Lay Lake

Less than an hour from Birmingham

One of Alabama's most beloved recreation spots, 12,000-acre Lay Lake is located just 52 miles outside Birmingham and about 64 miles from Montgomery.

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is under 65 miles away, and the Shelby Baptist Medical Center is under 40 miles away for convenient travel and medical care.

A Man-Made Powerhouse

Built by Alabama Power in 1912, Lay Lake extends along 289 miles of shoreline in Chilton County and reaches a maximum depth of 88 feet.

On average, the lake's nearly 86 billion-gallon water volume has a depth of 22 feet.

Lay Dam, which is responsible for creating Lay Lake, was built to produce hydroelectric power.

Its powerhouse contains six generators, and each produces nearly 30,000 kilowatts of electricity for the areas surrounding this reservoir.

Clear Waters, Plenty of Fish, and Water Sports Welcome

Known for its deep and cool water, boaters flock to Lay Lake to participate in the most popular of water sports including skiing, swimming, and fishing.

The lake is home to numerous varieties of fish, including crappie, bass, and catfish. It also hosts some of the nation's top fishing tournaments each year, including the Bassmaster Classic in 2010.

State Parks and Recreation Sites

Two of the state's most visited national forests are right around the corner.

Thirty-eight miles from Lay Lake is Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama. Patrons can partake in mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing, camping, hiking, and more.

The 400,000-acre Talladega National Forest is located 45 miles northeast of the lake. Here, visitors can experience nature by hiking through the forest, which is home to more than 800 species of wild animals. Rock climbing and grappling are also popular in this area.

Of course, if lake lovers need a break from the outdoors, they can also venture up the road to Talladega Speedway to watch some of the best NASCAR racing around.

Your Home on Lay Lake Awaits

With so much to do, Lay Lake has become an ever-growing community of waterfront residents with miles of shoreline yet to be developed.

Whether you're searching for a permanent lakefront house or a simple vacation cottage, you are sure to find something that fits your taste at Lay Lake!