Lake Lanier in Georgia definitely ranks high on most anyone’s list of top houseboating lakes. With its clear water coming straight from the Blue Ridge Mountains and miles of shoreline rippling with beautiful trees, all cupping around tons of islands ready for exploring, it’s easy to see why this is such a great water-lover’s destination. If you’re planning a vacation here this summer and want to experience some of the area’s adventures, keep reading. There’s a lot more to this gorgeous destination than meets the eye.

Zip Line Tours

Sign up for one of Lake Lanier Islands canopy tours’ zipline adventures by calling 678-622-3990 or visiting their website here. You can choose from a variety of tours including the Full Moon Zipping Tour, which takes place once a month under the full moon. This experience offers exhilarating new perspective on Lake Lanier and its surrounding forest at Lanier Islands Resort. 

Hit the Appalachian Trail

If you’re ready to get lost in nature and want to work up a sweat, spend the day exploring the north Georgia mountains as you hike part of the Appalachian Trail. You can pick up the trail not too far from Lake Lanier.

Biplane Tours

Biplane Rides Over Atlanta, Inc., apart from the obvious in the name, also offer rides to see gorgeous sights like Stone Mountain, chances to climb inside a fighter trainer aircraft from WWII, or opportunities for romantic dinner sunset flights. You can also obviously get some gorgeous views of Atlanta’s skyline or Lake Lanier itself. This adventure is a bit pricier, but if flying has always been on your bucket list, Lake Lanier is a great place to take yourself up on that.

Visit North Georgia Mountain Wineries

If you have a palate for fine wine, save some time in your trip for a chance to check out some of Georgia’s mountain wineries. You can find Sweet Acre Farms Winery towards the north end of the lake, or head a little inland for the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, to name a few examples.

Swing By The Cities

If you’re interested in hitting up some restaurants, shopping, or entertainment, swing by the colorful historic downtown areas of neighboring towns Helen or Dahlonega. Or if you’re looking for something a little bit bigger, head to “The Hollywood of the South” and check out hotspots like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Centennial Olympic Park, or the Georgia Aquarium.

Of course, whatever adventures you decide to have, the best part of the day is coming back to the lake and jumping onboard for a relaxing evening and great night’s sleep. Because of all of Georgia’s gems, Lake Lanier just might shine the brightest. 

 Photos credited to LanierIslands.com and BiplaneRidesOverAtlanta.com, respectively