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Lake Guntersville State Park: An Alabama Outdoor Paradise

Discover Alabama's natural beauty at Lake Guntersville State Park: hiking, fishing, ziplining, and resort-style amenities await!

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Nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama, Lake Guntersville State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities within its 6,000 acres of natural woodlands [2, 5]. From watersports on the 69,000-acre Guntersville Lake to hiking and ziplining, the park provides a blend of relaxation and adventure [6, 7].

A brief summary to Lake Guntersville State Park

Local tips

  • Visit during January and February for the Eagle Awareness programs and a chance to see bald eagles in their natural habitat [2, 4].
  • Bring your fishing gear to take advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities in Lake Guntersville [2, 13].
  • Explore the park's extensive trail system for hiking and biking, with options for all skill levels [2, 5].
  • Consider staying in the park's lodge, cabins, or chalets for a comfortable and immersive experience [4, 12].
  • Check the park's event calendar for special programs, guided hikes, and other activities [2].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Guntersville, head north on AL-69/AL-227 [4]. Continue to follow AL-227, which becomes Lodge Drive as you enter the park [4, 8]. Follow Lodge Drive to reach the main areas of the park, including the lodge, campground, and lake access points [4, 8]. Parking is available at the lodge, campground, and various trailheads [4]. A day-use entry fee of $5 per adult applies [3, 4, 9]. Parking is free at various locations throughout the park [16].

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Discover more about Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park, a sprawling 5,909-acre (2,391 ha) recreational area, graces the eastern shore of Guntersville Lake in Marshall County, Alabama [6, 11]. This expansive park, managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is more than just a scenic spot; it's a multifaceted destination offering a rich tapestry of activities and accommodations [6]. The park's history began in 1947 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) transferred 4,000 acres to the state, initially known as Little Mountain State Park [6, 11]. Officially opened in 1974, the park has since grown into a resort-style retreat and outdoor adventure hub [6, 11]. In 2011, the park faced significant challenges when struck by two tornadoes, leading to extensive rebuilding and upgrades [6, 11]. Today, Lake Guntersville State Park boasts a wide array of attractions [2, 5]. The 69,000-acre Guntersville Lake is a haven for boating, fishing, and watersports [6, 11, 13]. Anglers can test their skills in one of the nation's top spots for bass fishing [22]. For those who prefer land-based activities, over 36 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the park's diverse terrain [2, 5]. The Screaming Eagle Zipline offers an exhilarating aerial perspective of the park's beauty [2, 15]. The park is also known as a prime location for eagle awareness, with nesting bald eagles frequently spotted [2, 4]. Accommodations range from a resort lodge on Taylor Mountain to lakeside cabins, chalets, and modern campgrounds [4, 12, 16]. The Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge features 112 rooms and suites, a restaurant, and conference facilities [2, 12, 16]. The park also provides amenities such as a beach complex, nature center, golf course, and fishing center [2, 5].

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