Winter is coming to an end and the weather is ripe for outdoor activities. What better way to shake off the cold season than a trip to Troup County! With 525 miles of shoreline at West Point Lake and a litany of trails to explore, there’s plenty to do to get your blood circulating and your endorphins pumping. Rally up your family and friends in the car or RV and hit the road!
Bike or Birdwatch: Im-Peck-Able
BIKING
If you consider yourself a thrill-seeker and are always itching for your next bike ride, the Lakeside Trails provide a ride you’ll never forget. Perfect for intermediate and experienced mountain bikers alike, this single-track trail has multiple loops and segments for you to choose. Level of difficulty increases the further out you go so you can really curate your own adventure, whether you decide to push it to the limit or take it slow! The best part about this trail is that bikers get the right of way for uninterrupted pedaling. Along the trail you’ll find several landings to take in the sights, so you can park your bike, take off your helmet and feel the breeze before setting off again.
BIRDWATCHING
It’s no secret to new and long-time birdwatchers alike: West Point Lake is the best spot for birdwatching. A variety of bird species flock to this lake all throughout the year. Head into the outdoors with your binoculars in tow to see beautiful birds like woodpeckers, pied-billed grebe, loons, bald eagles, and, if you’re lucky, the ivory gull! Birdwatching is a wonderful addition to your outing, or you can make a day out of it.
Swimming, Boating and Sports- Water You Waiting For?
With over 525 miles of shoreline, West Point Lake is an expansive playground for swimming, boating, and watersports all surrounded by breathtaking views of deep, lush forests. And at the end of a long day on the water, you’re rewarded with an incredible sunset. No matter how you plan to spend your day, West Point Lake is the number one destination in Troup County for your outdoor adventure.
SWIMMING
A day spent swimming at the lake is always a good idea. You can gain easy swimming access to the lake from Pyne Road Park, Horace King Park, Long Cane Park, and the Glass Bridge Recreation Area. These access points have many features to enhance your outdoor outings such as shaded and unshaded picnic tables, large grassy fields, outdoor charcoal grills, and trail access. Pack the car with towels, grub, the kids, and the dog, and have an unforgettable day!
BOATING
What better way to take in the sights of West Point Lake than taking the boat out for a cruise across the light waves? If you’re looking to spend your day fishing and taking in the serene landscape, then tow your boat to Crossroad Recreation Area or Georgia Park to find easy to access ramps. Most of the day-use parks surrounding West Point Lake also have boat ramps, so you have plenty of options! Fishers flock to the lake every year to catch bass, catfish, crappie and bream.
WATER SPORTS
There’s a lot to do with 40-acres of water: jet skiing, jumping on water trampolines, sailing flyboards and more! You can bring your own or rent from local businesses near the lake to acquire everything you need to get your adrenaline rush. Grab your lifejackets and plan your escape from the everyday today!
Kayak to Your Adventure
If you can’t get enough time on the water, kayaking down the Chattahoochee River will certainly satisfy you and your family and friends. You can rent a single or tandem kayak at GLL Outdoors which is stationed near Downtown West Point and has everything you need for a dreamy float down the beautiful Chattahoochee. Take in the views and row to your heart’s desire! GLL Outdoors offers 4-hour and 8-hour rides so you can make it a day or plan it in your day. Pro tip: Call ahead to reserve your kayak to ensure a smooth ride. The fun doesn’t end when you dock as you’ll find yourself dismounting onto a vast lawn perfect for a picnic with a fountain onsite to splash in.
Your next outing is easier to plan than ever before with these things to do locally in Troup County. Don’t wait any longer, the great outdoors is waiting for you!
