Lake Sidney Lanier
13 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier.

Outdoors
Trails and recreation areas near Alpharetta open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
13 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier.
20 mi southwest · National Park Service
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864.
Map of 10 places loads as you scroll.
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864.
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama.
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga - a gateway to the Confederacy. The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September.
Fishing is probably the most popular activity on West Point Lake. A dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake provide plenty of good fishing spots for the thousands of anglers who fish here regularly.
"Ole Dan Tucker was a grand ole man; He washed his face in a fryin' pan; Combed his hair with a wagon wheel; Died with a tooth ache in his heel!" During the 1700's, this famous folk song was sung by slaves in praise of the Reverend Dan…
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Thurmond Lake is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Alpharetta. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity video shared by Connected Alpharetta.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Around Atlanta with Joel Boss.
Watch on YouTube ↗


Lake Sidney Lanier (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 13 miles northeast of Alpharetta as the crow flies. Next are Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (20 mi) and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (26 mi).
Based on Alpharetta’s average highs, September–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.