Cedar Creek Reservoir, Alabama, USA

The four reservoirs of the Bear Creek watershed are a recreational paradise for water lovers, and Cedar Creek Reservoir is the largest of the four and the newest. Cedar Creek Reservoir, along with Bear Creek, Upper Bear Creek and Little Bear Creek Reservoirs, is an impoundment on the Bear Creek tributary, created primarily for flood control in 1979. Located in Franklin County, in the northwest Mountains region…
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All About Cedar Creek Reservoir, AL

The four reservoirs of the Bear Creek watershed are a recreational paradise for water lovers, and Cedar Creek Reservoir is the largest of the four and the newest. Cedar Creek Reservoir, along with Bear Creek, Upper Bear Creek and Little Bear Creek Reservoirs, is an impoundment on the Bear Creek tributary, created primarily for flood control in 1979. Located in Franklin County, in the northwest Mountains region of Alabama, the reservoir boasts 4,200 acres and extraordinarily clean waters.

There are 225 acres of standing timber in the water, hiding scores of fish. Cedar Creek Reservoir is known for its black basses and crappie. After its impoundment, it was stocked with thousands of Florida strain largemouth and hybrid striped bass. Except for the non-reproducing hybrid bass, the stocked bass population flourished. It is not surprising then that Cedar Creek Reservoir has a reputation for trophy bass. Catfish and bream are also favorite catches among anglers.

The lake is never too crowded and anglers can enjoy the calm of the reservoir’s fertile waters without being disturbed by thrill-seeking neighbors. Jet skiing and water skiing are fun sports on the lake, and fun does not stop there. The Bear Creek Development Authority, which operates all four reservoirs with five campgrounds and an Education Center, provides impressive facilities and public access areas for camping, swimming, picnicking, and easy boating and fishing. The Slickrock Campground on Cedar Creek Reservoir offers just about every amenity, including a pavilion, campsites, boat ramp, bathhouse, water and electrical hookup, dump station, picnic tables, fishing pier and even mini golf.

Canoe boaters and kayakers will love the Bear Creek Floatway (which flows into Bear Creek Reservoir), great for learning how to navigate rapids. Below Bear Creek Dam, the Lower Bear Creek Canoe Trail is another attraction. Sightseers and birdwatchers will find ample opportunities along the wooded shoreline. The Bear Creek Education Center, tailored for groups, offers caving, night hikes, and archery activities, among others, coupled with a great learning experience.

If you are looking for even more than what Cedar Creek Reservoir can do for you, Alabama’s hill and valley Franklin County is a small-town environment, a calming place to visit and an ideal place to live. Low crime and low costs make for high satisfaction. Large, elegant homes grace the town of Russellville. Gorgeously landscaped subdivisions offer prestigious options for purchase. There are also homes listed in the historical registrar. Real estate options range from lakefront property to large land acreage. Vacation rentals and apartments also abound for the modest, thrifty or for those on the move.

An annual watermelon festival in downtown Russellville draws crowds in the tens of thousands and features an antique car show, tractor show, motorcycle and street rod show, music and concerts, arts and crafts, food, watermelon contest and more. Red Bay has a treasure of towering oaks and there are a range of deer-hunting options in the county. The King Drive-In movie theater plays movies on spring and summer weekend nights. Dismals Canyon in the town of Phil Campbell is a National Natural Landmark. The secluded wilderness has captivating waterfalls and dozens of wildflower species including lilies, orchids, and buttercups. If any of these fit your vision of perfection, then the Cedar Creek Reservoir area should be on your list of places to visit.

Things to Do at Cedar Creek Reservoir

These are some activities in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, AL area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Jet Skiing
  • Water Skiing
  • Golf
  • Camping
  • Campground
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Waterfall
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Miniature Golf
  • Movie Theater
  • Antiquing

What Kind of Fish Are in Cedar Creek Reservoir?

Cedar Creek Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Striped Bass
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Find Places to Stay at Cedar Creek Reservoir

If you’re considering a Cedar Creek Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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More Sites to Book a Cedar Creek Reservoir Vacation

Our interactive Cedar Creek Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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Cedar Creek Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

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Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: TVA, Bear Creek Development Authority

Surface Area: 4,200 acres

Shoreline Length: 64 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 580 feet

Average Depth: 15 feet

Maximum Depth: 80 feet

Water Volume: 93,940 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1979

Drainage Area: 179 sq. miles

Trophic State: Mesotrophic


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