The Best Kept Summer Secret in Alabama Is This Stunning Fishing Lake

It's no secret that summers in Alabama can get pretty hot, so that's why it's always so great to find a hidden nature spot that the big crowds haven't discovered yet. And that's exactly what we discovered in Oak Mountain State Park, the largest park in the Yellowhammer State — at 11,861 acres, it's not a surprise that there are still some secrets hiding there. Double Oak Lake, a sprawling 61-acre reservoir, is one of the best lakes in Alabama during these sweltering summer months for water recreation that cools the body and invigorates the spirit.

While the lake is very peaceful and isolated, it's surprisingly central to one of the state's largest cities, as Oak Mountain is only a short drive from Birmingham. That's why a good number of locals in on the secret will make this their summer getaway. There is a lot to see and do in Oak Mountain State Park, often acclaimed as the best state park in Alabama, and it never feels more alive than it does when the days are long and the summer sun is shining on the lake.

What Makes This Spot So Special

Double Oak Lake might be a man-made reservoir, but the designers really outdid themselves with this one. The lake is spacious enough so that it almost never feels crowded, and it offers spots for just about every type of water recreation. Swimming is allowed and encouraged, and boating is permitted for non-motorized vehicles like canoes. However, the lake's most dedicated visitors are the anglers, who consider this one of the state's best spots for reeling in largemouth bass and catfish.

What It's Like to Visit

The lake makes an amazing home base for adventures in Oak Mountain State Park, which is home to over 100 miles of hiking trails. The lake is best accessed by the Double Oak Lake Loop via Lake Trail and Green Trail, a moderate four-mile hike that takes you around the perimeter of the lake and into some of the peaceful forests and beautiful overlooks found within.

One of the most unique things you can do in the area is a visit to the Treetop Nature Trail, a family-friendly elevated wildlife trail operated by the Alabama Wildlife Center, a non-profit focused on rehabilitating wildlife with a focus on wild birds. Say hello to the current residents before they take flight again!

What to Know Before You Go

Oak Mountain State Park charges admission at the gate, a modest fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors, with veterans getting access for free. Admission to the wildlife trail is free with park admission. The park is open from 7 AM to sunset every day, and is open for camping year-round. If you don't want to stay in the park, dozens of hotels are available in nearby Birmingham, as you definitely might want to turn this into a multi-day adventure.

Have you visited this beautiful hidden spot in Oak Mountain State Park before? If you want to see why it's being called the best fishing lake in Alabama, tell a friend about this article and plan a visit while the weather is still great for a day on the water! You can see more information about the park on the Oak Mountain State Park page on the Alabama Parks website, and the Alabama Wildlife Center webpage can fill you in on this non-profit's vital mission.

If you work up an appetite after a long day on the water, make sure to pay a visit to Magnolia Point, an acclaimed Birmingham restaurant serving Gulf Coast seafood at its finest. And check out Only in Your State's list of the best hidden nature spots across the US for some ideas for your next road trip!