Buford Dam Park, located on the shores of Lake Lanier in Buford, Georgia, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty. Situated just north of Buford Dam, this park offers a wide range of amenities and activities that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. From fishing and boating to hiking and picnicking, Buford Dam Park provides an ideal setting for enjoying the scenic landscapes of Georgia. Below is a detailed description of the park’s amenities, fees, fishing opportunities, and river-related information.

Amenities at Buford Dam Park

Buford Dam Park is well-equipped to accommodate visitors with diverse interests. The park features:

  • Fishing Pier: A well-maintained fishing pier that offers excellent access to Lake Lanier’s abundant fish species. The pier is handicap accessible and includes benches and shaded areas for comfort.
  • Boat Ramp: Conveniently located for launching motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. The boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Lanier’s expansive waters.
  • Picnic Areas: Multiple picnic tables and shelters are available throughout the park. Shelters can be reserved online through Recreation.gov for group gatherings such as family reunions or birthday parties.
  • Trails: The Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail runs through Buford Dam Park, offering a 3.8-mile loop with stunning views of the lake, woodland scenery, and Chattahoochee River. This trail is popular among hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Swim Beach: A designated swim beach allows visitors to enjoy Lake Lanier’s crystal-clear waters during warmer months.
  • Playground: A playground area is available for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located throughout the park for convenience.
  • Parking: Ample parking spaces are available near key amenities such as the fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic areas.

Fees

Buford Dam Park charges a modest entry fee of $4 per vehicle, granting access to all day-use amenities such as the fishing pier, picnic areas, trails, and swim beach. Shelter rentals for group events require advance reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling the reservation hotline. It’s important to note that day-use fees are not included in shelter reservations.

Fishing Information

Fishing at Buford Dam Park is one of its most popular activities due to the excellent conditions provided by Lake Lanier and the tailwaters below Buford Dam:

  • Species: Anglers can expect to catch trout (rainbow and brown), bass (spotted and largemouth), crappie, catfish, and panfish. The tailwaters below Buford Dam are particularly renowned for trout fishing due to the cold water released from the dam.
  • Fishing Pier: The pier offers an ideal location for casting lines into deeper waters. It is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset.
  • Tailwater Fishing: Below Buford Dam, the Chattahoochee River provides exceptional trout fishing opportunities. Anglers aged 16 or older are required to have a valid Georgia fishing license and trout stamp.
  • Safety Precautions: Anyone wading in the tailwaters between Buford Dam and Highway 20 Bridge must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times due to swift currents and cold water temperatures.

River Information

The Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam offers unique recreational opportunities:

  • Tailwater Characteristics: The cold water released from Buford Dam creates ideal conditions for trout populations year-round. This section of the river is also popular among kayakers and canoeists seeking calm stretches interspersed with mild rapids.
  • Flow Management: Visitors should check dam release schedules before engaging in activities like fishing or paddling downstream. Sudden changes in water flow can create hazardous conditions.
  • Wildlife Observation: The river corridor supports diverse wildlife such as deer, foxes, bald eagles, and rare wildflowers along its banks.

Interested in kayaking or floating the Chattahoochee River from the Buford Dam to McGinnis Ferry Boat Ramp? Watch this information packed video;

Additional Notes

Buford Dam Park operates year-round with peak visitation during spring and summer months when weather conditions are ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, and picnicking. Alcohol, pets (except service animals), fireworks, amplified music systems, and directional signs along park roadways are prohibited within the park boundaries. Visitors planning group events should arrive early as parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Buford Dam Park combines natural beauty with modern amenities to create an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you’re casting your line at the fishing pier, hiking scenic trails along the Chattahoochee River, or enjoying a picnic by Lake Lanier’s shores, this park has something for everyone.