There’s nothing quite as relaxing as getting out in nature and enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and some of the beautiful waterways that surround the Peachtree Corners, Georgia, area. Pack a picnic, grab your fishing pole, kayak, or paddleboard, and explore these five waterways around Peachtree Corners and Norcross.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

“East Palisades” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by atlnature

Visit all or portions of the 48-mile long Chattahoochee River that runs through the 10,000-acre Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This extensive park and waterway offer visitors lots of opportunities to fish, paddle, or hike along the numerous trails scattered throughout the recreation area. The Chattahoochee River is designated as the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail and was the first river named as a water trail within the national system of designated water trails.

If you want a nice easy paddle, check when the recreation area is not releasing water from Buford Dam. You’ll have a flat, peaceful float while occasionally enjoying the thrill of Class I or II rapids. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent equipment from various authorized outfitters or book a tour for a guided float down the Chattahoochee River.

When you plan your Chattahoochee River adventure, whether by kayak, canoe, raft, or small motorboat, please note that the park is only open for boating from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset so plan your exit points, transportation, and lodging opportunities accordingly. You can start your adventure along the Chattahoochee River by visiting Island Ford Park headquarters at 8850 Roberts Rd. in Sandy Springs, about 13 miles west of Peachtree Corners.

Holcomb Bridge Park

Stay close to home while letting everyone in the family try their hand at fishing when you visit Holcomb Bridge Park located at 300 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Peachtree Corners. This lovely 12-acre park offers opportunities to fish along parts of the Chattahoochee River where the kids can try for trout, large and smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. As you stand on either of the two river overlook patios, keep your eyes open for water birds and small animals like deer and muskrat that live along the shore of the river.

Holcomb Bridge Park also has a large playground area where the little ones can burn off energy while having a fun time with their friends or siblings. Take a walk along the wooded nature trail to look for animals that live in the surrounding forest. After a busy day exploring, fishing, and playing, enjoy a picnic at the shaded pavilion areas that have barbecue grills or on the grassy patch where you can watch the little ones look for wildflowers or play with the dog.

Bull Sluice Lake

Just 10 miles west of Peachtree Corners near Sandy Springs and East Cobb, you’ll find Bull Sluice Lake. This lake is a small reservoir created when Morgan Falls Dam was built and is part of the Chattahoochee River. This 673-acre lake is a great place to go fishing or paddling with its calm and peaceful waters.

Fishing is fabulous on Bull Sluice Lake with an abundance of trout, bream, largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish. The lake is perfect for beginner paddlers and is a popular place for rowing. There’s plenty of easy parking at the lake, and you’ll find picnic tables, a fishing pier, boat docks, and restrooms.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

One of the best places to watch the sunset near Peachtree Corners is at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. This is a 30-acre riverside park where the family can swim or fish before sunset. The park features a boat ramp to launch your small motorboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. There are hiking trails where you can take the kids to look for local flora and fauna while stretching their legs.

Little ones can play in the playground, relax on the porch swings, or run around the green open space. The family can enjoy a picnic at the tables, or if you’re at Morgan Falls Overlook Park with a large group, you can reserve the covered picnic pavilion. Be sure to take time to stroll to one of the viewing platforms to see the Morgan Falls Dam, and if the water level is high enough, you can see part of the Chattahoochee River pouring over the spillway. You can find Morgan Falls Overlook Park at Morgan Falls Rd. in Sandy Springs.

Lake Lanier

For a fun day for the whole family, take a trip to Lake Lanier located about 30 miles east of Peachtree Corner. Lake Lanier is a reservoir created by the Buford Dam and is fed by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. Lake Lanier is a large lake that covers over 38,000 acres with 59 square miles of water and about 692 miles of shoreline.

The lake is quite popular with boaters and jetskiers as well as those who enjoy quiet paddling in a kayak or canoe. You’ll find several marinas, boat ramps, boat docks, and fishing piers at the lake. Millions of people visit Lake Lanier throughout the year because of its numerous recreational opportunities such as house boating or spending the day at Lake Lanier Islands Water Park.

Be sure to bring fishing poles for everyone so they can catch spotted bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. Other popular fish species include walleye, red-ear sunfish, and bluegill. A fun way to explore Lake Lanier is by renting a pontoon boat that friends and family can ride comfortably in. The large boats can accommodate up to 15 people which is perfect for multi-families. Taking the family and kids out on the water or near the water is a great way to bond with them and teach them the beauty of nature. Our team at Creme de la Creme of Peachtree Corners hopes you enjoy our list of recommended waterways in our area. Which one is your favorite? Is there a hidden gem of a waterway that we may have missed? If so, we would love to know about it and add it to our list.