Top 15 Stunning Lakes to Visit in Alabama

Over three percent of the state of Alabama consists of water. Notably, it is home to one of the most extensive navigational waterways in the nation. The geographical landscape of Alabama features mountains, valleys, streams, rivers, and lakes.

There are more than 100 lakes throughout Alabama, many of which serve as inviting vacation spots. Additionally, due to the favorable climate in this southern state, these lakes remain accessible year-round. Here are the premier lakes in Alabama:

1. Guntersville Lake, Jackson & Marshall Counties

Alabama’s largest lake is situated between the cities of Guntersville and Bridgeport in the northern region of the state. The 121-kilometer shoreline is interspersed with parks and accommodations, providing an array of recreational activities.

The amenities include a boat dock, a designated swimming area, a beach, and picnic spots along the shorelines, complemented by a public fishing pier. Furthermore, there are boat launches for anglers aiming to catch bass in deeper waters.

Encircling Guntersville Lake is over 2,400 hectares of woodlands that provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Notable bird species that can be spotted include lesser scaup, red-breasted mergansers, gadwalls, and even bald eagles!

2. Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, Walker & Winston Counties

Situated along the Black Warrior River, Lewis Smith Lake is recognized as one of Alabama’s clearest bodies of water. Consequently, it is a favored destination for vacations and a sought-after area for those interested in purchasing holiday homes.

This three-fingered lake features over 800 kilometers of shoreline, ideal for swimming, boating, and a variety of water sports. Fishing is also highly regarded here, especially for bass.

The numerous coves enhance its aesthetic appeal, and the lake boasts the 21-meter high Indian head cliff jump; however, caution is advised when plunging into the water below.

3. Lake Martin, Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties

This 17,800-hectare lake features over 1,200 kilometers of wooded shoreline. At the time of its construction, Lake Martin was regarded as the world’s largest man-made body of water.

It is a scenic lake situated just south of Alexander City, and it remains a popular summer retreat for residents of the city and neighboring communities in the southern USA. Visitors can indulge in swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing.

Walking trails around the lake facilitate immersion in nature and birdwatching, and the lake itself is home to various small islands, albeit most are uninhabited.

4. Wheeler Lake, Madison County

Wheeler Lake, located along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, boasts a 96.5-kilometer stretch from the Wheeler Dam to the Guntersville Dam, rendering it the second-largest lake in the state.

This lake attracts approximately four million visitors annually, many of whom partake in camping, boating, and fishing activities.

Just upstream lies the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, a favored locale for fishing, complemented by several nearby golf courses.

5. Neely Henry Lake, Calhoun, Etowah & St. Clair counties

This 4,500-hectare lake is located along the Coosa River, approximately one hour northeast of Birmingham. Neely Henry Lake was formed by the dam of the same name and is named in honor of a senior executive of Alabama Power.

Offering over 540 kilometers of shoreline, the lake provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching, alongside its reputation as a prominent fishing spot for largemouth and spotted bass.

Numerous cabins are available for rent along the shoreline, as well as opportunities to hire a boat.

6. Weiss Lake, Cherokee County

Weiss Lake extends into neighboring Georgia, yet 90 percent of it lies within Alabama. This 13,000-hectare lake is nourished by the Coosa, Chattooga, and Little Rivers.

With over 700 kilometers of shoreline bordered by privately owned hotels and marinas, Weiss Lake also offers numerous campgrounds for those who prefer an outdoor experience.

Striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie populate the lake, creating a popular fishing destination. The optimal time for bass fishing is from February to May, while anglers typically pursue crappie from March to May.

7. Lake Wedowee, Randolph County

Positioned on the upper section of the Tallapoosa River, Lake Wedowee was developed at one of Alabama’s last hydroelectric sites. The 43,000-hectare lake was formed by the flooding behind the R.L. Harris Dam.

The lake is renowned for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and water skiing; however, its main attraction is the thriving population of bass.

Public boat launches are available for those with their own vessels. Flat Rock Park, located at the lake’s west end, also serves as a splendid swimming destination.

8. Lay Lake, St. Clair, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa & Chilton counties

Located just 35 minutes from Birmingham, Lay Lake is a reservoir covering over 4,800 hectares, utilized for recreation and hydroelectric generation.

This lake is particularly known for hosting fishing tournaments, especially for bass, while crappie are also abundant.

There are seven public access points for boaters, five of which include docks. Visitors preferring land-based exploration can visit the nearby Heritage Trail Pioneer Village.

9. Jordan Lake, Elmore County

Jordan Lake is a 2,800-hectare reservoir situated in central Alabama. It is a recreational lake positioned along the Coosa River.

The lake features over 300 kilometers of shoreline interspersed with cabins, cottages, camping areas, and marinas. Boating, fishing, and swimming are the primary activities enjoyed by visitors.

Sport fish prevalent in Jordan Lake include bass, bluegill, crappie, and sunfish, alongside various species of catfish.

10. Walter F. George Lake, Barbour County

Positioned along the Chattahoochee River, Walter F. George Lake is shared with Georgia as it straddles the state line. The lake is commonly referred to as Lake Eufaula, named after the city it borders.

Walter F. George Lake honors a former Georgia state senator and is regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Offering a 1,030-kilometer shoreline, it provides ample recreational opportunities both in and out of the water.

The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge and Lakepoint State Park are located along the lake’s shoreline and present a variety of activities such as camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.

11. Lake Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County

Lake Tuscaloosa was established during the damming of the North River for the nearby residents. Presently, it not only supplies water to the community but is also a popular destination for recreational activities.

The 238,200-hectare reservoir encompasses a 285-kilometer shoreline, where visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing. Common fish found in the lake consist of various bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, and crappie.

Notably, the lake provides stunning views, especially during sunset. Numerous cabins and cottages, along with luxurious homes, line the shores.

12. Logan Martin Lake, St. Clair & Talladega counties

This smaller Coosa River lake has a shoreline stretching 443 kilometers and reaches a depth of 34 meters, making it an excellent choice for recreational activities.

A multitude of visitors flock to Logan Martin Lake for water skiing, swimming, and boating. Fishing is also quite enjoyable, with abundant quantities of largemouth and spotted bass.

The lake features two boat ramps and a marina, in addition to various accommodation options in the surrounding communities, characterized by impressive multi-million dollar residences.

13. Wilson Lake, Colbert, Lauderdale & Lawrence counties

Wilson Lake is located in northern Alabama and was created by the Wilson Dam. This 24-kilometer lake extends from the city of Florence to the Wheeler Dam.

It is a popular fishing destination, noted for its plentiful catfish, as well as largemouth and smallmouth bass. Angling can be pursued either from boats or along the banks of the 6,272-hectare lake.

The lake is equipped with harbors and offers camping facilities on its eastern side near the dam.

14. Bankhead Lake, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa & Walker counties

Located along the Black Warrior River, Bankhead Lake was established in 1915 during the construction of the Bankhead Dam. As the second-largest lake along the river, it spans 3,723 hectares.

The shoreline is extensively developed with private residences, rental properties, and marinas, along with five public boat launches spread throughout the lake.

Bankhead Lake is especially famous among anglers for its population of spotted and largemouth bass. Additionally, crappie, striped bass, rainbow trout, and catfish are bountiful.

15. Lake Lurleen State Park, Tuscaloosa County

This publicly owned recreational area caters to boating, fishing, paddle boating, and swimming activities. The lake is notable for its plentiful population of catfish, largemouth bass, bream, and crappie.

The park features 91 campsites along the 658-hectare lake and includes an impressive 37-kilometer network of trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

Lake Lurleen State Park also boasts a beach, picnic areas, play zones, and boat launch sites, making it an excellent venue for a day’s outing or an extended vacation.