Visitor Center

Harris Branch Beach Recreation Area

Alert

Harris Branch Beach is closed for the season. Stay tuned for 2027 opening dates.

Location
1300 Harris Branch Rd,
Ellijay, GA 30540
Phone
706.334.2248
Hours

Harris Branch Beach is closed for the season.
Stay tuned for 2027 opening dates.

Sat, Sun & Holidays:
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

No admittance within one hour of closing.

Closed on Wednesdays for maintenance & mowing.

No overnight camping.

Have you been here?

Harris Branch Beach offers various activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming!

Harris Branch Beach Recreation Area, operated by FIND Outdoors in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is a popular day-use area for any summertime activity. A popular rugged day-use area for swimming, picnicking, boating, and fishing, this area offers plenty of fun activities for you to enjoy. Harris Branch is a perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing day by the water. With plenty of nature trails nearby as well, you will have endless opportunities to enjoy your day.

 

Plan Your Visit

We’ve created an easy way to plan your visit, so you know everything you need before you head out and your trip goes smoother from the start. Click here to learn more!

Social Media

Follow along for the latest updates on weather interruptions, hours, and shuttle service, plus upcoming events and programs. See what’s happening on the mountain and experience Harris Branch Beach through the seasons by following us on Facebook at Harris Branch Beach Recreation Area and on Instagram at @FINDOutdoors.

Instagram Page    Facebook Page

Directions

Take U.S. Highway 515 north toward Ellijay. Continue to the intersection with Georgia Highway 282 (US-76) and turn left (west). Follow Highway 282 for several miles, then turn left onto Harris Branch Road. Continue to the end of the road to enter Harris Branch Recreation Area at Carter’s Lake.

FIND Your Next Adventure

Amenities
  • Drinking Water
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic Area
  • Swimming Beach
  • Nature Trails
Things to do…
  • Fishing
  • Picnic Area
  • Swimming Beach
  • Nature Trails

Educational Activities

Jr. Ranger Program

The Jr. Ranger program at FIND Outdoors introduces visitors to the seven Leave No Trace principles in a fun and easy to understand way. Each FREE booklet provides games, things to talk about around a campfire, and different “Ranger Missions” to explore each of the Leave No Trace principles.  

Ask about becoming a Jr. Ranger the next time you visit a FIND Outdoors site!

Find Outdoors Tours

FIND Outdoors Tours & Field Trips

Education is integral to FIND Outdoors mission, we offer educational programs, field trips and tours at all of the visitor centers and campgrounds we manage. Whether you use our self-guided Junior Ranger booklet to become a Leave No Trace advocate or visit with a school field trip, we love seeing children, adults and families explore, learn about and enjoy their public lands.

Learn More →

Please, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly so that your public lands can be enjoyed for generations to come!

Love the view?

You can help ensure that sites like this remain available for generations to come.