Newnans Lake State Forest

Newnans Lake State Forest is named after Newnans Lake, which lies just east of the forest. Although shallow, this 6,000-acre lake is approximately 2 miles wide and 4 miles long. The gum and bald cypress swamps extending from the lake are the most intact natural systems in the State Forest and host a variety of wading birds and other wildlife. A couple of bald eagle nests are found adjacent to these swamps. Sunnyland Creek, Lake Ridge Creek and Lake Forest Creek flow through the forest into Newnans Lake. The State Forest is one link in a chain of public lands that runs along the lakeshore and protects this beautiful and historically significant aquatic feature. Recreational activities in the forest include hiking, mountain biking, nature study, wildlife viewing and photography.

Although there are no launch sites in the State Forest, canoeists and kayakers can launch from public facilities on the southern and eastern shores of Newnans Lake and paddle along the lakeshore and into the swamps and streams of the forest.