Guntersville, Alabama, is a beautiful destination for both living and visiting. One of the main attractions of the area is the stunning Lake Guntersville. The city of Guntersville is located on a peninsula at the southernmost point of the Tennessee River, surrounded by 69,000 acres of Lake Guntersville. This expansive body of water provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and various other activities. Moreover, the lake offers beautiful nature walks due to its many parks and trails.
What Lake Guntersville Has To Offer
Shell Island
Discover a small island perfect for spending time with family and creating lasting memories. Around 100 boats gather on weekends in this area, as families enjoy lunch, sunbathing, and swimming. The main highlight of the area is the rope swing. You can locate this island near Riverview Campground; look for the white lighthouse, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.
Snug harbor
Prepare to satisfy your hunger at Snug Harbor! This fantastic spot is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. But that’s not all—Snug Harbor offers more than great food and boating. The Pavilion, a versatile outdoor space, provides the ideal environment for soaking up the sun, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere of the lake. You can also find boat rentals at DredgeEats, where a boat ride becomes an exhilarating escape for boaters and families alike.
Goat Island
The journey around Goat Island commences at the boat launch on the north end of Guntersville Lake Dam (Martin Dam) on the Tennessee River. As you paddle east to Goat Island, take advantage of the Gray Bat Sanctuary Cave and take in the breathtaking views of the Tennessee River and Guntersville Lake area. Upon reaching Goat Island, you can circle the island clockwise or counterclockwise. While official campsites are unavailable, camping options exist on the island’s east end.
Alred Marina
Alred Marina stands proudly on the shores of Lake Guntersville at Tennessee River MM357.4. The Cherokee Nation once inhabited this picturesque cove until TVA flooded the region, separating the land where Alred Marina now sits from the main peninsula of Guntersville.
The marina, a testament to the vision of the Alred family, was constructed in the 1950s. Since 1996, it has been under the capable ownership of Bill and Judy Cranford. Their son, Russ, efficiently manages and oversees the facility’s day-to-day operations. The marina provides on-site marine repair, the only complete ship’s store on the lake, picnic areas, walking trails, haul-out and tram facilities. Additionally, a family entertainment complex features a swimming pool, a kids’ splash pad, and a grilling area.
City Harbor
City Harbor is Guntersville’s most famous “destination location” on the water. You will find an array of things to do and explore at this location, right off of Highway 431. It’s a go-to spot for food and entertainment, making it perfect for foodies. If you are traveling from out of town, you can book a room at City Harbor Suites. There, you can discover various food selections, including Levi’s on the Lake, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Big Mike’s Steakhouse.
Lake Guntersville State Park
Situated along the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama, Lake Guntersville State Park offers an array of recreational activities across 6,000 acres of natural woodlands. Visitors can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, the exhilarating Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, an outdoor nature center, exceptional fishing opportunities in Alabama’s largest lake, 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, guided hikes, and a day-use area. One of the park’s main attractions is its conservation efforts for Alabama’s bald eagle population, which has led to an increase in nesting. Guntersville has become a hub for Eagle Awareness in the state, hosting programs to entertain and educate the public about the once-endangered national symbol on select weekends in January and February.
Goose Pond Colony
Welcome to Goose Pond Colony Resort! Tucked into the beautiful banks of Lake Guntersville and surrounded by the breathtaking Cumberland Mountains, our municipally-owned resort is here to mesmerize you. Get ready to enjoy two unique 18-hole championship golf courses, cozy lakeside cottages, a welcoming lodge, a peaceful waterfront campground, a delightful walking trail, a full-service marina, meeting facilities, The Docks Restaurant, a refreshing swimming pool, a sandy beach area, and access to the stunning Lake Guntersville.