Lake Sidney Lanier, completed in 1956 covers 38,000 acres and touches 5 counties - Lumpkin, Hall, Dawson, Forsyth and Gwinett. In addition there are 19,000 acres of controlled shore land above 1070 mean sea level. Operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers the lake's purpose is to provide power, water supply, navigation, flood control, and recreation. Lake Lanier is the most visited of all of the federally operated lakes in the U. S. with 19 million visitors annually. While only a small portion of the lake is in Lumpkin County, the county maintains a boat access ramp and a recreation area at the Lumpkin County park 8.5 miles east of Dahlonega.Fishing, boating and camping are the main recreational activities although duck and goose hunting is allowed in season.

Boating
A boat ramp is provided at the Lumpkin County Park 8.5 miles from Dahlonega. During periods of low water level it is not possible to launch a boat from a trailer, however, small boats and canoes can be carried to the water from the ramp. Parking is available at the boat ramp.

Fishing
The types of fish found in the lake are spotted bass, white bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel cat, yellow perch and bream.

Hunting
All state and federal Canada goose regulations apply on Lake Lanier . The 1998-99 Canada goose season will be November 21 to January 29, 1998. Duck season will be November 21 to January 19. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset each day. The bag limit is 2 geese per day (4 in possession). The bag limit for ducks is 6 per day (12 in possession). Hunters 16 years or older must possess state and federal waterfowl stamps and a state hunting license. A Migratory Bird Hunting stamp is required for all persons hunting ducks and geese. no hunting is allowed within 1000 feet of any dock, house, structure, bridge, road, boat ramp, marina, or open recreation area.