Canoe and Cliff Jump at Lake Nicol

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

4.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

40 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Morgan Harrison

Lake Nicol is a relatively small but versatile man made lake about twenty minutes away from downtown Tuscaloosa, AL. It offers a seemingly secluded and somewhat uncrowded natural location very near to the city.

Lake Nicol has several miles of unofficial trails that circle the west bank of the lake which features up to forty foot cliffs that provide both cliff jumping and an excellent view of the lake. Lake Nicol also has a boat/kayak/canoe launch area right next to the parking area. Nicol is over three miles long, and with different inlets, cliffs, and an island to explore, there is plenty to do on the water. A great place to take beginners canoe camping for the first time!

Tip: If you are photographing the sunset, be in either the first or third of the three big bends or the cliffs/trees will block the best light.

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Features

Canoeing

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Kayaking

Swimming

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Scenic

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Asher Krell

Canoe and Cliff Jump at Lake Nicol

05/23/16

We checked out this lake this past weekend and drove down from Birmingham for a 2 day adventure. Our original plan was to boat all day then find an alcove to camp in. It is probably possible but not so easily done especially because police patrol the cliffs looking for drunk swimmers. The swimming, boating, and cliff jumping are incredible though and we had an amazing time out on the lake. I definitely will be back and recommend it to anyone just don't plan on camping at this site. There are several great campsites that are cheap nearby. I suggest looking at Deerlick.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Canoe and Cliff Jump at Lake Nicol

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike around Lake Harris

Climb the Unnamed Fire Tower in Tuscaloosa

Boulder at Hurricane Creek Park

Hike through Hurricane Creek Park

Hike to Falling Rock Falls

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