Review of Alabama's Guntersville State Park

One of the most beautiful places in Alabama is Guntersville State Park. It is one of the most favored parks in Alabama, and for good reason. It has so much to choose from to keep you and your family busy, and the amenities are exceptional. The park is well monitored and kept very clean, as well. It is the perfect place for a week long stay, or just for an all day outing.

Hiking

Guntersville State Park offers several hiking trails to choose from. Most are connected to provide for as long of a hike as you would like. Others are special in their own right. Two of the most frequented and favored are Daniel's Trail and Cutchenmine Trail. Daniel's Trail is special because it runs along close to the camping area, but far enough away to feel distant from the people there. Because it runs close to the camping area, it is the best place to see wild life. Many people have spotted dear there, but others have also seen skunks, rabbits, and raccoons. It is the favored spot to locate wildlife. I have never been down the trail and not seen an animal.

Cutchenmine trail is probably the most popular because of its location. The end of the trail is a prime location where you can spot wild Bald Eagles during the months of January and February. Even during the remaining eight months, the hike is well worth your time. It is a one way 2.5 mile hike, but the end of the trail opens up to an almost magical location. As you pass the last standing of trees, there before you lies the Guntersville Lake to the right and a small creek that feeds into the lake on the left. The creek contains many different beautiful rock formations, that you can climb on and use to just sit and take in the beauty. A lovely clearing right beside the creek is just the spot for a picnic.

Rock formations dot many of the other trails as well, and the trails are plenteous, at least 19. As stated earlier, most of the trails connect which gives approximately 36 miles of continuous hiking. As you hike, you can see gorgeous wildlife, numerous waterfalls, and amazing greenery. Some trails offer interesting attractions as well, such an old moonshine still or an old cemetery.

Water Fun

Because Guntersville State Park sits alongside Guntersville Lake, you will find many water activities available to you. You can go boating, for example, and if you don't have your own boat, they offer boat rentals at the Town Creek Fishing Center. There are several piers to fish from, and the fishing is excellent due to the milfoil weed beds. Fishing tournaments are held annually at Guntersville Lake, including one with ESPN. The park also has its own beach for the "beach babies" who love the sun. You can spend all day swimming in the beautiful waters.

Golf

A golf course is also located within the park. It isn't any run of the mill park either. Surrounded by beautiful trees and scenery is an 18 hole championship golf course that is well maintained year round. At the pro shop you will find just about any golfing accessory you will need, plus refreshments, showers, and a well placed television to rest from all your hard work.

Group Activities

With its own naturalist, groups are taken along guided tours down their trails or in a boat through the lake. They also offer an interpretative program indoors several times a year. There are are also guided tours during the month of January to help people find and understand the endangered Bald Eagle. They also offer a golf retreat, and much more including a Nature Center within the campground. . It's also an excellent place to host a wedding or party.

Spending the Night and Dining

Guntersville State Park offers both primitive and modern camping for people of all walks of life. The lots are equipped with utilities and a bath house centered in the middle of the campground, complete with hot showers.

If camping isn't your thing, then you will be certain to find shelter in one of their cabins, chalets or in their newly renovated lodge. Their cabins and chalets are capable of holding up to 6 six people, and every room comes equipped with cable television and a dvd player. The lodge also equips these things and also offers free wireless internet in the lobby.

Their quality restaurant offers buffet and menu style dining. It is beautifully arranged, but even more appetizing are the gorgeous views you can see while eating your meal. The prices are affordable, and the food is tantalizing.

These are just a few of the things that Guntersville State Park has to offer. I didn't even mention any of the attractions just outside the park. Just a few miles from the park are Guntersville Dam, Cathedral Caverns State Park and Buck's Pocket State Park, just to name a few. Visiting this area is definitely well worth your time.