Lay Lake

Located in Chilton, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa, and St. Clair Counties, Alabama

One of Alabama's most beloved recreation spots is the 12,000-acre Lay Lake. A 12,000-acre reservoir called Lay Lake is situated in east-central Alabama, 35 minutes south of Birmingham via I-65 and 15 miles south of Columbiana. Lay Lake borders the counties of Chilton, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa, and St. Clair. This reservoir is mostly used for hydroelectric power generation and recreational purposes. Boating and fishing tournaments are common in Lay Lake. Bank and boat access to the lake is available at seven public access points.

A Man-Made Powerhouse

Built by Alabama Power in 1912, Lay Lake extends along 289 miles of shoreline in Chilton County and reaches a maximum depth of 88 feet. On average, the lake's nearly 86 billion-gallon water volume has a depth of 22 feet. Lay Dam, which is responsible for creating Lay Lake, was built to produce hydroelectric power. Its powerhouse contains six generators, and each produces nearly 30,000 kilowatts of electricity for the areas surrounding this reservoir.

Clear Waters, Plenty of Fish, and Water Sports Welcome

Known for its deep and cool water, boaters flock to Lay Lake to participate in the most popular water sports including skiing, swimming, tubing, jet skiing, and fishing. The lake is home to numerous varieties of fish, including crappie, bass, and catfish. It also hosts some of the nation's top fishing tournaments each year, including the Bassmaster Classic in 2010.

State Parks and Recreation Sites

Two of the state's most visited national forests are right around the corner. Thirty-eight miles from Lay Lake is Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama. Patrons can partake in mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing, camping, hiking, and more. The 400,000-acre Talladega National Forest is located 45 miles northeast of the lake. Here, visitors can experience nature by hiking through the forest, which is home to more than 800 species of wild animals. Rock climbing and grappling are also popular in this area. Of course, if lake lovers need a break from the outdoors, they can also venture up the road to Talladega Speedway to watch some of the best NASCAR racing around.

Hospitals and Transportation

There are multiple 24-hour hospitals, but Shelby Baptist Medical Center- is located about 40 minutes from the center of the lake and provides 24-hour service. The nearest major airport is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, located about an hour from the center of the lake.

Experience Lay Lake - AL

If you enjoy being surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of nature and soaking in breathtaking vistas, this is the spot for you. With so much to do, Lay Lake has blossomed into an ever-expanding waterfront town with miles of natural shoreline. Escape to Alabama's wild side and take advantage of all that Lay Lake has to offer.