Best lakes in Fulton County, Georgia, offer diverse natural features and recreational opportunities within the greater Atlanta area. The county encompasses various bodies of water, from urban parks to natural preserves. These lakes provide settings for activities such as walking, nature observation, and fishing. Many are easily accessible, contributing to the region's outdoor appeal.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
They completed the construction extrance to Piedmont Park by 12th st and monroe
0
0
Lake Cara Meer is an 11.5-acre lake at the heart of Piedmont Park. At one point in time, it was a popular swimming and diving spot. Now, swimming in the lake is not permitted but a pool has been built on the lake so folks can still enjoy a dip in the area on a hot day.
0
0
Lake Cara Meer is an 11.5-acre lake at the heart of Piedmont Park. At one point in time, it was a popular swimming and diving spot. Now, swimming in the lake is not permitted but a pool has been built on the lake so folks can still enjoy a dip in the area on a hot day.
1
0
Piedmont Park, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historic and expansive, 200-acre urban park. The park's origins trace back to 1887 when it was originally developed as a fairground for the Piedmont Exposition. In 1904, the City of Atlanta purchased the park and subsequently commissioned the Olmsted Brothers, sons of the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, to redesign it. Their vision included sweeping meadows, curvilinear paths, and scenic vistas, elements that still define the park today. Currently, Piedmont Park offers a wide array of recreational opportunities; it features multiple sports fields and courts, including soccer fields, softball fields, and tennis courts, making it a hub for athletic activities. The Active Oval is a popular area within the park for running and walking. The park also boasts beautiful natural areas, such as Lake Clara Meer and its surrounding walking paths, perfect. The Piedmont Park Aquatic Center provides swimming facilities, while the Green Market, held on Saturdays, offers local produce and artisan goods. Additionally, the park hosts numerous annual events and festivals. For families, Piedmont Park provides playgrounds and the Noguchi Playscape, an interactive play area designed by artist Isamu Noguchi. The park's dog parks are popular among pet owners, offering spacious off-leash areas for dogs to play.
0
0
The views out over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake as you go over the bridge along Russell Road here are super nice. Both lakes are quite substantial, and nearby is gorgeous Mountain Park. The ride up or down the forested road of the park is also sublime.
1
0
The views out over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake as you go over the bridge along Russell Road here are super nice. Both lakes are quite substantial, and nearby is gorgeous Mountain Park. The ride up or down the forested road of the park is also sublime.
0
0
The Chattahoochee Nature Center sits in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and is connected by many miles of hiking and biking trails. In the nature center area, you can find many butterflies, forest trails, four different ponds, and ruins of an old property. It is open from Monday to Friday, and it is a perfect place to go with the family.
0
0
Within Fulton County, Piedmont Park, featuring Lake Clara Meer, is a prominent urban destination known for its green spaces and city skyline views. The Chattahoochee Nature Center, with its Frog Pond, offers a more intimate nature experience. Additionally, the scenic views from Russell Road Bridge over Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake are popular.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For hiking, there are easy trails like the East Palisades Trail loop near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, or the Piedmont Park loop. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the Piedmont Park loop for road biking. Fishing is available at lakes like Bull Sluice Lake and Fulton Lake, while nearby Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona offer extensive water sports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Piedmont Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green spaces, with the Noguchi Playscape for interactive play. The Chattahoochee Nature Center provides educational opportunities and easy trails for observing wildlife around the Frog Pond.
Swimming is generally not permitted directly in many of Fulton County's urban lakes, such as Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park. However, Piedmont Park does have an aquatic center with a pool for swimming. For more extensive water activities including swimming, nearby Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona offer numerous opportunities.
Yes, Fulton County offers several lakes known for fishing. Bull Sluice Lake is a notable spot, with reported species including Bass, Bream, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. Fulton Lake, a 12-acre body of water, also provides fishing opportunities. Additionally, nearby Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier are popular for various species like striped bass, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish.
Fulton County's lakes offer diverse natural settings. At Piedmont Park, you'll find expansive green spaces, mature trees, and the serene Lake Clara Meer. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is excellent for wildlife observation, particularly around the Frog Pond where you can spot frogs and insects. Areas around Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake are surrounded by forested landscapes, offering scenic views.
Yes, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is noted for having wheelchair-accessible facilities and trails, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy nature around its ponds.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and cycling. Summer is ideal for water sports on larger nearby lakes like Lanier and Allatoona, or for using the aquatic facilities at Piedmont Park. Sunset views, particularly from View of Midtown Skyline from Piedmont Park Lake, are stunning at any time of year.
Yes, Piedmont Park is very dog-friendly, featuring spacious off-leash dog parks where pets can play. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations for other lake areas regarding leashes and access.
For breathtaking city views reflecting on water, the View of Midtown Skyline from Piedmont Park Lake is highly recommended, especially at sunset. The Russell Road Bridge also offers super nice views over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake, surrounded by gorgeous Mountain Park.
While smaller lakes within Fulton County may have limited public access for personal watercraft, nearby Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona are excellent choices for beginner kayaking and paddleboarding. These larger reservoirs offer ample space and often have rental facilities available for equipment.
Beyond the more prominent spots, Fulton County is home to several other lakes. Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake, visible from Russell Road Bridge, offer serene, forested surroundings. Sanford Lake and Lake Windwood are also located within the county, contributing to the natural landscape and providing quieter spots for appreciation.


Find the best lakes in Fulton County per region:
Still not found your perfect lake in Fulton County? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.