Canoe and Cliff Jump at Lake Nicol

Alabama › Lake Nicol Parking Area

Save List Review

155 Saves

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.

Pack List

Swim trunks
Kayak/canoe/SUP
Beer
Trash bag (leave no trace y'all)
No permit or pass required (even for overnight parking)

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Canoeing, Chillin, Camping, Photography, Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking

Skill Level:

Beginner

Season:

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

1 Miles

Elev. Gain:

40 Feet

Rating:

Features:

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Scenic

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

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Reviews

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Asher Krell Follow

about 1 year ago

Canoe and Cliff Jump at Lake Nicol

Great Place but no camping

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.

about 1 year ago

Added by John Morgan Harrison

Studying Mechanical Engineering and Business at The University of Alabama, filling my free time with exploration and art.

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