Alabama is home to over 100 lakes but has only one naturally formed lake – Lake Jackson in Florala. The rest are beautiful man-made wonders that provide incredible recreational activities. But with so many gorgeous lakes in Alabama, it’s hard to narrow them down to a favorite. So, we reached out to our valued readers on our Only in Alabama Facebook Page to find the top lakes in the state. And without further delay, here are the 10 most beautiful lakes in Alabama according to our readers.
- Lake on the Brow
Peaceful Retreats via Only in Alabama At only 14-acres, this is perhaps the smallest lake on this list. But don’t let the size fool you because this mountain lake is stunning and offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Nestled along Lookout Mountain, the lake offers swimming, jet-skiing, boating, kayaking, and more. It’s also a great lake to relax in peace, while admiring the pretty blue-green waters. This is a private lake situated inside the borders of a residential community. County Road 103, Co Rd 103, United States
- Wheeler Lake
Ken Pepper via Only in Alabama As the second largest lake in Alabama, Wheeler Lake attracts millions of tourists each year. It’s a major hub for camping, boating, and fishing. This 65,000-acre lake is situated along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, and it’s known for its blue catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and white bass fish population. This stunning lake is a paradise for anglers. Wheeler Lake, Alabama, USA
- Lake Martin
Cindy Loftin Bailey via Only in Alabama With approximately 800 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is nestled in central Alabama, spanning across several counties. And this gem is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting lots of hiking trails as well as many small unoccupied islands. One of the most recognizable aspects of the lake is Chimney Rock, which is a towering rock formation along the lake. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be happy to know that Lake Martin has over 35 courses for you to choose from. Lake Martin, Alabama, USA
- Highland Lake
Jake Lemley via Only in Alabama If you love to catch sunsets, then you’ll have one of the best seats in the house at Highland Lake. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this breathtaking lake is surrounded by a small residential community. Built in 1954, the lake boasts 257 acres with 15 miles of shoreline and offers hiking, boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, and more. Highland Lake, AL 35121, USA
- Shelby Lakes
Steve Easley via Only in Alabama By far, Shelby Lakes is one of the prettiest lakes in Alabama. Just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, this 900-acre lake is the perfect lake for camping or a day trip. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic or fire up the grill, then spend some time floating or paddling in the freshwater lake. Bring the pup along to enjoy some fun at this Alabama oasis. But be sure to watch out for the gators. Shelby Lakes, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
- Logan Martin Lake
Rhonda Holderfield White via Only in Alabama Constructed in 1965 by the Alabama Power Company, Logan Martin Lake is nestled along the Coosa River. Nicknamed “Lake of a Thousand Coves,” this lake is a haven for anglers who attend the many fishing competitions held there each year. The lake boasts several marinas making it popular for boating as well. Logan Martin Lake, Alabama, USA
- Lewis Smith Lake
Management/TripAdvisor It’s easy to see why Lewis Smith Lake made the list. At approximately 300 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in Alabama, and it’s also one of the clearest in America. Each year, the pretty turquoise blue waters of this 21,000-acre lake attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts seeking fun in the sun. With great restaurants, scenic multi-use trails, and ample water activities, Lewis Smith Lake is a true Alabama paradise. Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
- Citronelle Lake
Elaine Etheredge via Only in Alabama Perhaps one of the lesser-known lakes on the list but it’s still brimming with beauty. The lake is nestled inside a recreational and RV facility, that offers disc golf, camping, swimming, and more. If you’d like to relax in a peaceful sanctuary, then Citronelle Lake is for you. Citronelle Lake, Citronelle, AL 36522, USA
- Weiss Lake
Shirley Whitehurst via Only in Alabama Known as the “Crappie Fishing Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake is a haven that attracts thousands of anglers each year. This 30,000-acre lake is located in northeast Alabama and boasts over 35 marinas. In addition to the marinas, you’ll find campgrounds, hotels, and cabin rentals along the shoreline. Making Weiss Lake perfect for a weekend getaway. Weiss Lake, Alabama 36075, USA
- Guntersville Lake
Lee Capshaw via Only in Alabama We might have saved the best for last because Lake Guntersville had the most entries. It’s easy to see why this 69,000-acre lake is so beloved by many. As the largest lake in Alabama, there is lots to do along the 900-mile of shorelines. Enjoy boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and everything in between. You’ll also enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. Guntersville Lake is truly an Alabama gem. Guntersville Lake, Alabama 35769, USA
So, did your favorite lake make the list? If not, consider joining our Alabama Nature Lovers Facebook Page to discover more epic photographs like these as well as to share your own.
Peaceful Retreats via Only in Alabama
At only 14-acres, this is perhaps the smallest lake on this list. But don’t let the size fool you because this mountain lake is stunning and offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Nestled along Lookout Mountain, the lake offers swimming, jet-skiing, boating, kayaking, and more. It’s also a great lake to relax in peace, while admiring the pretty blue-green waters. This is a private lake situated inside the borders of a residential community.
County Road 103, Co Rd 103, United States
Ken Pepper via Only in Alabama
As the second largest lake in Alabama, Wheeler Lake attracts millions of tourists each year. It’s a major hub for camping, boating, and fishing. This 65,000-acre lake is situated along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, and it’s known for its blue catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and white bass fish population. This stunning lake is a paradise for anglers.
Wheeler Lake, Alabama, USA
Cindy Loftin Bailey via Only in Alabama
With approximately 800 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is nestled in central Alabama, spanning across several counties. And this gem is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting lots of hiking trails as well as many small unoccupied islands. One of the most recognizable aspects of the lake is Chimney Rock, which is a towering rock formation along the lake. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be happy to know that Lake Martin has over 35 courses for you to choose from.
Lake Martin, Alabama, USA
Jake Lemley via Only in Alabama
If you love to catch sunsets, then you’ll have one of the best seats in the house at Highland Lake. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this breathtaking lake is surrounded by a small residential community. Built in 1954, the lake boasts 257 acres with 15 miles of shoreline and offers hiking, boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, and more.
Highland Lake, AL 35121, USA
Steve Easley via Only in Alabama
By far, Shelby Lakes is one of the prettiest lakes in Alabama. Just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, this 900-acre lake is the perfect lake for camping or a day trip. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic or fire up the grill, then spend some time floating or paddling in the freshwater lake. Bring the pup along to enjoy some fun at this Alabama oasis. But be sure to watch out for the gators.
Shelby Lakes, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Rhonda Holderfield White via Only in Alabama
Constructed in 1965 by the Alabama Power Company, Logan Martin Lake is nestled along the Coosa River. Nicknamed “Lake of a Thousand Coves,” this lake is a haven for anglers who attend the many fishing competitions held there each year. The lake boasts several marinas making it popular for boating as well.
Logan Martin Lake, Alabama, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
It’s easy to see why Lewis Smith Lake made the list. At approximately 300 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in Alabama, and it’s also one of the clearest in America. Each year, the pretty turquoise blue waters of this 21,000-acre lake attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts seeking fun in the sun. With great restaurants, scenic multi-use trails, and ample water activities, Lewis Smith Lake is a true Alabama paradise.
Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, USA
Elaine Etheredge via Only in Alabama
Perhaps one of the lesser-known lakes on the list but it’s still brimming with beauty. The lake is nestled inside a recreational and RV facility, that offers disc golf, camping, swimming, and more. If you’d like to relax in a peaceful sanctuary, then Citronelle Lake is for you.
Citronelle Lake, Citronelle, AL 36522, USA
Shirley Whitehurst via Only in Alabama
Known as the “Crappie Fishing Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake is a haven that attracts thousands of anglers each year. This 30,000-acre lake is located in northeast Alabama and boasts over 35 marinas. In addition to the marinas, you’ll find campgrounds, hotels, and cabin rentals along the shoreline. Making Weiss Lake perfect for a weekend getaway.
Weiss Lake, Alabama 36075, USA
Lee Capshaw via Only in Alabama
We might have saved the best for last because Lake Guntersville had the most entries. It’s easy to see why this 69,000-acre lake is so beloved by many. As the largest lake in Alabama, there is lots to do along the 900-mile of shorelines. Enjoy boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and everything in between. You’ll also enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. Guntersville Lake is truly an Alabama gem.
Guntersville Lake, Alabama 35769, USA
And if you’d like to read about more incredible lakes, check out our previous article: It’s No Secret Why These 9 Lakes Are The Best In Alabama.
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