Reviewed by: Michael Seale
Summer lake days are coming—5 amazing lakes near Huntsville
The small stretches of warm weather we’ve been getting are making me dream of summer lake days. If you’re in the same boat as me, check out these 5 amazing lakes near Huntsville + the top activities you can do at each destination.
1. Lake Guntersville
Want to experience the wonder of Alabama’s largest lake? Then check out all you can do on these 67,900 acres.
What to do:
- World-class fishing
- Boating, skiing, kayaking + canoeing
- Lake Guntersville State Park featuring 18-hole championship golf course, beach, hiking trails + more
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining at Screaming Eagle
- City Harbor
- Downtown Guntersville
BONUS: Lake Guntersville will host a major pro bass fishing tournament in 2025.
Where to eat:
- See these top 11 restaurants on Lake Guntersville, including burgers, oysters, fine dining + more
Where to stay:
Distance from Huntsville: 1 hr + 5 min
2. Lewis Smith Lake
I’ve hardly ever seen waters more gorgeous than Smith Lake. Located between Birmingham and Huntsville,
What to do:
- Fishing
- Boating, skiing, kayaking + canoeing
- Mini golf
- Visit the Natural Bridge of Alabama
- Camping, biking + hiking
Where to eat:
- See these top restaurants around Smith Lake, including Mexican cuisine, BBQ, coffee + more.
Where to stay:
- Check out these 261 vacation rentals around Smith Lake.
Distance from Huntsville: 1 hr + 13 min
3. Lake Weiss
What to do:
- Fishing—known as the “Crappie Capital of the World”
- Boating, skiing, kayaking + canoeing
- Golf courses
- Visit waterfalls
- Hiking trails
Where to eat:
- See these great restaurants near Lake Weiss, including steak, BBQ, a rooftop bar + more
Where to stay:
- Check out these 90 vacation rentals around Lake Weiss.
Distance from Huntsville: 1 hr + 51 min
4. Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake attracts boaters and anglers from all over the state. Here are some of the top activities on this Alabama gem:
What to do:
- Great fishing
- Check out the fishing tournaments
- Boating, skiing, kayaking + canoeing
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking + biking
Where to eat:
- See the top restaurants around Wilson Lake, including steak, Southern cuisine + more.
Where to stay:
- Check out these vacation rentals around Lake Wilson.
Distance from Huntsville: 1 hr + 16 min
5. Wheeler Lake
If you’re looking for a great fishing spot, Wheeler Lake is your lake destination. Check out other things you can do when you go:
What to do:
- Excellent fishing
- Check out the fishing tournaments
- Boating, skiing, kayaking + canoeing
- Wildlife viewing at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
- Championship golf course
- Wheeler Lake Scenic Cruises
- Play disc golf
Where to eat:
- See the top 10 restaurants around Wheeler Lake, including seafood, pizza + soul food.
Where to stay:
- Check out 710 vacation rentals on Wheeler Lake.
Distance from Huntsville: 42 min
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