Welcome to Lewis Smith Lake! Touted as the 2nd cleanest lake in America, Smith lake is a vacation favorite for so many! Whether you're chasing trophy bass, spending a day wakeboarding or surfing or just soaking in the sun on the dock, you've come to the right place!
With the limited amount of commercial development in the area you will want to plan to get your groceries on the way to the house. If you're already here you may be wondering what your options are.
Country Mall (10 Minute Drive): You likely passed this favorite of the locals, the Gas Station named the Country Mall. Think of it like a Mom & Pop Stop of years gone by because that's what it is. The nice thing is they have a pretty decent selection of food, some fresh produce, a hardware and fishing tackle selection and even a Pizza Shop! So if you're at the house and in need of some emergency supplies, this is your place!
Cullman & Jasper (30-45 Minute Drive): If you're coming in from out of town you're going to want to buy your groceries ahead of time. The good news is we have a huge refrigerator and freezer at the house so you can stock up without worrying about space. Both Cullman and Jasper are good size towns with a Walmart and other stores you might need for your trip.
Kroger Delivery: I haven't personally tried it yet, but I have heard that Kroger will deliver to our neighborhood through the Instacart App. If you're hip to this service at home this might be the way to save yourself a bunch of wandering around the store!
With over 640 miles of shoreline there is a lot of lake to explore!!
If you are here to enjoy the lake and let's be honest, that's why you are here there are lots of things to see and lots of ways to enjoy the lake.
If you are looking for a place to rent a boat we recommend: Please Tell them Nick Gustafson sent you.
Duskin Point Marina
Phone: (205) 384-6942 | https://www.duskinpointmarina.com/
~ 10 Minutes by Boat & 40 Minutes by Car
Squirrel's Boat Rental
Phone: (205) 387-8616 | https://squirrelsmarina.com/
~ 5 Minutes by Boat & 40 Minutes by Car
Trident Marina
Phone: (256) 286-0050 | https://tridentmarinas.com/
~ 40 Minutes by Boat & 10 Minutes by Car
If you are looking for Fuel on the lake:
Duskin Point Marina is also the best place close to our house to get it. Located about a 5-10 minute boat ride away with 24/7 on the water pumps, this is your best bet. I marked most of the other major marinas on the map, but just know that some like Triple Creek are not open all the time and you may have to call to get someone to come fuel your boat.
Alabama Boating Laws: Before you hit the lake, it’s important to understand Alabama’s boating laws and who can legally operate a boat or PWC. Key requirements in Alabama (2024–25) include:
New Boaters License Requirement for Visitors: Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, any non-resident must carry a valid boater safety certificate. That means if you’re from out of state, bring proof of completion of your home state’s boating course (or an Alabama-approved course) to rent or drive a boat on any AL waterway.
You can get your license here: State-approved online boating course: Boat-Ed.com and BoaterExam.com
Minimum Age: No one under 12 years old may operate any motorized vessel (including a Sea-Doo or other personal watercraft) on Alabama waters.
License at 12+: Anyone 12 or older must obtain an Alabama Boater License (the “V” endorsement on your driver’s license) to operate a boat or PWC alea.govalea.gov. However, 12–13-year-old operators must have a licensed adult (21+) on board at all times
Operate Alone at 14+: Boaters 14 or older can operate alone once licensed, without the need for a chaperone
Always Carry Your License: By law, the operator certification (boating license/certificate) must be on board the vessel while operating alea.gov. In practice, rental companies will verify you have it before letting you go.
Life Jackets Required: Alabama law requires one USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) per person on board.
Kill Switch (Engine Cut-off) Rules: Every PWC and any boat with an open cockpit over 50 horsepower must have a working engine cut-off switch (kill switch) and lanyard attached to the operator.
No Wake Zones: Lewis Smith Lake is Large and Beautiful, so Large that it isn't feasible to place No Wake Buoys in all of the areas that are considered no wake. Please Respect the Following No Wake Zones:
No Wake inside of our small private cove
No Wakes allowed within 100' of any dock structure
No Wake under the Bridges & within 100' of any Marina
Alcohol: This may surprise some, but Lewis Smith Lake is a Dry Lake. Meaning no alcohol allowed on any marine vessel. I am told that if you are stopped by marine patrol, there is a fine per container, bottle or can on any marine vessel.
There are few things people love more than taking their boat out for a nice cruise only to end the trip at a boat up restaurant for some tasty food and drink! While the lake itself is Huge! Your options for boat up dining are fairly limited.
1) Trident Grille -
Phone: (256) 841-4016 | Menu: tridentgrille.com
Located at Trident Marina, about a 30 minute boat ride from our house you will find one of our favorites. With great views and food to match we almost never come to the lake without at least 1 or 2 visits here. The good news is even if you don't have a boat you can drive to Trident in about 10 minutes by car.
2) Drifters Bar & Grill-
Phone: (256) 841-1515 | Address: 173 Co Rd 312, Cullman, AL 35057
While you can boat all the way here, you are looking at a much longer ride, likely 90 minutes or so depending on speed. Drifters is located on the Cullman side of the lake which also has some great fishing!
This place is awesome! Great food and great drinks. Games and Outdoor space for the kids. If you're coming to Cullman you wont' be disappointed. Unless you're hungry and don't like Pizza, if that's the case you won't want to come here :)
When they are open they have some great BBQ and all of their sauces are made from scratch. Located about 15 minutes from our place, it is worth the stop!
Located in Cullman, about a 30 minute drive from our house you'll find Ninja Japanese Steakhouse. The portions are huge and the hibachi is fantastic. If you're a sushi fan you're in luck because they have the best stuff in town!
With options on the Gulf Coast of Florida and the North Georgia Mountains we would love to host you! Just click on a picture to see more details or see all of our properties Here.