Richard B. Russell State Park

Like the half-dozen parks that line Army Corps of Engineers impoundments of the Savannah River north of Augusta known as the "Big Lakes," Richard B. Russell State Park is best known for boating, fishing, and other water sports in a quiet corner of the state. Without the shoreline development of some other lakes, the 26,650-acre Richard B. Russell Lake and the 2,508-acre park remain more rural and pristine than most, with opportunities to see abundant wildlife. Named for a U.S. senator from Georgia, Russell Park also offers a bit of history. It lies near a site used by Paleo-Indians more than 10,000 years ago; referred to as Rucker's Bottom, ...

Like the half-dozen parks that line Army Corps of Engineers impoundments of the Savannah River north of Augusta known as the "Big Lakes," Richard B. Russell State Park is best known for boating, fishing, and other water sports in a quiet corner of the state. Without the shoreline development of some other lakes, the 26,650-acre Richard B. Russell Lake and the 2,508-acre park remain more rural and pristine than most, with opportunities to see abundant wildlife. Named for a U.S. senator from Georgia, Russell Park also offers a bit of history. It lies near a site used by Paleo-Indians more than 10,000 years ago; referred to as Rucker's Bottom, the site was excavated in 1980 and is now under water. As one of the newest state parks, it is also one of the most ADA accessible, including the swimming beach. Playing golf at the park's Arrowhead Pointe course (with a LEED-certified clubhouse) is another popular activity; according to the park service the course was named "Second Best New Affordable Public Course in America" by Golf Digest magazine when it opened. Of six miles of trails, one follows the shoreline to an old steel pin bridge and loops through the adjoining woods. If you're up for an unusual outing, check out the mysterious Georgia Guidestones up Highway 77, a set of modern granite monoliths inscribed by an unknown hand with "a message for future generations."

About the Expert

Kap Stann has written or contributed to many guidebooks to the American Southeast for such publishers as Moon, Avalon Travel, Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, and Mobil Guides.