Guntersville, AL

Guntersville is surrounded on three sides by Lake Guntersville, a 69,000-acre TVA reservoir on the Tennessee River and the largest lake in the state. The town is the seat of Marshall County, and its small downtown, lakefront parks and marinas give it a laid-back, boat-in-the-driveway feel. Lake Guntersville State Park sits on the ridges just east of town with trails, a lodge with long views over the water and a golf course. Bass anglers know the lake well, and it regularly hosts national tournaments, so do not be surprised to see trucks towing bass boats through downtown on any given weekend.

Rent a boat or kayak, walk the paved Sunset Drive trail along the water, or spend a morning on the trails at the state park. Downtown, stop in the Guntersville Museum for local history and art, then browse boutiques and antique shops. Waterfront dining is a big part of a visit, from seafood and catfish to casual burger spots, and you will find a brewery and bars for a drink after a day on the lake. In winter, bring binoculars: bald eagles nest around the lake, and the state park runs guided eagle trips.

Guntersville questions, answered

What is Guntersville known for?

The lake. Lake Guntersville is famous for largemouth bass fishing and draws major tournaments, and the town’s peninsula setting means water views from almost everywhere. Guntersville is also known for its bald eagles: Lake Guntersville State Park has hosted Eagle Awareness weekends every winter for four decades, with guided field trips and live bird programs.

When is the best time to visit Guntersville?

Late spring through early fall is prime boating and swimming season, with HydroFest powerboat races in June. Art on the Lake brings artists downtown in spring. Winter is quieter but special: January and February are the best months to see bald eagles, during the state park’s Eagle Awareness weekends. Fall color on the ridges usually peaks in late October and early November.

How do I get to Guntersville?

Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is the closest commercial airport, about 45 minutes away. US 431 runs straight through town and connects to Huntsville, about 40 minutes north. Birmingham is about an hour and 15 minutes southwest, Chattanooga about an hour and a half northeast, and I-59 is about 30 minutes south.

Where should I stay in Guntersville?

The lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park offers big views from the bluffs, and the park also has chalets, cabins and campsites. In town, hotels and rentals sit right on the water. Browse our places to stay, including lake cabins, and book early for summer weekends and big tournaments.

What else is near Guntersville?

Cathedral Caverns State Park, with one of the largest cave entrances in the country and a towering stalagmite, is about 25 minutes north. Albertville, on Sand Mountain, is about 15 minutes southeast, and Huntsville’s museums and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center are an easy day trip. Guntersville Dam, just northwest of town, is a good spot to watch boats lock through.