Lewis Smith Lake

Located in Cullman, Walker, and Winston Counties, Alabama

Lewis Smith Lake (also known as Smith Lake) is situated in Cullman, Walker, and Winston counties in north-central Alabama, about 20 miles northwest of Birmingham. Alabama Power Company constructed the 300-foot-high dam in 1961, impounding the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River to create the lake. Smith Lake's surface area is 21,200 acres, its shoreline extends for 500 miles, its watershed covers 944 square miles, its retention time is 435 days, and its maximum depth is 264 feet. The 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest, which covers the severely fractured southern border of the Cumberland Plateau, sits above the western half of the lake's watershed. The Bankhead National Forest is traversed by the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, the only Wild and Scenic River in Alabama. The Bankhead National Forest's Sipsey Wilderness, Land of a Thousand Waterfalls, is home to Alabama's tallest tree, a tulip poplar with a base circumference of 21 feet.

Unique Shoreline, Fantastic Lakefronts

Three-fingered Smith Lake, which spans 21,000 acres, has more than 500 miles of shoreline in the north Alabama counties of Cullman, Walker, and Winston. Smith Lake's varied geography offers special waterfront opportunities that are unmatched by anything else in Alabama.

Cleanest Lake East of the Mississippi

Known for the clarity of its waters, Smith Lake is ranked among the top three cleanest lakes in the United States and named the cleanest in the southeast! Reaching depths of 264 feet, it is also one of the deepest. Also known for its fishing, the lake produces some of the largest bass fish in the state. Smith Lake holds the record for the largest spotted bass ever caught in Alabama.

Boating, Swimming, and Hiking

Lewis Smith Lake welcomes all watercraft types and has no speed limit, besides in no-wake areas. This allows for watersports of all kinds. Its exceptionally clear waters contend to swimming being one of its most popular activities. Nature lovers can also keep themselves busy on land in the 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest. This forest is Alabama's largest national forest and home to Alabama's largest tree, the famed tulip poplar tree, with its 21-foot circumference.

Fun Around Birmingham

Birmingham offers a variety of attractions, including the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Science Center, Top Golf, Birmingham Botanical Garden, and Red Mountain Park. If you are into nightlife, you will find a great selection of bars and entertainment venues. Iron City Birmingham, The Tin Roof, and Avondale Brewing Company host a multitude of events.

Get to Know Huntsville

The bustling city of Huntsville has many different points of interest. One popular attraction is The Space and Rocket Center, where guests can witness live shows, study space memorabilia, including real space rocks, and even explore the cosmos with an expansive observatory. Visitors of age can enjoy seeking out the secret speakeasy, located within the halls of Straight To Ale.

Hospitals and Transportation

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

Experience Lewis Smith Lake - AL

If you enjoy being surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of nature and soaking in breathtaking vistas, this is the spot for you. Lewis Smith Lake is growing in appeal and popularity with those seeking full-time homes, vacation rentals, and other real estate developments. Property on this lake would be a forever rewarding investment. Escape to Alabama's wild side and take advantage of all that Lewis Smith Lake has to offer.