1. Cruise the Lake with a Boat Rental

2. Catch Air Wakeboarding

3. Bounce Around on a Tube

For a family-friendly thrill, tubing is the way to go. Kids and adults alike will be grinning ear to ear as the boat pulls an inflatable tube through the wake. Smith Lake has plenty of open water where you can zigzag and whip the tube around (within safe limits, of course!). Smith Lake Watersports offers tubes with their boat rentals, so you’ll have everything needed for a high-speed tubing adventure. Hold on tight as you bump over waves and try not to fall off – half the fun is ending up in the refreshing water with a big splash. Tubing is guaranteed to create some laughs, screams, and summer memories you won’t forget.

4. Reel in a Big Catch (Fishing Fun)

Fishing on Lewis Smith Lake is legendary. The lake is known for its deep waters (264 feet) and healthy fish population, making it a hotspot for anglers ​soul-grown.com. You can cast a line for bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass among others. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime times to fish, when the lake is calmer and fish are biting. If you’re serious about fishing, consider entering one of the local bass fishing tournaments or just attend a weigh-in to see the lunkers. In fact, Smith Lake even hosted the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, drawing top professional anglers and big crowds​ cullmantribune.com. Whether you’re fishing from a boat (rent a fishing deck boat from Smith Lake Watersports) or casting from a quiet cove, the thrill of a tug on the line is hard to beat. Don’t forget your Alabama fishing license – and maybe a camera to snap a pic of your catch!

5. Dive In for a Swim

Sometimes the simplest joy is swimming in the lake. Smith Lake’s water is cool, clear, and incredibly inviting on a hot summer day. Find a calm cove or a shallow sandy spot, drop anchor, and jump in! Many boaters love to swim off the back of their pontoon – some boats even have ladders for easy in-and-out. There are also a few designated swim areas at parks around the lake, like the beach at Smith Lake Park. Whether you’re doing cannonballs off the boat, floating on a pool noodle, or engaging in an epic splash fight, swimming is a refreshing way to enjoy the lake. Pro tip: bring some floaties or a lily pad mat and turn a cove into your own private swimming pool for the afternoon.

6. Take the Plunge with Cliff Jumping

For the daredevils, Smith Lake offers some famous cliff jumping spots. Two well-known jump sites are Indian Head Cliff (about a 30-foot jump) and Castle Rock (which ranges 40–50 feet high). Standing on the edge looking down at the clear blue water will definitely get your heart racing! If you’re brave enough, take the plunge – the sudden rush of free-fall and the splash below are an adrenaline rush like no other. Always be cautious and check the water depth before jumping (Smith Lake is deep, but safety first). If cliff jumping isn’t your thing, it’s still fun to boat over and watch others leap off these popular spots. It’s a true local tradition and makes for great stories around the campfire later. Note: Only attempt if you’re a strong swimmer and with friends around; safety is key when cliff jumping.

7. Explore Hidden Coves and Islands

One of the best parts of Smith Lake is its many hidden coves and small islands waiting to be discovered. Rent a boat from Smith Lake Watersports and set out for a day of exploration. Tuck into quiet coves along the Bankhead National Forest side of the lake for a peaceful retreat – you might find your own little waterfall or a perfect picnic spot. Keep an eye out for Goat Island, a local favorite where (as legend has it) a few friendly goats roam the island! Cruising the winding fingers of the lake can make you feel like an explorer finding secret hideaways. Turn off the engine in a serene cove, listen to the sounds of nature, and take a moment to just soak in the beauty around you. These off-the-beaten-path spots are great for swimming in calm water or enjoying a lunch on the boat with hardly another soul in sight.

8. Attend Summer Events & Fireworks

Smith Lake isn’t just about day-to-day fun – it also hosts fantastic summer events that draw crowds. The biggest celebration is the Smith Lake Park 4th of July Fireworks & Music Festival, an annual event featuring live music, food vendors, and a huge fireworks show over the water. For years, Smith Lake Park has hosted a popular Fourth of July celebration​cullmantribune.com, where thousands of people gather to picnic and watch fireworks light up the night sky. It’s truly a sight to see the reflections of the bursts in the lake while boats anchor nearby to enjoy the show. Aside from Independence Day, there are often fishing tournaments (as mentioned, the big Bassmaster Elite tournament was held here in 2024 ​cullmantribune.com), local poker runs, and even the quirky Sweet Tater Festival on Labor Day Weekend featuring food, crafts, and music at Smith Lake Park. Attending an event is a great way to mingle with locals and experience the community spirit around Lewis Smith Lake. Be sure to check event calendars so you don’t miss out on the fun happenings during your visit.

9. Dine at Lakeside Restaurants

After a day on the water, nothing hits the spot like a delicious meal by the lake. Smith Lake has a few lakeside restaurants where you can dock your boat and grab a bite – talk about arriving in style! One popular spot is The Grille at Trident Marina, known for its tasty burgers, fish tacos, and stunning sunset views from the patio. It’s a great hangout where you’ll often find live music on summer weekends and plenty of fellow boaters chilling out. Another favorite is Brothers on Smith Lake, a floating restaurant where you can enjoy barbecue, catfish, and other Southern comfort foods with a panoramic view of the water. (They even have courtesy boat slips for diners.) Kat Daddy’s BBQ is yet another local gem accessible near the water if you’re craving some smoky pulled pork. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual snack or a hearty dinner, these waterfront grills and cafes make dining an experience. Pull up, tie off the boat, and enjoy a meal with that laid-back lake vibe – cold drink in hand and a gentle breeze coming off the water.

10. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

As the day winds down, there’s no better way to wrap it up than a peaceful sunset cruise on Smith Lake. The evening sky often turns brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the calm water – pure magic for photographers and romantics alike. Grab your family or friends (or that special someone), pack a few snacks and drinks, and set out from the dock about an hour before sunset. Cruise to a wide part of the lake for an unobstructed view of the horizon. You’ll often see other pontoons and boats idling quietly, everyone collectively soaking in the moment as the sun sinks low. The vibe is relaxed and happy – a perfect contrast to the high-energy fun of the day. Many say sunsets on Smith Lake are unforgettable, and we have to agree. If you rented your boat from Smith Lake Watersports, make sure to ask our team about the best spots to catch the sunset. We’ll point you in the right direction! Once the stars come out, navigate back under twilight – ending your day with the glow of a fantastic memory.

Smith Lake has it all – from adventure to relaxation. These 10 activities are just the tip of the iceberg for summer fun on Lewis Smith Lake. The common thread? You’ll enjoy them even more with a boat, and we’re here to help with that part.

Ready for an amazing summer? Come on over to Smith Lake Watersports and let us set you up with the perfect boat rental for your lake adventure. With our top-notch rentals and friendly local knowledge, you can experience the best of Smith Lake with ease. Book your boat today and get ready to make a splash (and a ton of great memories) on Smith Lake this summer! We can’t wait to see you on the water. ??