A day on the lake is the essence of summer in the South. While Lake Chickamauga is certainly not to be discounted for freshwater fun, here are a few slightly out-of-town options to consider this summer.
Alabama Tourism Department photo by Kevin Terrell / Guntersville sunsetLake Guntersville, Alabama
In a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains, massive Guntersville Lake stretches between Scottsboro and Guntersville, Alabama. You can reach the lake by boat from Chattanooga by traveling 119 miles on the Tennessee River, from Chickamauga Lake through the river gorge and locking through Nickajack Dam.
– Lakeside stay: Whether you’re looking to retreat to a cozy cabin, camp under the stars or live the lake life in hotel-style accommodations, Lake Guntersville State Park has you covered. The 6,000-acre park also boasts several restaurants, a pool, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, hiking trails, a nature center and 900 miles of shoreline for ample access to fun on the lake.