Don Carter State Park in Hall County is one of the newest state parks in Georgia. It also is the only state park on Lake Lanier, a 38,000-acre reservoir created by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers.
Photo: Georgia.gov
The park was named in honor of real estate executive Don Carter who served on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board for 29 years and worked to establish Lake Lanier’s first park, according to www.gastateparks.org.
The park boasts a lake park with swimming, boating, hiking paths; along with cabin rentals and campsites. There are 44 campsites, eight cottages, four picnic shelters and 12 primitive campsites for you to enjoy.
The beach on the shore of Lake Lanier is a perfect spot to swim or do a little sunbathing and boaters also have access to the day use area. There also are ramps for boaters to access the lake and a hiking and biking trail that is 1.5 miles paved.
Check the website for upcoming events at Don Carter State Park like New Moon Kayaking, Back Porch Pickin’ in the Breezeway, Full Moon Paddling Tours; and much more throughout the end of summer and fall.
Photo: georgia.gov
One of the largest events coming up is the Chattahoochee mountain music festival that will kick off at noon of Sept. 12. The festival will be an afternoon in the park with old time music, arts and crafts and food vendors. This will be the second year for the event and parking is $5.
Don Carter State Park is located at 5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Ga. 30506. Visit www.gastateparks.org for more information on pricing and hours. 678-450-7726.
