Clarks Hill

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About Clarks Hill

Overview

Clarks Hill is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just off Georgia State Highway 221 near the dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

Clarks Hill is a wooded day-use area with several picnic shelters, some with electrical hookups. The shelters can accommodate groups as small as 6 and as large as 48. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a beach, boat ramp and dock.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 345' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

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Clarks Hill Reviews

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Top Spots in or near Clarks Hill

Kayak the Savannah River at Thurmond Dam and Lake

Clarks Hill, South Carolina

Starting at Thurmond Dam, drop your kayak in just below the dam and travel down the Savannah River. There are a couple places to you can choose to end your adventure:The first, and closest, is Riverside Park. Around the 7 mile mark downstream, Riverside park is a right hand turn towards a boat ramp. From there you can easily take your kayak out of the water and explore the park.If you choose to...

Photograph a Sunset at West Dam

Appling, Georgia

West Dam is located across the road from one of the most prominent structures in area: J. Strom Thurmond Dam. Thurmond Lake is created by the dam and the park is located on this lake. Fishing is extremely popular here, especially for largemouth bass and striped bass. There is a large swimming area that is roped off with a large beach and a volleyball court for fun in the sand as well. The park ...

Kayak Betty's Branch

Evans, Georgia

5.0

Beginning at Riverside Park, put in either at the concrete boat ramp or the beach. Paddle along until you exit the inlet and now you have a decision to make: right or left?Left: Turning left takes you on a longer and more difficult route than turning right (3 hours total), but it’s absolutely worth it. The wildlife you’ll see along the riverbanks is unlike any other you’ll find along the river ...

Photograph the Stars Over Clarks Hill Lake

Lincolnton, Georgia

The Cherokee Boat Ramp is easily my new favorite place for astrophotography in the Augusta area. If you drive around the boat ramp area for awhile, you'll notice plenty of spots to set up your camera and aim it down the beautiful Clarks Hill Lake. The ramp area creates a loop. Near the end of the loop you'll see multiple concrete pads leading down to the lake for boat entry. I like to set up my...

Hike Cliatt Creek Loop to Rock Dam Trail

Appling, Georgia

4.0

10 mi / 200 ft gain

Mistletoe State park encompasses 15 miles of hiking trails that lead both along Clarks Hill Lake and the river adjacent to it. Although not a necessarily strenuous hike, the 3.75-mile Cliatt Creek Nature Loop (white blaze) begins at the park’s nature center and features some amazing wildlife as it loops it way from the park entrance, to the creek, and back around the nature center with multiple...

Camp Mistletoe State Park

Appling, Georgia

5.0

Mistletoe State Park is located on the beautiful Clark’s Hill Lake created by the J. Strom Thurmond Dam. The park offers an array of hiking trails, but is most well-known for its numerous camping spots and bass fishing. The park offers a whopping total of 100 camping sites, 4 of which are backcountry campsites. The other 96 campsites offer 40ft lot that can easily house a large trailer, motorho...

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