Having trouble finding a beach in Georgia that allows dogs? Although most beaches in Georgia don’t allow dogs, the ones that do are definitely worth visiting on your next trip. After all, man’s best friend deserves a day of adventuring too. Here’s Tripping.com’s top six dog-friendly beaches and lakes to visit in Georgia:
Dog Friendly Beaches and Lakes in Georgia
1. Jekyll Island Beach
Located on Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island Beach has plenty of space for you and your dog to explore. Local law states that 65% of the island must remain undeveloped, which means that the beach is relatively empty. Parking is only $5 per vehicle per day on the island.
Visit Jekyll Island Beach!
2. Saint Simons Island
The beach on Saint Simons Island, Georgia is a great place to bring your dog for a morning jog or to watch the sunset. Dogs can be unleashed as long as you are near them and keep them under control. Leashes cannot be longer than 10 feet. Dogs are
not allowed on the beach from 9 am – 6 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Visit Saint Simons Island Beach!
3. Lake Winfield Scott
Take your dog for a swim at Lake Winfield Scott in Blairsville! Your dog will get plenty of exercise along the 5.6 mile loop around the lake. The Appalachian Trail, Jarrard Trail, and Slaughter Creek Trail are all dog-friendly and are beautiful during the spring when the wild flowers bloom.
4. Raven Cliff Falls
Head over to Raven Cliff Falls in White County for a five mile hiking trail followed by a swim. Travel through the lush forest to reach the waterfall and swimming hole. You can even camp by the streams! Just make sure to be on the lookout for black bears.
5. Tidewell Park
Tidewell Park is located at Lake Lanier in the city of Cumming and is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake, which has about 700 miles of shoreline, offers a scenic location for you to bring both your dog and your boat. At Tidewell Park you can take your pooch picnicking, hiking, camping, swimming, and more. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
6. Clarks Hill Lake
Clarks Hill Lake, which borders Georgia and South Carolina, is Georgia’s largest reservoir. Also known as Lake Strom Thurmond, Clarks Hill Lake features a variety of dog-friendly campsites bordering the lake. The campgrounds, which are maintained by the Corps of Engineers, are considered some of the best in the Eastern United States. Make sure that your dog is either leashed or penned.
Dog Friendly Travel Resources
12 Dog Friendly Beaches in California
Cape Cod's Best Dog Friendly Beaches
7 Most Dog Friendly Cities in the U.S.
This article was written by Colleen Regan.