When we try to name/think of some of the best lakes for our next weekend getaway in the USA, the wonderful lakes in Alabama are among those names that would probably come first to our mind. Alabama is widely popular for its natural wonders. Mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes-all these fine and natural attractions are present in the state of Alabama to captivate every traveler!
Over three percent of the state of Alabama is made up of water. For a day-trip or for a short weekend getaway, you may choose any of the lakes among the 100 fine lakes that are spreading across the state. So read on the list of the best lakes in Alabama, also, many of these stunners are considered to be the best lakes in the nation. A variety of options are available in these lakes and you’ll love to spend your weekend in any of these lakes with your family and friends.
1. Wheeler Lake, Madison County
Wheeler Lake is the second largest lake in Alabama. It’s located on the Tennessee River and is created through Wheeler Dam. Earlier the lake was used for generating hydroelectric power and navigation purposes. In today’s time, Wheeler Lake is a great recreation hub in Alabama. The reservoir attracts about four million visitors each year.
Located in the northern part of Alabama, and between Rogersville and Huntsville, Wheeler Lake extends 60 miles and offers 67,100-acre surface area for recreational purposes. Bass fishing is the most popular activity in Wheeler Lake. The variety of fish species include smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and some other type of fish species.
The fun-packed engaging activities available in the lake and in the surrounding area include boating, hiking, camping and of course, fishing in the lake.
Must visit the Wheeler Lake with your close ones in any weekend. For lodging, head to Joe Wheeler State Park. Multiple private campgrounds are also accessible on both sides of Wheeler Lake.
2. Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, Walker & Winston Counties
Lewis Smith Lake, commonly known to the locals as Smith Lake, is a popular recreation spot located in the proximity of famous tourist cities of Alabama. The reservoir is about 20 miles northwest of Birmingham. It’s a reservoir in north Alabama, located on the Black Warrior River. With its maximum depth of 264 feet at the dam, it’s the deepest reservoir in the state.
For recreational purposes, Lewis Smith Lake is one of the best lakes in Alabama. With the surface area of 21,200 acres, the lake has 500 miles of shoreline that is perfect for setting up all types of recreational facilities upon the banks. Camping along the shoreline is available. Must experience camping adventure in this dramatic place if you have enough time to spend here.
Boating is a fun thing. Through boating you’ll get the chance to praise the entire scenic area. Several boat docks are available here. Lewis Smith Lake is also stocked with basses. So, anglers can spend their fun time through fishing in one of the best fishing lakes in Alabama.
You might also visit the western side of the lake that is home to 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest. It’s a scenic forest with wilderness. The Black Warrior River runs through this national forest. Exploring the nearby beautiful cities and towns can also give you lots of sweet memories to collect!
3. Neely Henry Lake, Calhoun, Etowah & St. Clair Counties
Neely Henry Lake is located on the Coosa River in Alabama and it’s one of the six lakes created through a dam’s construction. This waterbody is one of the best lakes in Alabama for its scenic and peaceful environment and also for offering some of the best fishing experiences. The Neely Henry Lake is also a popular fishing destination in the state and it’s stocked with many types of bass, catfish, crappies and other fish species.
Built in 1966, Neely Henry Lake is used for both hydroelectric power generation and recreational facilities. The name has been after H. Neely Henry, a senior executive vice-president of Alabama Power. The lake boasts 11,200 surface acres along with 339 miles of shoreline.
The lake offers some of the most pleasing boating and swimming experiences as well. Other popular water activities are kayaking, canoeing, and jet-skiing.
The lake is a beautiful natural place to explore and everyone must visit the lake when they’re visiting the nearby big attractions or cities/towns. The nearest towns include Ohatchee and Ragland.
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4. Bankhead Lake, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa & Walker Counties
Bankhead Lake is located along the Black Warrior River. It’s the second largest lake on the Black Warrior River. The reservoir flows through Walker, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. The purpose behind the creation of this lake is multiple. It’s one of the best Alabama lakes for offering better opportunities for fishing to all types of fish lovers.
The usages are not only limited to recreational opportunities, but also the reservoir holds many significant roles as well. For easy navigation, flood control and hydroelectric generation purposes, Bankhead Lake is very significant. The lake is located just 15 miles west of Birmingham and 30 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa. The locals of these two nearest cities enjoy the lake too much. No doubt the lake is one of the great weekend gateway destinations to the locals and visitors alike.
The popular activities include boating, fishing and camping. The lake also offers better opportunities for anglers to play the game with spotted bass and largemouth bass. The reservoir is available with five public facility use areas and fourteen user fee areas. The entire surrounding is scenic and peaceful. It’s a perfect location for enjoying a memorable day trip with your family.
One of the most popular nearby attractions is the Mulberry Fork Wildlife Management Area. The site can give you one of the best wild hunting experiences. Remember, a hunting license is required to hunt in the area.
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5. Lake Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Lake Tuscaloosa is another scenic lake to visit. It’s located in west-central Alabama and it serves as a very popular recreation hub in the state of Alabama. The initial purpose after the construction of the lake was to provide sufficient water supply to the locals and for industrial use also.
Lake Tuscaloosa boasts 5,885 surface acre area and stretches its shoreline with 177 miles. It’s located on the North River. Lake Tuscaloosa is a year-round popular destination and is renowned for fishing and boating culture.
The surrounding area is another reason behind the lake’s popularity. Friend groups, families, solo travelers come to explore the breathtaking landscape that feature iconic southern pines and rolling hills. So, this lake can easily be a worth visiting place in your next weekend!
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6. Lake Martin, Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties
Lake Martin is another one of the most beautiful and best lakes in Alabama. It is located on the Tallapoosa River. The man-made reservoir was formed by the construction of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River in 1926. At that time, it was the largest man-made body of water in the world.
Martin Lake is very popular among families. Make this lake your next outdoor destination with your close ones. Opportunities and facilities are huge. A day trip to this pleasing and serene location can be anyone’s one of the best things to do in Alabama.
The Lake Martin is popular with fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing and camping. It’s a famous golfing spot, too. The uniqueness lies on the several colorful events that are hosted throughout the year. Few of those are fishing tournaments, a fireworks show, and Jazz Festival, each one is celebrated in different seasons.
The iconic landmark, nestled on Lake Martin include Chimney Rock. It’s a large rock formation that resembles a chimney. Must witness this amazing natural piece. Other attractions include natural sand beaches, some islands, camping area and fine restaurants in the close proximity.
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7. Weiss Lake, Cherokee County
Best known as the “Crappie Fishing Capital of the World”. Weiss Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in the state and it offers year-round fishing opportunity. The reservoir is located in northeast Alabama. Must test your luck in trying to catch a big crappie during your visit to this scenic lake.
The best crappie fishing season is March through May, though the lake is stocked with many fish species throughout the year, and fishing in any season in Weiss Lake is a great fun. Picnicking among many families and among small friend groups are also popular here.
The lake offers privately owned hotels, marinas and campgrounds for the visitors. Definitely spend a night in any of the campgrounds with your partner and get more harmonized with nature!
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8. Walter F. George Lake, Barbour & Henry Counties
Walter F. George Lake is an interstate lake and it shares the border with both Alabama and Georgia. Walter F. George Lake is popularly known as Lake Eufaula in Alabama. Eufaula is the largest town on the lake on the Alabama shores. The Walter F. George Lake is encompassing 46,000-acre area and is created on the Chattahoochee River. It stretches 640 miles of shoreline.
Also, Walter F. George Lake is considered to be one of the best lakes in Alabama for offering multiple facilities. Visitors can enjoy restaurants, hotels and shopping places in the close proximity. Fishing is the most popular engaging activity. Walter F. George Reservoir is considered the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” Other stocked fish species are crappies and catfish.
Other popular activities are swimming and paddling. During summer months, swimming in this fresh water reservoir can really provide new energy and spirit to both body and mind! Must stop to this one of the cleanest lakes in Alabama to enjoy lot of fun on and off water.
Tent and RV parking is available. Willing visitors may also set their camps to the beautiful state park at Lakepoint. Campgrounds, lakeside cottages, and cabins-all are available in this 1,220-acre state park.
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9. Guntersville Lake, Jackson & Marshall Counties
Guntersville Lake is a man-made lake, created through the construction of a dam in 1939. Among all the stunning lakes in Alabama, this one is The Best. So, don’t miss the chance to spend a fabulous weekend with your family by staying in any of the nearby lodging facilities of this largest man-made lake in the state.
It’s a great place to enjoy nature and peacefulness. Everything is calm and quiet. Enjoy a family picnic in the picture-perfect setting. You might go for fishing, boating, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing.
If leisure activity is your first preference, go for sunbathing in any of the several sandy beaches. Let your family members enjoy different beach activities that are available in this family-fun place.
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10. Lay Lake
The beautiful 12,000-acre Lay Lake is located 35 minutes south of Birmingham, Alabama’s one of the best places to visit. Packed with several fun activities, the lake provides seven public access areas, five of which have docks for boats.
The 300 miles of shoreline offers great place to relax and enjoy with family and friends. Furthermore, Lay Lake offers perfect boating, snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. So, going to this one of the most popular lakes and enjoying these fun activities, is indeed a great way to enjoy your day trip or weekend vacation with your near and dear ones.
11. Logan Martin Lake
Located 30 miles east of Birmingham, here is another popular lake. Logan Martin Lake encompasses 28-acre area and it is most popular for offering tons of recreational activities. The waterbody gets the depth of 100 feet in many places.
The lake is perfect for those who want to enjoy their day trip in a unique and different way. The Logan Martin Lake gives the opportunity to explore the lake’s abundance of coves and tributaries.
Furthermore, Logan Martin Lake is a special destination for fishermen as the lake is too popular with bass fishing.
Other engaging water activities include refreshing swimming, boating, kayaking and canoeing. Logan Martin Lake is also considered one of the cleanest lakes in Alabama.
12. Pickwick Lake
The 50-mile-long Pickwick Lake is another popular fishing destination in Alabama. The stocked fish species include smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass.
Pickwick Lake is an interstate lake and it shares its portions with three states. Several events and activities are held in and around the lake which is making going to Pickwick Lake some of the most fun things to do in Alabama.
So, this one of the best lakes in Alabama can easily be anyone’s a nice day trip destination for the whole family.
FAQs
1. What is the cleanest lake in Alabama?
Lewis Smith Lake is the cleanest and clearest lake in Alabama. It’s a man-made reservoir and is stretching its parts in three counties. These counties include Cullman, Walker and Winston counties. Lewis Smith Lake is also the deepest among lakes in Alabama.
2. What is the natural lake in Alabama?
Alabama has only one natural lake and that is Lake Jackson. Otherwise, all other lakes, reservoirs and ponds in the state are result of dam constructions.
3. What is the largest man made lake in Alabama?
Created through the construction of the Thomas Wesley Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, Lake Martin is the largest man-made lake in Alabama. The reservoir encompasses 40,000 acres with more than 700 miles of shoreline.
4. What’s the deepest lake in Alabama?
Lewis Smith Lake, encompassing 21,000 acres in Cullman, Walker, and Winston Counties, is the cleanest and deepest lake in Alabama.
5. What are the best lakes to visit in Alabama?
Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, Guntersville Lake, Lake Tuscaloosa, Lay Lake are some of the most popular lakes in Alabama and you must check out these pretty lakes when you’re in the state.
6. How many lakes are in Alabama?
There are 23 public Alabama lakes you will find in the state. These waterbodies are stretching in 20 counties throughout the state.
7. What is Alabama’s major lake?
Also popular as some of the best lakes in Alabama, the 69,000-acre Guntersville Lake is the state’s major lake and the waterbody is located in north Alabama between Bridgeport and Guntersville.
