Cherokee County, AL
Weiss Lake (pronounced “Wice”) is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering 30,200 acres. Weiss Lake fishery is a major economic influence in Cherokee County, and the locals treat anglers very well. Five free public access areas and many privately run marinas service Weiss Lake. Campgrounds, RV Parks, motels, condos, houses, and rental cabins dot the lake’s shoreline. Weiss Dam has a public fishing pier that local anglers say is ideal for catching stripe when the water is being pulled.
Crappie + Largemouth, Spotted & Striped Bass
For many years known as “The Crappie Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake offers the best crappie fishing from February through April and late fall. White and black crappie can be found in Weiss, with the lake record weighing in over 5 pounds! Many 2-3 pound fish are caught each year to make one beautiful stringer for either the wall or supper. What a lot of Anglers do not know is that Weiss Lake is a tremendous bass fishery. Largemouth and spotted bass can be caught all year long in water as shallow as inches to as deep as 30 feet. Bring heavy tackle, as Weiss has many rocks, stumps, ledges, and other habitats that let the bass grow big! If crappie and bass fishing is not enough, Weiss Lake offers striped bass fishing with exciting fights for anglers of all ages.
Striped bass of over 25 pounds are caught regularly, so hold on for a fight of a lifetime. Many Anglers try their luck at the large catfish on the bottom of the lake, especially around the large pilings at the Leesburg Bridge and Diversionary Dam.
Chesnut Bay Resort, Great Escapes RV Resort Chesnut Bay and
Pirates Bay Water Park
Located along the shoreline of Weiss Lake, Chesnut Bay has grown into a destination where families and friends reconnect and relax. In the celebrated home away from home, you will find numerous amenities that help create memories that last a lifetime. There are lakeside homes and homes with beautiful views of the lake. Most are available for vacation rentals. The two to six-bedroom fully appointed homes are individually owned and vary in size and occupancy levels to fit every need. If you are among the half-million Americans that own recreational vehicles, Great Escapes RV Resort Chesnut Bay is the place for you ! The resort has 100 RV slips designed for rigs up to 40 feet. Sites are available with 20/30/50 amp electrical service and have full hook-ups with cable and wireless Internet connections
Pirates Bay Water Park is open to the public and the resort guest.
Splish, splash, slip, slide, and even play mini golf at Pirates Bay Water Park, a sprawling aquatic playground located on a hilltop overlooking Weiss Lake. There’s fun for everyone with tube slides, body slides, multiple pools, waterfalls, splash playground, mini golf, food, drinks, parties, and so much more! Plus, stay at nearby Chesnut Bay Resort or Great Escapes RV Resort Chesnut Bay and enjoy Pirates Bay Waterpark several days in a row!
Leesburg Landing
The Leesburg Landing has many attractions from the lake, great camping areas with a lake view, and nature walking trails throughout. The Leesburg Landing RV Park has many spots to choose from. The RV Park includes full power, water, and sewer hookups. Enjoy nature while you walk through a two-mile nature trail. Or walk along our one-mile paved walking track beginning at the red light and ending at the docks. If you are looking to get away to a quiet and peaceful setting come and enjoy the Leesburg Landing RV Park.
Read Also: Southwest Michigan — Where Culinary and Fine Arts Connect
Slackland Beach
This day-use park built by Alabama Power is open dusk to dark for fishing, swimming, walking trails, and birdwatching. It’s a perfect spot for picnicking !
Yellow Creek Falls
These picturesque waterfalls flow over natural rocks into Weiss Lake at the footers. From the Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway trestle and can be seen from Alabama Hwy 273 near Leesburg. The creek is a favorite destination for boaters and kayakers. In 1911, this scenic route was known as the T.A.G. Rail Line from Lookout Mountain to Gadsden, Alabama. By 1951 it had discontinued passenger service.
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
801 Cedar Bluff Road, Building A
Centre, Alabama 35960
256-927-8455
