North Alabama, Northeast Loop | DeKalb | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Winter
The 120 acre DeKalb County Lake (Site #46, Northeast Loop) is a popular fishing spot that also serves as an excellent introduction to northern Alabama’s bird life. Check the open waters of the lake for wintering waterfowl, including any number of diving ducks, Pied Billed Grebes or resident Mallards. Wooded areas and the larger trees around the lake may produce a variety of warblers and vireos during migration. You will certainly hear Red-bellied Woodpeckers drumming. Keep checking overhead for Ospreys or Bald Eagles, and perhaps a vagrant gull or tern may put in an appearance.
GPS: N 34.5764, W 85.8060
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Handicap Access, Canoeing, Driving Trail, Fishing, Picnic Area, Boat Access, Hiking, Biking
Contact Info:
ADCNR: DeKalb County Public Lake
720 Co. Rd. 194
Sylvania, AL 35988
(256) 657-3000
Site Accessibility
A one lane road travels around the lake, offering nice views from your car. There are several short piers that can be accessed via wheelchair as well. The small store has a wheelchair ramp and restrooms.
From the intersection of US Highway 72 and AL Highway 279 in southern Scottsboro, travel east on Highway 72 1.7 miles to Highway 35. Turn right onto AL Highway 35 and drive south for 3.3 miles to AL Highway 40. Turn left onto Highway 40 and head northeast for 10.6 miles to CR 162. Turn right onto CR 162 and drive 3.9 miles to CR 194. Turn right onto CR 194 and drive 0.2 miles to the public lake on the left.
Amenities Available: Boat Launch, Camping (tent/RV), Food Available, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Wheelchair Accessible
Nearby Sites
DeSoto State Park – Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail
Enjoy both woodland songsters-Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Yellow-throated Vireos and displays of native wildflowers and blooming shrubs. The boardwalk is 360 yards long through wooded slopes and moist forest floor.
Little River Canyon National Preserve Drive
As you drive along the rim of this incredibly scenic canyon, listen in the open fields for Yellow-breasted Chats and Prairie Warblers. Farther down in the canyon, Yellow-throated Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos can be heard calling from below while Roug …