Gville Me 2 — A sunset cruise on Guntersville Lake (Catherine O’Halloran / The Bama Buzz)

Temperatures are climbing in Alabama and it looks like things will only get hotter from here.

Alabamians are looking for ways to beat the heat and get cool, and what better way than to immerse yourself in the beautiful lakes the state has to offer.

Make a splash with these 8 waterways this summer.

Lake Guntersville

Camping — (Lake Guntersville State Park)

Clocking in as Alabama’s largest Lake, Guntersville covers nearly 70,000 acres. Another manmade lake, the waterway is tucked away in north Alabama.

Known for its superb fishing opportunities, Guntersville is a renowned bass fishing destination, attracting anglers from across the country. Created by the Guntersville Dam along the Tennessee River in 1939, fishing enthusiasts and watersport lovers flock to Lake Guntersville for its beautiful views and abundant opportunities.

Public Boat Ramps:

Bucks Pocket State Park + Boat Ramp | 3370 AL-69, Guntersville, AL 35976
Stevenson City Park Boat Ramp | City Park Rd, Stevenson, AL 35772
Thomas Avenue Boat Launch | 2620 Thomas Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
Honeycomb Campground + Boat Ramp | 188 Camp Ground Rd, Grant, AL 35757
Seibold Boat Ramp | 54 Seibold Creek Rd, Guntersville, AL 35976

Public Swimming Points:

Beach Pavilion at Lake Guntersville State Park | 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
Sunset Drive Beach | 1500 Sunset Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
Guntersville Municipal Park Pier | Lake Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976

Smith Lake

This popular destination is known for its clear, deep waters, perfect for those just a little afraid of what may be swimming below.

Created by Alabama Power in 1961 with the implementation of the Lewis Smith Dam, the lake spans across Cullman, Walker and Winston counties. Another highly ranked fishing opportunity, Smith Lake is known for its spotted bass population.

Public Boat Ramps:

Corinth Recreation Area | 2540 Double Spring Co. Rd 57, Double Springs, AL 35553
Duncan Bridge Marina | 55 Marina Dr, Arley, AL 35541
Duskin Point Marina | 198 Duskin Point, Jasper, AL 35504
Smith Lake Park | 403 County Rd 386, Cullman, AL 35057

Public Swimming Points:

Clear Creek Recreation Area | 8079 Fall City Rd, Jasper, AL 35503
Duncan Bridge Marina | 55 Marina Dr, Arley, AL 35541
Smith Lake Park | 403 County Rd 386, Cullman, AL 35057

Lake Tuscaloosa

Just 20 minutes from The University of Alabama, Lake Tuscaloosa serves as both recreational and necessity as it is the primary source of drinking water for the Tuscaloosa metro area.

Created by the North River Dam in 1970, the lake is known for its beauty, year-round fishing and boating. Don’t be surprised to see Nick Saban at his house is on the lake!

Public Boat Ramps:

Binion Creek Landing Park | 16553 Binion Creek Heights, Northport, AL 35475
Rock Quarry Boat Landing | 11857 Eagle Bluff Rd, Cottondale, AL 35453
Sharpes Landing | At the end of Sharpes Lake Rd, Northport, AL 35473

Public Swimming Points:

Treasure Island County Park | Northport, AL 35475

Lake Eufaula

Also known as Walter F. George Lake, Lake Eufaula is a large reservoir of the Chattahoochee River. Split between southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama, the lake was formed by the Walter F. George Dam in 1964.

Known as the “Bass Capital of the World,” Lake Eufaula consists of 640 miles of shoreline and 45,181 acres for lake goers to view wildlife, fish, swim and boat.

Public Boat Ramps:

Barbour Creek Landing | Near the Hwy 431 bridge, on the north shore of Barbour Creek in Eufaula, AL
Lakepoint Resort State Park Boat Ramp | 104 Old Hwy 165, Eufaula, AL 36027

Public Swimming Points:

Lakepoint Resort State Park Boat Ramp | 104 Old Hwy 165, Eufaula, AL 36027
Old Creek Town Recreation Area | 1144 Lake Dr, Eufaula, AL 36027

Weiss Lake

“The Crappie Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake is a 30,200 acre lake known for its abundant crappie population. Located in northeast Alabama, the 447 miles of shoreline include free public access areas as well as campgrounds, motels and rental cabins.

Public Boat Ramps:

Curley’s Cove | 8840 County Rd 44, Cedar Bluff, AL 35959
Leesburg Landing | Riverside St, Leesburg, AL 35983
Weiss Boat Ramp | Going northeast on AL-68 from Jake’s on the Lake, turn left in 1 mile

Public Swimming Points:

Slackland Beach Park | John L Foster Dr, Leesburg, AL 35983
The Preserves | 55 County Rd 913, Leesburg, AL 35983

Pickwick Lake

Tucked away in northwest Alabama, Pickwick Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming and camping.

Covering 43,100 acres and extending 52.7 miles, the reservoir stretches into both Tennessee and Mississippi as well. Its core lies in the Shoals, where the Pickwick Landing State Park hosts a marina, boat and kayak rentals as well as nature trails, an on-site restaurant and lodge.

Public Boat Ramps:

Cane Creek Boat Ramp | Cane Creek Rd, Cherokee, AL 35616
McFarland Park Boat Ramp | 110 W College St, Florence, AL 35630
Sheffield Riverfront Park + Boat Ramp | 1316 Alabama Ave, Sheffield, AL 35660

Public Swimming Points:

McFarland Park Beach | 200 Jim Spain Dr, Florence, AL 35630

Lay Lake

Just 30 minutes south of Birmingham, Lay Lake sits on the Coosa River.

Created in 1914 by the Alabama Power Company to create hydroelectric power, leading to 14 hydroelectric power plants to be build across the state. Offering 289 miles of shoreline, the 12,000 acre reservoir is known for fishing, boating and swimming.

Public Boat Ramps:

Boat Launch on Cedar Creek | 1551 Cedar Creek Rd, Sylacauga, AL 35151
Camp Waxahatchee Boat Ramp | 265 Waxahatchee Rd, Shelby, AL 35143
Narrows Boat Launch | 1045 County Rd 400, Shelby, AL 35143

Public Swimming Points:

Beeswax Creek Park | 245 Beeswax Park Rd, Columbiana, AL 35051
Kate’s Branch | 3903 Hwy 71, Shelby, AL 35143

Lake Martin

Conveniently located just an hour from Auburn, Lake Martin is one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States. Spanning over 40,000 acres with 880 miles of shoreline, there is no shortage of opportunities.

From jumping off Chimney Rock with friends to waterfront dining; exploring Smith Mountain and visiting the fire tower or hiking Wind Creek State Park, Lake Martin has a variety to offer.

Public Boat Ramps: