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Georgia State Parks

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Northeast Georgia Mountains Region
Richard B Russell State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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RICHARD B RUSSELL STATE PARK
RICHARD B RUSSELL STATE PARK
2650 Russell State Park Rd
Elberton, Georgia   30635

Phone: 706-213-2045
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Located on a 26,500-acre lake, Richard B. Russell State Park offers some of the state?s finest fishing and boating. The park?s campground and fully equipped cottages are located on or near the water?s edge for a relaxing getaway. A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the adjoining woods and returns to the beach. The park's 18-hole championship golf course, Arrowhead Pointe, was named 2nd Best New Affordable Public Course in America by Golf Digest in 2005. The course features a LEED Certified clubhouse, golf pro and junior/senior citizen discounts. Several Indian sites were excavated near the park in 1980 before the lake was filled, indicating that Paleo-Indians lived in the area more than 10,000 years ago. This area is now called Rucker?s Bottom and lies deep within the waters of Lake Richard B. Russell. All park facilities are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including the swimming beach.
Golf Course
The 6,800-yard course is situated on a peninsula within the state park and the water views are stunning, with 10 of the 18 holes skirting Lake Richard B. Russell. Bob Walker?s design has been compared to the more expensive courses at Lake Oconee because of the challenging layout and the scenic vistas. One exception to that comparison is that there are no visible lakefront houses from any vantage point on the course, consistent with the state park golf course theme of ?no crowds, no houses, no noise.?

Arrowhead Pointe was also named in TravelGolf.com's Top 10 Courses in Georgia, alongside such venerable courses as Augusta National, East Lake, TPC at Sugarloaf and Ocean Forest. And Arrowhead Pointe is the only public course on the list.

Full-Service Golf Shop: Features golf accessories, restaurant and group/individual lessons (with advance appointment).

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to dusk. Hours may vary according to season. Open daily except Christmas Day.

Tee Times: Reservations taken seven days a week - recommended on weekends and holidays.

Overnight Accommodations:17 cottages and 28 campsites

Course Layout:Holes: 18 Yards: 6,788 Rating: 72.5 Slope: 134 Par: 72
Swimming
1. Richard B Russell State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming in the 26, 500-acre Lake Russell.
2. Lifeguards are not provided; swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free with park admission fee.
4. The lake also allows boating and fishing activities besides swimming.
5. There's no pool available, only natural water bodies for swimming options within this state park.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a boat ramp available, allowing guests to bring their own vessels and explore the 26,500-acre Richard B Russell Lake at leisure. Canoes and kayaks are also welcome on these waters. For those who prefer motorized boats or fishing trips, there's plenty of space as well; however no private docks are allowed in order to maintain the natural scenic beauty of the shoreline.
Fishing
The park offers a variety of fishing options in its 26,650-acre lake. Anglers can catch largemouth bass and crappie. There are also opportunities for bream and catfish fishing. Boat ramps provide easy access to the waterbody.


Location
Richard B Russell State Park is located near Abbeville, Elberton and Hartwell

Picnicking
Richard B Russell State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills, tables and stunning lake views. Shelters are available for rent.
Bicycling
In this park, biking is limited to paved roads and parking areas. Off-road cycling isn't permitted due to safety concerns.

The terrain can be hilly so caution should be exercised especially when descending slopes or during wet conditions.

Bike rentals aren't available on-site; visitors are advised to bring their own bicycles if they wish to explore the area in this manner.

There's no designated bike trail within the park boundaries which means cyclists must share roadways with motor vehicles - always remain alert!

Remember that helmets are not just recommended but required by law for riders under 16 years of age in Georgia.

While enjoying your ride, respect wildlife from a distance and do not disturb them as you pass through their habitat.

Lastly, ensure you have enough water supply before setting off since there may lack refill stations along routes.

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Directions
Located 8 miles northeast of Elberton off Ga. Hwy. 77 on Ruckersville Road.

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Georgia
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Georgia State Parks

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