Fort Yargo State Park
🏕️ Trusted Guide to Georgia’s Adaptive Recreation Park – Updated 2025
Georgia’s Park for Everyone
Surrounding the 260-acre Marbury Creek Reservoir in Barrow County, Fort Yargo State Park spreads across 1,816 acres of rolling Piedmont woodland just 50 miles east of Atlanta. What sets Fort Yargo apart isn’t just its lake swimming, 21 miles of trails, and diverse camping — it’s the Will-A-Way Recreation Area, one of the nation’s first comprehensive outdoor recreation facilities designed specifically for visitors with disabilities. From accessible fishing piers and paved trails to adaptive equipment and specialized group facilities, Fort Yargo demonstrates that Georgia’s outdoors truly belongs to everyone. The park also preserves a 1792 log fort built by settlers — one of the oldest standing structures in northeast Georgia.
Will-A-Way Recreation Area
The Will-A-Way Recreation Area was among the first facilities in the United States designed to provide comprehensive outdoor recreation for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Features include accessible cabins, group shelters, a fishing pier, paved nature trails, and specialized recreational equipment. Programs are available year-round, and the area serves as a model for inclusive outdoor recreation nationwide.
Lake & Trails
The 260-acre lake is the centerpiece for recreation:
- Swimming Beach: Designated beach area with seasonal lifeguards (renovations expanding facilities through 2025)
- Lake Loop Trail (6+ miles): Scenic loop around the entire lake — popular with trail runners
- Mountain Bike Trails: Over 15 miles of singletrack through Piedmont forest
- Wilkins Trail: ADA-accessible paved path through lakeside woods
- Fishing: Bass, catfish, and bream — boat ramp and dock available
Practical Tips
- From Atlanta (50 miles): Take GA-316 East to Winder, follow signs to the park
- Entry fee: $5 per vehicle
- Camping: 40 electric/water sites, 12 walk-in sites, 6 lakeside yurts, and 17 cottages
- Reserve early — yurts and cottages are extremely popular, especially spring and fall
- The 1792 log fort is a short walk from the main parking area — worth a quick visit
- The swimming beach is under renovation through mid-2025 — check current status before visiting
- Mountain bikers should visit on weekdays for less crowded trails
- Combine with Fort Yargo’s disc golf course for an added activity
