River access

Buford Tailwater — access points ordered downstream from the dam, with warning coverage and how long a release takes to reach each one.

Warning sirens only cover part of this river.

5 of 6 access points are outside reliable siren range — there, the published schedule and your own plan are the warning. Check the current conditions and the official USACE Mobile District schedule before you get in, wherever you are.

Inside siren coverage

Bowman's Island — Lower Pool Park
Wading & boats Siren coverage
Water rises after a release
under 30 min after generation starts at the dam (published planning figure — varies with load and weather).Immediately below the dam — the published table starts at GA 20 (30–60 min). Treat the rise as immediate: this stretch is what the sirens are for.
Access
Boat ramp; closest tailwater access below the dam. CRNRA day-use fee.
Conditions here →Directions Official page

Outside siren coverage

Settles Bridge
Wading & boats No siren coverage
Water rises after a release
45 min – 1 h 30 min after generation starts at the dam (published planning figure — varies with load and weather).
Access
Canoe launch and trail to the historic bridge ruins. 380 Johnson Rd, Suwanee. CRNRA day-use fee.
Conditions here →Directions Official page
McGinnis Ferry
Wading & boats No siren coverage
Water rises after a release
1 h 45 min – 2 h after generation starts at the dam (published planning figure — varies with load and weather).
Access
Launch access. CRNRA day-use fee.
Conditions here →Directions
Suwanee Creek
Wading & boats No siren coverage
Water rises after a release
No published figure for this point.No published figure for this point. It sits between McGinnis Ferry (1:45–2:00) and Abbotts Bridge (3:15–4:30) — assume water can arrive as early as about 1 hour 45 minutes after a release.
Access
Chattahoochee Drive trailhead. CRNRA day-use fee.
Conditions here →Directions
Abbotts Bridge (GA 120)
Wading & boats No siren coverage
Water rises after a release
3 h 15 min – 4 h 30 min after generation starts at the dam (published planning figure — varies with load and weather).
Access
Boat ramp, picnic area, fishing access. Duluth. CRNRA day-use fee.
Conditions here →Directions Official page
Medlock Bridge (GA 141)
Wading & boats No siren coverage
Water rises after a release
3 h 30 min – 4 h 45 min after generation starts at the dam (published planning figure — varies with load and weather).
Access
Boat ramp, small picnic area, ~2 miles of trails. Peachtree Corners. CRNRA day-use fee. Downstream end of the covered reach.
Conditions here →Directions

Before you go

Release schedule by phone: (770) 945-1466 or 1-855-DAM-FLOW. Releases are also announced on 1610 AM near the dam.
Wave arrival times are planning figures for when water begins to rise — it keeps rising after that. Leaving early beats leaving on time.
Coordinates point at the official park entrance; parking can be further in.

Reading the water…