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Lake Guntersville State Park: An Alabama Natural Paradise

Discover Alabama's natural beauty at Lake Guntersville State Park: hiking, fishing, ziplining, and stunning lake views await!

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Lake Guntersville State Park, nestled in northeast Alabama, offers 6,000 acres of natural beauty along the Tennessee River [2, 5]. With stunning lake views, diverse recreational activities, and comfortable accommodations, it's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike [2, 16].

A brief summary to Lake Guntersville State Park

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during the Eagle Awareness weekends in January and February [2, 14].
  • Pack comfortable shoes for hiking the extensive trail system [2, 3].
  • Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons and holidays [2, 4].
  • Check the park's event calendar for guided hikes, nature programs, and other activities [2].
  • A daily entrance fee is required: $5 per adult, $2 for kids (11 and under) and seniors (62+). [3, 4, 10]
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Guntersville, head east on AL-227 for approximately 5.6 miles [10]. The park entrance will be on your left. Follow the park road to reach the lodge, campground, or other desired areas within the park [10]. Parking is available at various locations throughout the park, including the lodge, campground, golf course, and trailheads [10]. A daily entrance fee is required: $5 per adult, $2 for kids (11 and under) and seniors (62+) [3, 4, 10].

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Lake Guntersville State Park are limited, Guntersville Public Transportation offers services within the city limits [10]. From a location within Guntersville, contact them at (256) 571-7574 to inquire about transportation to the park entrance [10]. Note that this service is primarily for residents and requires advance booking. Fares vary based on distance, starting at $1.00 for trips within 0-5 miles [10].

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Discover more about Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park, a sprawling 5,909-acre (2,391-hectare) park in Guntersville, Alabama, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers [9, 11]. Situated on the eastern shore of the vast 69,000-acre (28,000-hectare) Guntersville Lake, formed by the Tennessee River, the park boasts a rich history and diverse landscape [9, 12]. Originally known as Little Mountain State Park, it began in 1947 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) donated land to the state [9, 11]. The park officially opened in 1974 and has since become a popular destination for those seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty [9, 11]. The park offers a wide array of activities, including hiking on over 36 miles of trails, fishing in Alabama's largest lake, and exploring the outdoors at the nature center [2, 3, 8]. For thrill-seekers, there's the Screaming Eagle Zipline, offering breathtaking views of the park [2, 5]. The park also features an 18-hole championship golf course for golf enthusiasts [2, 5, 12]. Lake Guntersville State Park provides various lodging options, from modern campgrounds and lakeside cabins to chalets nestled on the ridgetops and a resort lodge on Taylor Mountain [2, 4, 7]. The Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge features 112 rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities [6, 7, 15]. Select accommodations are dog-friendly and handicap accessible [2, 6]. Beyond recreation, the park also serves as an important habitat for wildlife, particularly the American bald eagle [2, 14]. Each year, the park hosts Eagle Awareness programs, educating visitors about these magnificent birds and their importance to the ecosystem [2, 10, 14]. While enjoying the park's natural beauty, visitors can also reflect on its historical significance [20, 21]. The area was once inhabited by Cherokee peoples, and later, it was impacted by the TVA's Tennessee River project, which displaced thousands of residents [21]. Today, Lake Guntersville State Park stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the dedication of those who work to preserve it [10].

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