Animal Fun Day/Emory Jones Book Signing, Sautee Nacoochee. Historic farm celebrates its heritage in a journey to “bring the farm back to life” with livestock exhibits and demonstrations, plus meetings with local author whose books explore Native American heritage of historic farm and Indian mound, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 3, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17. $6, free to children 5 and younger. www.gastateparks. org, 706-878-1077. o Old Fashioned Celebration at one of nation’s oldest state parks, Blairsville. 9 a.m. flag raising ceremony, followed by bicycle parade, pedal boat races, and other activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-7452628. o Great American 5K, Dacula. 5K footrace with patriotic music, all-American t-shirts, and snacks, 7:30 a.m. July 4, Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Rd. $27. www.active.com. o Annual Fireworks at Dusk, Helen. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, view fireworks from Alpine Village Shoppes, arrive by 9 p.m. July 4, 8016 S. Main St. 706 878-2181, www.helenga.org. o Margaritaville/Lanier Islands, Buford. www.lanierislands.com, 770-945-8787. o Mall of Georgia Star Spangled 4th, Buford. www.mallofgeorgia.com, 678 482-8788.