Experience Life on One of Alabama’s Pristine Lakes

August 2022

At over 1,400 miles, Alabama’s waterways are the most navigable in the nation. This includes 16 lock-and-dam structures and six river systems. It’s no wonder that people flock to the state to spend time fishing, enjoying water sports, waterskiing and boating. As summer draws to a close, we invite you to plan an end-of-the-summer vacation to experience what life is like at the lake or river. Our favorite spots, across the state and listed below, are sure to please people who love lakes and rivers.

Lake Guntersville

Guntersville, Alabama

Lake Guntersville, located in Northeast Alabama, encompasses 30 miles and is at the center of the mighty Tennessee River. The lake is a popular spot for bass and crappie fishing, boating, sailing and skiing. Lake Guntersville State Park offers many family-friendly outdoor activities for an incredible scenic vacation. The state park is located on 6,000 acres of woodland along the Tennessee River. Visitors can stay at the park’s hotel or in one of the mountain-setting chalets or cottages. A campground also is available to those who would rather camp. Families enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnicking, fabulous vistas and numerous sites for viewing wildlife. It is the winter home of the American bald eagle, and the Park features educational programs. 

City Harbor, a new $30 million development, has just opened with trendy restaurants, bars, retail space, a cigar bar, a brewery and City Harbor Suites, short-term rental condos.  It also has a pavilion and fishing docks.

Lewis Smith Lake

Cullman, Alabama 

Located 20 miles northwest of Birmingham, Smith Lake touches Cullman, Walker and Winston counties in Central Alabama. It impounds the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, and its scenic beauty winds through the Bankhead National Forest.  The lake’s surface area covers 21,200 acres and has 500 miles of shoreline.  The lake is a well-known sports fishing destination featuring large-mouthed white and spotted bass, bluegill, longear and redear sunfish, black and white crappie and catfish. The city of Cullman offers visitors many restaurants and shopping options. 

Lake Martin

Alexander City

Known as Alabama’s Freshwater Coast, Lake Martin is located in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties on the Tallapoosa River. The lake offers 900 miles of shoreline and over 40,000 acres of scenic views.  There are a number of dining options available at Lake Martin, even a floating food truck and ice cream shop. 

Lake Eufaula

Eufaula 

Lake Eufaula is known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World,” and is a popular spot for fishing. It also is a great area for year-round boating. This body of water encompasses 45,000 acres and features 640 miles of shoreline, many public boat ramp, and marinas. More than 280 bird species have been verified at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.  Lakepoint State Park offers a restaurant overlooking the lake, a lounge, a fully-equipped marina, an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a fishing dock.  There are 101 rooms, 29 wooded cabins, 10 lakeside cottages and 192 campsites. The town of Eufaula offers visitors historic home tours and restaurants that feature Southern cuisine.