Many times in my travels I just happen upon interesting places. One one these happens to be Joe Wheeler State Park which is located on Wheeler Lake in Rogersville, Alabama. We actually were looking for a back road to I-65 when we saw a sign for the park and though we did not have as much time as I would have liked, we did get a brief tour.
Wheeler Dam over the Tennessee River
If you drive over the damn, there are cabins located on either side and both offer views of Wheeler Lake. As I understand it this lake was produced when the Tennessee Valley Authority dammed up the Tennessee River for producing electricity. What actually has been produced is a wonderful place if you find a need to fish. We observed folks fishing on the upper and lower side of the dam.
The Lodge is quite nice and offers three levels with banquet halls, a restaurant, large outdoor pool, and of course access to the marina if you were to bring your boat.
Joe Wheeler State Park
There is a golf course, campsites, and plenty of room for picnics. After talking with several employees, we concluded that this was the slowest time of the year to visit the park, but may be a great time if your ‘getaway’ involves isolation from others. I plan to go back and visit Joe Wheeler State Park when it gets a little warmer or when I can borrow a bass boat from a buddy.
