Fort Yargo State Park

Ever wanted a lake day just outside Atlanta without the drive to the coast? That's Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, GA, home to a 260-acre lake with a big swimming beach right between Atlanta and Athens, Georgia. Grab a single or tandem kayak from our self-serve kiosk at Fort Yargo in Winder, GA, and launch onto open water in minutes. Paddle past the beach for a view most visitors never see. Hikers and mountain bikers get the 20 miles of trails circling the shoreline, you get the water. Bring a rod if you're chasing bass or crappie, since this lake is a solid spot for kayak fishing, or leave the gear behind and just drift for a while. Fort Yargo packs a lot into one park, but the water is the one part most people never bother to explore. Skip the crowds on the trail, grab a kayak, and see the lake the way it's meant to be seen. Our self-serve kiosk means there's no staff, no waiting, and no plan required, just show up, grab a single or tandem kayak, and go.