You’re driving up GA 400, the sun is hitting the dashboard just right, and honestly, you just want to see some water. If you take the exit for Cumming and wind your way down toward the shoreline, you’ll hit Mary Alice Park Georgia. Most people think of Lake Lanier as this massive, chaotic party scene with thousand-horsepower boats and endless noise. But Mary Alice is... different.
It’s quieter. Sorta.
At least it is until Saturday afternoon hits and the parking lot fills up. This place is a weird, wonderful mix of a serious boat launch and a lazy beach day. If you’ve lived in North Georgia long enough, you’ve probably seen the signs for it near Market Place Boulevard, but maybe you haven’t actually pulled in. You should. Just know what you’re getting into before you pay the gate fee.
The Reality of Mary Alice Park Georgia
First off, let’s talk about the management because that changed recently. For a long time, the City of Cumming ran the show. Now, Forsyth County Parks & Recreation has taken the reins under an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers. This matters because the rules and the vibe are shifting.
The park sits at 1820 Mary Alice Park Rd. It’s basically a peninsula that juts out into the western side of Lake Lanier.
What really sets it apart is the beach. Most Lanier "beaches" are just red clay and regret. Mary Alice actually has a legitimate stretch of sand. It’s not the Gulf Coast, obviously, but for a landlocked county, it’s pretty solid. You can actually build a sandcastle here without it looking like a pile of mud.
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What You'll Find When You Get There
The layout is actually pretty functional.
- The Boat Ramps: There are three paved ramps. They’re open 24 hours a day. If you’re a fisherman or a wakeboarder, this is one of the most reliable spots to drop a boat in the water without losing your mind.
- The Picnic Pavilion: There’s a big one that holds about 70 people. It’s got lights, a grill, and electricity. You have to reserve it through the Forsyth County parks system now, and it’s a popular spot for birthday parties where everyone inevitably ends up covered in sunscreen and lake water.
- The Beach Area: This is the crown jewel. It’s a wide sandy area with a designated swimming zone.
One thing that surprises people? The water quality. The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper actually monitors this spot weekly from May through October. They check for E. coli (the "Neighborhood Water Watch" program). Usually, the water passes with flying colors—anywhere from 60% to 95% of tests meet EPA standards. If there's been a massive rainstorm, maybe wait a day or two before diving in.
The Rules (Because They Are Strict)
This isn't a "do whatever you want" kind of park. The rangers here don't mess around. If you're looking for a place to bring your dog and have a few beers, Mary Alice Park Georgia is going to disappoint you.
No pets. None. Don't even try to sneak your Yorkie in. They will find you.
No alcohol. This is a dry park. It keeps the vibe family-oriented and reduces the "Lanier Chaos" factor by about 90%.
No glass. Because, you know, bare feet and broken glass are a bad combo.
The entry fee is usually around $10 per vehicle now (though this can fluctuate seasonally). Some people find that steep for a park, but honestly, it keeps the crowd manageable. On holiday weekends like the Fourth of July, the park often reaches capacity by 10:00 AM. When it's full, it's full. They close the gates and you're out of luck.
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Exploring the Water
If you don't own a boat, you aren't stuck on the shore. Companies like Burton Outdoor Adventures operate nearby or out of the park, offering things like kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Lately, E-foiling has become a thing here. Those are the electric hydrofoil boards that make it look like you’re hovering three feet above the water. It’s wild to watch.
The water here is deep. Once you get past the swimming buoys, the drop-off is real. There's even a life jacket loaner station for kids because the current and the depth can catch you off guard if a big cruiser passes by and sends a wake toward the shore.
Why This Spot Specifically?
There are dozens of parks on Lake Lanier. So why come here?
Convenience.
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You are five minutes away from Target, Costco, and every restaurant imaginable in Cumming. You can spend the morning on the sand, realize you forgot the potato salad, and be back in ten minutes. It’s the "suburban lake experience."
It’s also surprisingly scenic. Because it's a peninsula, you get these wide-open views of the horizon that make you forget you’re just a few miles from the highway. The sunsets here, looking out over the water toward the Blue Ridge foothills, are genuinely world-class.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to head out to Mary Alice Park Georgia this weekend, here is how you do it right:
- Arrive early on weekends. If you aren't through the gate by 10:30 AM on a Saturday, you might be sitting in a line of cars or getting turned away.
- Bring cash and card. The payment systems at the gate or the automated kiosks can be finicky.
- Check the Swim Guide. Look up the "Lanier at Mary Alice Park" status on the Swim Guide website before you pack the kids into the car, especially after heavy rain.
- Pack a rolling cooler. The walk from the parking lot to the best spots on the sand can be a bit of a trek if you're carrying 40 pounds of ice and drinks.
- Watch the jet skis. If you're launching a boat, be aware that the area near the docks gets a lot of jet ski traffic. They create small, choppy waves that can make winching your boat back onto the trailer a bit of a headache.
Mary Alice isn't a secret anymore, but it's still one of the most reliable ways to get a "beach day" without driving five hours to the coast. Just follow the rules, respect the water, and don't bring the dog.