THINGS TO DO ON SMITH LAKE

Things to Look For While on the Lake

Reservoir Facts:

Elevation above sea level: 510 feet
Area: 21,200 acres
Shoreline: 713 miles
Length: 35 miles
Maximum depth at dam: 264 feet
Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 944 square miles

The Castle on Smith Lake - One of the lake’s most recognizable landmarks, the Castle on Smith Lake has become a popular sightseeing destination for visitors exploring the lake by boat, an iconic, 4,974-square-foot, 4-bedroom home perched on a cliff in Bremen, featuring a distinct “Game of Thrones” style architecture. Built in the 1980s, this 6-acre gated estate includes a 2-story solarium, a 4-slip boat dock with a fish house, and an 8,000-square-foot workshop. The design is a unique mix of stone, masonry, and stucco, featuring a 20-foot glass solarium and multiple decks.

Goat Island - Goat Island is one of Smith Lake’s most well-known landmarks and a longtime favorite sightseeing destination for boaters exploring the lake. Located on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County, the island became famous years ago when actual goats lived on the property, giving the island its memorable name.

For many years, visitors would stop by to swim, relax, hang hammocks, and enjoy the scenic lake atmosphere. While Goat Island remains a popular spot to view from the water, the property is now privately owned following its sale in 2023. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the shoreline area by boat, but access onto the island itself is restricted.

Bridges - These structures connect surrounding counties and serve as popular recreational spots for boating.

Sway Back Bridge - Located on Helicon Rd in Arley, this girder-type bridge is often referred to for its unique, slightly bowed shape. The bridge is in a quieter, scenic part of Smith Lake near Helicon and Arley, often associated with fishing and residential, picturesque views of the lake.

Big Bridge - Located near Trident Marina in Cullman County, Big Bridge — officially known as Phillips Bridge — is one of Smith Lake’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular stop for boaters exploring the lake. For years, visitors passing underneath the bridge have noticed the famous “Kurt n Cathy” mural painted across the large concrete support pillars, turning it into a longtime local landmark and conversation piece among boaters on Smith Lake. The bridge is also well known for sightseeing, fishing, and summertime bridge jumping, making it one of the lake’s most talked-about destinations.

Duncan Bridge -One of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on Smith Lake, known for its massive baby-blue steel trusses stretching high above the water. Spanning more than 1,000 feet across Smith Lake, the bridge offers breathtaking views and has become a recognizable symbol of the lake for both locals and visitors alike. Originally built in 1967 after the creation of Lewis Smith Lake flooded the original Duncan Bridge, the current bridge was designed to stand high above the rising waters of the newly formed lake. The original wooden bridge, built in the early 1900s, now rests beneath the waters of Smith Lake and remains part of local lake history. Today, Duncan Bridge is a favorite spot for sightseeing, photography, boating, and fishing, especially during sunrise and sunset when the steel structure reflects beautifully across the water.

Bailey Bridge - It is a well-known landmark, popular for scenic views, sunrises/sunsets, and close proximity to residential areas like the Bailey Bridge Townhouses in Crane Hill. Originally constructed as part of the road and bridge system developed after the creation of Lewis Smith Lake, Bailey Bridge became an important connection for local communities when the lake flooded portions of the original roads and crossings. Today, it remains a favorite sightseeing area for boaters exploring the quieter northern portions of Smith Lake.

Eagle Sightings - Bald eagle sightings are frequent on Smith Lake, with residents reporting multiple pairs, active nesting sites, and young eagles thriving in the area. Sightings occur year-round, particularly in areas like Ryan Creek, Coon Creek, and near the Bailey Bridge.  Active eagle nests have been monitored on Smith Lake by Alabama Power, which has counted adult and juvenile eagles on the reservoir. While active throughout the year, eagle activity can be high during the winter and early spring nesting season. 🦅