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Canoeing & Kayaking
Stone Mountain east of Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Copyright 2001 Alfonso Vazquez-Cuervo - See Terms of Use

Our Route Summary

  • Submitted by: Al Vazquez
  • Date Submitted: 7/2001
  • Location: 16 miles east of Atlanta on highway 78
  • Class: Typically flat water lake
  • Distance Paddled: Lake is about 3 miles long
  • Water Level: typically not affected too much by low water drought conditions elsewhere
  • Water: fresh
  • Wildlife: a variety of fish such as bass, brim, and catfish
  • Special Regulations: No Firearms, no boat motors over 10 hp, no alcohol in streets, parking lots, or any posted area. No pets other than dogs and cats, and these must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Entry and Exit

  • Directions: From Downtown Atlanta, take I-20 East to I-285 North. Once on I-285 North, take Exit 39B for U.S. Hwy 78 East to Snellville/Athens. Travel 7.7 miles and exit at the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. Follow the exit ramp to the East Gate entrance. Once through the gate, take a left onto Stonewall Jackson. After a couple of miles, it will curve to the right over the small dam that forms the lake. The put in and parking are on the right hand side at the far end of the dam. For more park information call 800-317-2006.
  • Fee: $7 per vehicle daily parking pass. If you'd like to do other attractions, ask about other admission packages at the gate.
  • Description: concrete ramp with adjacent beach areas
  • Parking: adjacent paved
  • Facilities: restroom, picnic tables, swimming area, fishing pier, boat rentals, camping, golf, tennis, and other tourist attractions
  • Handicap Access: paved launch ramp

What We Saw

3 mile long Stone Mountain Lake is a convenient recreation spot for paddlers in the Atlanta area. Though it's mostly known and billed as a tourist attraction, the lake is a nice canoeing and kayaking, and fishing venue.

Emory University's crew team rows on the lake. Whitewater paddlers learn to roll and paddle here. And flatwater paddlers find it a relaxing paddle as well.
The lake is surrounded by tree lined banks with a number of coves and fishing spots. The banks along the shore opposite the put in enter the water steeply, but there are other areas where it's easier to exit your boat. There is even an old grist mill you can visit.