On 26,650-acre Lake Richard B. Russell, this state park of the same name offers some of the state’s finest fishing and boating. Lake Russell maintains a habitat for a diverse assemblage of warm-water, cool-water, and even cold-water sport fish. The dominant and most popular fish species targeted and caught by anglers on Lake Russell include warm-water species – black bass (spotted and largemouth), crappie, and catfish.
The park’s campground and fully equipped cottages are on or near the water’s edge for a relaxing getaway. Most park facilities are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including the swimming beach. A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the adjoining woods and returns to the beach. Become part of the Muddy Spokes Club for challenging rides, progressing from easier to more difficult trails. Ride at your own pace and earn a “mud-spattered” t-shirt once you finish all trails, and don't forget to wear your helmet!
This park is known for its well-kept disc golf course, where Frisbee-style discs are thrown into metal baskets. For traditional golfers, the park’s 18-hole Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course offers a pro shop and annual passes.
Amenities: 20 Cottages, 27 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, Wi-Fi, Boat Ramps/Boating, Lake Swimming, Fishing, Disc Golf, Biking, Geocaching, Hiking, Paddling – Kayak & Canoe Rentals, Picnicking, Golf Course
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon stroll or begin your day with a strong cardio walk around Elberton. The Granite City Walking Trails are an assortment of paved routes alongside creeks in Elberton’s downtown park. The trails are Granite Bowl Trail, MA Sutton Park Trail, McLanahan Park Trail, and Combined Park Trail. They are approximately 1.5 miles and are great for walks, runs, and taking pets out for a stroll.
Amenities: Picnic Shelters, Public Restroom,
Drinking Fountains
McWilliams Park features a half-mile walking track around its 4 baseball/softball fields. The park also has 4 football/soccer fields, a gymnasium, a playground, renovated tennis courts, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. A variety of team sports are offered for children and teens in the fall and spring, plus summer camps.
Amenities: Picnic Shelters, Public Restroom,
Drinking Fountains, Disc Golf, Playground
Bobby Brown Park offers 665 acres of outdoor recreation in Elbert County, and access to the 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake (the second-largest manmade lake east of the Mississippi River).
Formerly known as Bobby Brown State Outdoor Recreation Area, camping, boating, fishing, and outdoor sports are just some of the activities you will enjoy. the park was obtained in 2015 through a lease agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The park is operated by the Elbert County Government through Elbert County Parks and Recreation.
Amenities: 1 Cottage, 5 Yurts, 58 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, Wi-Fi, Boat Ramps/Boating, Fishing, Disc Golf, Biking, Archery/3-D Archery, Geocaching, Hiking, Paddling, Picnicking, Swinging Bridge
Lake Russell WMA - In Cornelia on property owned by the U.S. Forest Service, this 17,300-acre property has opportunities for deer, bear, turkey, small game and coyote hunting.
Activities: Biking, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Hunting, Lake/River Fishing, Primitive Camping, Wildlife Viewing
Lower Broad River WMA - In Wilkes, Elbert and Lincoln counties, this 1,500-acre property has hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, small game, and dove. No camping is allowed on the WMA.
Activities: Hunting, Lake/River Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
The Broad River Watershed is approximately 944,000 acres and includes parts of 13 counties: Banks, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Hall, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Oglethorpe, Stephens, and Washington-Wilkes. The watershed remains in a largely natural state within the piedmont -- Appalachians to the north and the coastal plain to the south -- allowing for a highly diverse assemblage of plant and animal communities. It provides a fine habitat for deer, turkeys, bobcats, foxes, beavers,
For Hunting: Wildlife Management Areas Elbert County has several state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) available, in addition to private hunting tracts, tracts for lease to individuals and hunting clubs, and tracts for sale. WMA visitors must have a hunting license, fishing license or lands pass. Learn more:
Broad River WMA - In Madison County, this 440-acre property offers hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey and small game (no furbearer season).
Activities: Geocaching, Hunting, River Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
otters, muskrats, quail, doves, mallards, wood ducks, turtles, crayfish, and many others. Among the rare and endangered species that live in the Elbert County watershed is the Shoal Lily, hymenocallis occidentalis, which grows on rocks in and around the river. The Broad River Watershed Association hosts an annual “Shoal Lily Float” that allows the public to view the rare Shoal Lilies at the mouth of Clarks Hill Lake. For more information about the float, please contact Broad River Watershed Association at 706-795-5097.
