The mighty Tennessee River flows through Northeast Alabama into the state’s largest lake, Lake Guntersville. There are so many things to do at Lake Guntersville State Park, both on land and on water that it will make a fabulous day trip, weekend away or vacation. The choice of accommodation ranges from the swish Lake Guntersville Lodge to the Guntersville Lake campground. It’s readily apparent why Lake Guntersville State Park is one of the best places to visit in Alabama.
Contents
7 Things To Do At Lake Guntersville State Park
There are plenty of things to do at Lake Guntersville State Park from the laid-back joy of kayaking to the adrenaline thrill of the Lake Guntersville zipline. There are plenty of things for children to do (e.g., the Lake Guntersville beach), for adults (the Guntersville State Park golf course) and for the entire family (Lake Guntersville horseback riding).
The Lake Guntersville State Park is a great escape to nature in Alabama.
Lake Guntersville Boat Rental
On Alabama highway 227 you will find Town Creek Fishing Center, the boat rental facility for Guntersville Lake AL.
Lake Guntersville state park boat rentals are super easy. They are open from March to October and offer a wide variety of rentals to suit your needs. You can rent flat-bottom boats, canoes, pontoons, and bass boats.
There are also two Lake Guntersville boat ramps where you can launch your own vessel as well as a fishing pier.
You can also rent non-motorised boats such as canoes and kayaks.
With a Lake Guntersville boat rental, it’s easy to explore this vast lake.
Lake Guntersville Fishing
The lake is known for its large stock of largemouth bass, but there are also bluegill, bream, redear sunfish, crappie, and more to be caught. It is also known as one of the best lakes for kayak fishing, and there are various points from which to launch your kayak.
You can get your fishing license and equipment at the Lake Guntersville Campground store.
There are almost a dozen fishing tournaments that take place here annually including the Big Bass Classic and Spro Frog Fishing Launch in October.
A map showing how off the size of Lake Guntersville and the towns bordering it including Scottsboro and Guntersville.
Lake Guntersville Horseback Riding
Explore the thousands of acres of Lake Guntersville’s woodlands on horseback to truly appreciate the stunning scenery.
Alabama Horseback Adventures offers one and two-hour rides on well-trained and well-kept horses. You can arrange longer rides, including overnight camping trips, by prior arrangement as well.
Want to have a meal as part of of your trail ride? They can arrange a barbecue but the most popular choice is takeaway from Chick-Fil-A!
Experienced guides take you on trails to breathe in the natural surroundings and unwind in the tranquility of the forest. Experiencing nature on horseback gives you a unique perspective of the land and brings you closer than ever to your environment. It really gives you a perspective on how early American settlers would have braved the elements and danger all around to trek into the unknown.
Alabama Horseback Adventures work with the Lake Guntersville State Park resident naturalist as well so that you could make your horseback riding an educational experience as well.
On my trail ride with Alabama Horseback Adventures, it turned out that we had met this team before on a trail ride in Cody Wyoming. The team that worked with the tourist office in Cody when we were there returned to their roots in Alabama during Covid 19.
They have years of experience and were great with me, a nervous rider. On our ride, we even came across a rattlesnake. The city slicker in me was happily photographing away not realising there was danger around. When the horses got nervous at the rattling noise, our guides grabbed the reins and we calmly backed away from the rattlesnake.
Fun things to do at Lake Guntersville state park include a guided trail ride.
Here’s my photo of the rattlesnake that I didn’t even know was a rattlesnake until I was told afterwards. It sounded like cicadas or general “nature” noise to raised-in-the-burbs of New York me.
The large rattlesnake we encountered on horseback with Alabama Horseback Adventures at Lake Guntersville State Park.
Sam Wright, the owner of Alabama Horseback Adventures, who was our lead guide told us that rattlesnakes are NOT a regular occurrence on their trail rides. Anyway, we were super glad to have experienced horse people with us on this ride.
Lake Guntersville Park Trails
Lake Guntersville Park has miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horse back riding. There are 20+ hiking trails that range from an easy 1/2 mile hike to 3.5 miles. The trails connect together to form a total of 36 miles.
There is also a Bobo accessible trail that runs from Lake Guntersville Lodge to the Mabrey Outlook.
If you are into geocaching, Lake Guntersville park has a geocache on site.
Mabrey’s Rock of Ages is a landmark at Lake Guntersville State Park.
Lake Guntersville Zipline
If you really need an adrenaline rush, check out the Screaming Eagle Zipline at Lake Guntersville. The Lake Guntersville zipline has two levels with different lengths and heights (and age and height requirements).
The Lake Guntersville zipline has a really cool name – the Screaming Eagle zipline!
The Eagle’s Nest Golf Club
The Eagle’s Nest Golf Club is one of the premier golf destinations in the country and offers unique and challenging experiences on every hole. Elevation changes throughout the Guntersville State Park golf course, and there are marvelous views of the lake and surrounding hills as it is located on top of Taylor Mountain.
Some holes are also lined with trees adding a little extra challenge. There is also a full-service driving range and a putting green if you want to practice your swing. Keep an eye out for some wildlife on the greens as the occasional deer has been known to stroll along.
Lake Guntersville Beach
For rest and relaxation, there’s a beautiful beachfront park that families will love. The water is calm and the wide sandy beach is perfect for playing.
Beach hours are from sunrise to sunset. The Lake Guntersville beach is open to both day trippers and people staying in Lake Guntersville lodging.
The Lake Guntersville campgrounds are near the Lake Guntersville beach area.
Lake Guntersville Lodging
There are various types of accommodation available, from upscale lodges to backcountry camping. Whatever your needs are, there is something for everyone at Lake Guntersville park.
Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge
Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge is a beautiful complex with the rustic elements you find in national park lodges elsewhere. The lodge sits on the edge of Taylor Mountain with unparalleled views of the 69,000-acre lake flowing into the horizon.
Surrounded by lush pine and hardwood forest, the setting of the lodge is unmatched. The resort-style lodge is perfect year-round with a crystal swimming pool for hot summers days and a cozy lounge area with a fireplace for chilly winter evenings.
Although there are 112 rooms and suites for guests, the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge feels spacious thanks to the soaring ceiling heights. There is a game room, fitness center, and saunas on the premises too. The Pinecrest Dining Room will look after all your gastronomic needs with their hearty buffets, breakfasts, and famous Sunday lunches.
The swimming pool and glorious views at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.
Lake Guntersville Cabins and Chalets
Nothing beats a weekend away at the lakeside in a comfortable cabin with friends and family. Luckily, at Lake Guntersville Park you have a choice of Lake Guntersville cabins ranging from standard to sumptuous.
The regular Lake Guntersville cabins and Executive Chalets can accommodate up to 6 people while the Luxury Chalet is suitable for two.
Lake Guntersville Cabins
The Lake Guntersville cabins are well equipped and modern and can sleep six adults comfortably. The cozy living room and dining room area is the central entertainment area of the house and also includes a TV.
The kitchen is equipped with all the basics such as dishes and cookware and a spacious fridge. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed, and the second bedroom has two double beds. Each Lake Guntersville cabin also has two bathrooms.
To top it all off, the cabin also has a porch with seating, an outside grill, and a fire ring where you can make s’mores and watch the stars.
Pets allowed only in certain Lake Guntersville cabins.
Lake Guntersville Executive Chalets
Are you looking for a more luxe experience than the Lake Guntersville cabins while retaining the privacy and flexibility of self-catering accommodation?
The Lake Guntersville Executive chalet has upgraded furniture like leather sofas and flat-screen televisions, gas fireplace and a full kitchen.
There is a main bedroom with a king size bed and a second bedroom with two double beds. There is only one bathroom.
There is a wraparound porch and a gas grill outside too. Pets are not allowed in the Executive Chalets.
Lake Guntersville Luxury Chalets
For the ultimate in privacy, the Lake Guntersville Luxury chalets can accommodate only 2 guests. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway in Alabama!
The luxury is amped up with an open floor plan with a full kitchen, living room and king-size bed. Inside this luxury Lake Guntersville cabin there is a jacuzzi and a gas fireplace.
Outside there is a gas grill on a wraparound balcony as well as a hot tub. Sadly, not its allowed in the luxury chalets either.
A very curious deer near the Lake Guntersville state park campground Guntersville A.
Lake Guntersville Camping
Camping at Lake Guntersville is better than ever with improved campsites that have electrical points, grills and picnic tables. Pick up any basic items you need at the Lake Guntersville Campground store.
If you like roughing it, you can also opt for primitive camping on the water’s edge for a more authentic outdoors experience.
There are almost 300 campsites at this pet-friendly Guntersville lake campground. The Lake Guntersville campgrounds accommodate both tent camping and RVS.
The Lake Guntersville RV park has full hook-up facilities.
There are also well-maintained bathhouses, two of which have coin-operated washers and dryers.
Children will also love the play area and splash pond alongside the recreation area. There is easy lake access from the Lake Guntersville campground.
There is a dog park (separated for small and big dogs) near the Lake Guntersville campground.
Reservations are made online through the Alabama State Parks reservation system.
Pin This!
SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
We received a complimentary 1 hour trail ride from Alabama Horseback Adventures which did not in any way affect our review or the opinions contained herein.
We did not otherwise receive compensation of any form, monetary or otherwise, from any of the other products, services, hotels etc mentioned in this article.
This site generates income via partnerships with carefully-curated travel and lifestyle brands and/or purchases made through links to them at no extra cost to you. More information may be found on our Disclosure Policy.
