J. W. Smith Reservoir

J. W. Smith Reservoir on Shoal Creek in Clayton County, Georgia offers boat access to a significant water body in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Shoal Creek is a large river system (Stream Order 6) with a substantial drainage area of 903 square miles and an average flow of 738 cubic feet per second, making it a reliable water resource throughout the year. The reservoir setting typically provides calmer conditions than the main creek channel, making it suitable for various boating activities.

The water body extends 81.87 miles with a moderate gradient of 1.5 feet per mile average slope. Average velocity of 1.51 feet per second indicates generally manageable current conditions, though boaters should always be aware of flow variations depending on rainfall and dam management. The elevation drop of 120 feet across the system reflects the terrain's natural topography in this region of Georgia.