One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in Alabama Is Surprisingly Overlooked

It’s truly astonishing what spending a few hours near water can do for the soul. While I love Alabama’s coastal beaches, I prefer to go to our lakes when I need a reset. Thankfully, there are plenty of scenic lakes in Alabama that are worthy of your time. Lake Guntersville, Lake Martin, and Lewis Smith Lake are all perfect for one activity or another, but there’s a particularly hidden lake in Alabama where you can go to escape the crowds, and that’s truly my happy place. 

What Makes This Lake So Beautiful

Lake Lurleen is only nine miles northwest of Tuscaloosa, but it feels worlds away. The 250-acre lake is the perfect place to go when you want to experience Alabama’s natural scenery, and Lake Lurleen State Park offers 1,625 acres to enjoy. 

The lake itself was formed in the 1950s when the state dammed a tributary of the nearby Big Creek, and it’s been enjoyed by locals ever since. Speaking of locals, Lake Lurleen was named after Alabama’s first female governor, Lurleen Wallace, who was a native of Tuscaloosa County. 

What You Can Do at This Lake

Fishing

Lake Lurleen has become a favorite spot for fishing, and it might just have some of the best fishing in Alabama. The lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. Purchase an Alabama fishing license online before you drop a line in. 

Boat Rentals

Spending a day on Lake Lurleen is always a good idea. The state park offers several different boat rentals, including paddle boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and paddle boards to take out on the lake. Check the boat rental rules ahead of time, but generally speaking, anyone 16 years or older can rent one, though you do need a vessel license to use a trolling motor. 

Swimming

Lake Lurleen’s beach is the perfect spot to spend a summer day. Head over to this secret swimming spot in Alabama and enjoy a fantastic beach day; just make sure to bring some towels and chairs, and you’re ready to rock. There are restrooms nearby, plus a shower station to rinse off. If you want to do any grilling, rent the beachside pavilion. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimmers must stay in the designated swimming area. Read all of the beach rules before you head over.

Hiking

One of the best ways to view this beautiful lake in Alabama is by taking one of the hiking trails. Lake Lurleen State Park has several waterfront hiking trails that vary in length, ranging from a 4-mile lakeside trail to the epic 20-mile trek that does a full loop around the lake. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the landscape: just strolling along the trails, taking in the views, and listening for all the birds that also love the lake. 

What To Know Before You Go

If you’re tempted to turn the day trip into a weekend adventure, there are nearly 70 campsites at Lake Lurleen State Park with electric, water, and sewer connections. For my primitive camping friends, you can enjoy one of the seven tent campsites with beautiful views and access to a bathhouse. 

Even though this is a bit of a hidden lake in Alabama, certain times of the year certainly draw the crowds—especially during football season. There is a two-night minimum for reservations made during college football weekends, and reservations are highly recommended for those weekends. 

For those in the Tuscaloosa area, you really can’t beat this beautiful lake in Alabama. It’s the perfect spot to escape the city without committing to a long road trip. Visit the official website for Lake Lurleen State Park to learn more and start planning your adventure today.  

If you do want to gas up the car and hit the road, check out some of these lakefront towns in Alabama.