Lake Wedowee: Quiet Water, Big Adventures

 

Quiet water, big adventures—your guide to Lake Wedowee and the gateway towns that get you there.

Tucked into the rolling hills of east-central Alabama, Lake Wedowee—also known as the R.L. Harris Reservoir—is a Tallapoosa River lake prized for its clear water, wooded shoreline, and laid-back pace. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with glassy coves and herons on the move, and afternoons stretch into sunset boat rides that feel a world away from city noise.

Where It Is & Why It’s Special

Lake Wedowee sits in Randolph County, with the town of Wedowee as its hub. Built for hydropower and flood control, the lake meanders through long river arms and sheltered inlets that keep the water calm even on breezy days. The combination of deep channels, forested banks, and low commercial development gives it a “wild lake” feel—perfect for travelers who prefer nature to neon.

What to Do

Boating & Cruising

From pontoons to ski boats, Lake Wedowee is made for easygoing days on the water. Public ramps and private marinas around the lake offer access and fuel, and you’ll find plenty of calm coves ideal for swimming off the stern or anchoring for a picnic. Weekdays are especially peaceful; on summer weekends, get an early start to claim your favorite spot.

Fishing

Anglers love Wedowee for its variety. You’ll find largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and seasonal striped bass runs. Spring brings bass to shallows and woody cover; summer rewards early risers who work points and deeper structure. Local tackle shops can point you to current patterns and favorite baits, and Alabama fishing licenses are easy to purchase online.

Paddling & Swimming

Kayakers and paddleboarders gravitate to the lake’s upper river arms and quiet backwaters. Water clarity is a highlight—on good days you can see several feet down—making swims off sandy pockets a staple of hot afternoons. As always, keep an eye out for boat traffic and hug the shoreline when paddling.

Wildlife Watching & Photography

With miles of forested edge, Wedowee hosts herons, ospreys, and migrating waterfowl, plus turtles sunning on logs and the occasional whitetail at daybreak. Dawn and dusk offer the best light and the best chance of glass-calm reflections—bring a long lens and polarized sunglasses.

Around the Lake: Towns & Taste

Wedowee itself is a small, friendly stop for breakfast plates, barbecue, and lake-day supplies. Nearby Roanoke and other Randolph County communities round out the essentials—groceries, hardware, and a growing list of locally owned shops. Summer brings food trucks, live music nights, and community events; check local calendars when you plan.

Seasons on Lake Wedowee

• Spring: Wildflowers, warming water, crappie and bass action, cool nights for campfires.

• Summer: Peak boating and swimming, long days on the water, holiday fireworks in nearby towns.

• Fall: Colorful foliage on the hills, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, steady fishing.

• Winter: Quiet coves, uncrowded ramps, and the kind of stillness photographers love.

Planning Tips

• Access & Ramps: Public launches are scattered around the lake—map them before you go and keep a backup ramp in mind for busy weekends.

• Water Levels: Levels can fluctuate with power generation. Check a recent lake report if you’re beaching the boat or targeting shallow structure.

• Safety: Wear a life jacket, use a slow-no-wake approach in narrow coves, and carry a dry bag with basics (sun protection, water, snacks, a small first-aid kit).

• Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Many of Wedowee’s charm points—the quiet, the wildlife—depend on visitors treating it gently.

Why Lake Wedowee Belongs on Your List

If you’re after a lake that balances recreation with real tranquility, Wedowee is hard to beat. It’s big enough for adventure, small enough to stay personal, and surrounded by communities that still wave from the dock. Whether you’re trolling at sunrise, drifting in a cove with the kids, or chasing that last-light photograph, Lake Wedowee delivers the Alabama lake day you’ve been imagining.

Alabama gateways

• Roanoke – SW, ~15–20 min via US-431 (food, fuel, supplies).

• Lineville – W, ~25–35 min via AL-48 (closest west-side hub).

• Ashland – WSW, ~35–45 min via AL-77 → AL-48.

• Heflin – N, ~35–45 min via AL-9 (handy for I-20 access).

• Oxford / Anniston – NW, ~50–60 min via I-20 → AL-9 (big-box shopping, hotels).

• Woodland – E, ~10–15 min via AL-48 (near east-side coves).

• Newell – N, ~15–20 min via AL-9/AL-48 (north lake arms).

• Delta – NW, ~20–25 min via AL-9.

• Hollis Crossroads – NW, ~25–30 min at US-431 & AL-9 junction.

Georgia-side gateways (easy hop across the line)

• Bowdon, GA – E, ~25–30 min via GA-166 → AL-48.

• Carrollton, GA – E, ~45–50 min via GA-166.

• Franklin, GA – SE, ~40–45 min via GA-34/GA-100 → AL-22/48.

• Tallapoosa, GA – NE, ~35–40 min via I-20/GA-100 → AL-48.

• Bremen, GA – ENE, ~45–50 min via I-20 → GA-100.

Main corridors: US-431 (north–south through Wedowee), AL-48 (east–west across the lake), and AL-9 (north link to I-20). These routes put you within minutes of public ramps, marinas, and popular coves.