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Water Activities

The National Forests in Alabama has plenty of areas to cool off in it's majestic waters. Check out some of our spots below!

Boating - Motorized

USDA Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes and rivers, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The USDA Forest Service allows non-motorized boating (canoes, kayaks, etc.) on many of its lakes and rivers, with specific areas and regulations varying by forest and location.

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways.

Swimming

Swimming can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but make sure you follow safety guidelines. Many national forest swimming areas will not have designated lifeguards on duty.

Search for Water Activities Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 20 results

Blue Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Blue Lake Recreation Area is a day-use picnic area with swimming beach.  It is a short 10-minute drive from Open Pond Recreation Area and is available for use by those camping at Open Pond…

Clear Creek Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
The Clear Creek Recreation Area has become one of Alabama's most popular recreation areas and has many repeat visitors. The Bankhead National Forest’s largest recreation area, Clear Creek is in…

Coleman Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The newly renovated Coleman Lake Recreation Area is peacefully nestled into the Talladega mountains. For recreationists who want to get away from the crowds, but want a few modern conveniences,…

Corinth Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in…

High Rock Lake

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
High Rock Lake is a small 19-acre lake nestled in the Talladega National Forest - Shoal Creek District about 1 mile south of Pine Glen Recreation Area. The lake is open year round and offers bass,…

Houston Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Hiking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Houston Recreation Area Day-use and swim beach bathhouse is open.Houston Campground remains closed to the public.Houston Recreation Area offers 14 picnic sites, a group shelter for up to 50 persons,…

Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Not far from Cheaha State park is Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. This 17-acre lake is tucked into a pastoral valley of peacefulness. Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area  offers sanitary facilities,…

Lake Virginia

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Lake Virginia is an 89-acre lake nestled in the narrow southern Appalachian Valley of the Talladega Ranger District, about 5 miles east of Sylacauga. It offers bass, bream, and catfish fishing for…

Last updated March 6th, 2025