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Lake Lurleen State Park: A West Alabama Retreat

Discover Alabama's natural beauty at Lake Lurleen State Park: hiking, fishing, camping, and a tranquil lake await near Tuscaloosa and Northport.

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Nestled in Tuscaloosa County, Lake Lurleen State Park offers a scenic escape with a 250-acre lake for fishing, swimming, and boating, plus extensive hiking and biking trails. Named after Alabama's first female governor, Lurleen Wallace, the park provides a blend of outdoor recreation and natural beauty [5, 12].

A brief summary to Lake Lurleen State Park

Local tips

  • Check the official Alabama State Parks website for updates on closures and re-opening dates due to ongoing renovations [4].
  • Bring your fishing gear! Lake Lurleen is stocked with bass, bream, catfish and crappie [4, 5].
  • Explore the 23+ miles of hiking and biking trails that wind around the lake [2, 4].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Lake Lurleen State Park is located off US Highway 82, approximately 9 miles northwest of Northport [5, 10]. From Northport, take US-82 W/AL-14 W. Turn left onto Lake Lurleen Road, and follow it to the park entrance [11]. Parking is available near the park entrance [17]. Day use entrance fees are $5 for adults (12-61), $2 for children (4-11) and seniors (62+) [7]. Children under 3, veterans, active and retired military personnel are free [7].

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Discover more about Lake Lurleen State Park

Lake Lurleen State Park, a 1,625-acre haven in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, is named in honor of Lurleen Wallace, Alabama's only female governor [5, 12, 16]. Established in 1952, the park features the 250-acre Lake Lurleen, created by damming a tributary of Big Creek [5, 15]. Originally known as Tuscaloosa County Public Lake, the state took control in 1970 and renamed it in 1972 [5]. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts [6, 16]. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie, making it ideal for fishing [4, 5]. Anglers can enjoy pier and bank fishing, and boat launch areas are available [3, 4]. While gasoline motors are allowed, jet skiing and water skiing are prohibited, ensuring a peaceful environment [3, 10]. Lake Lurleen also offers a swimming area with a beach and bathhouse [3, 4]. For those who prefer land-based activities, over 23 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park, perfect for hiking and mountain biking [2, 4]. These trails, designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2011, range from easy to moderate in difficulty and hug the lake's shoreline [4, 5]. The park provides modern camping facilities, including 91 campsites with water and electric hookups, and 35 sites with sewer connections [4, 16]. Bathhouses are conveniently located throughout the campground [4]. Other amenities include picnic areas, play areas, pavilions, an activity building, and boat rentals [3, 4]. Note that Lake Lurleen State Park is currently closed for renovations until Winter 2025-2026, though some trails remain open [3, 4].

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