What To Do When The Water Goes Down

Get Outside!

When the water starts to go down, I always go into a small state of mourning. The days get shorter, the heat dissipates, the humidity starts to dry up and there may even be a chill in the air. Fog creeps in over the lake and the leaves change or drop completely.

Then we will get one of those days. You know the kind. The kind where the skies are so blue and the sun is still warm —whether it’s October or January. It’s a call to the outdoors. The joy of living (or visiting) Alabama is, as they say, “If you don’t like the weather just wait a few days.” The outdoors is always available — year round.

Here are some of my favorite ways to (count the days until summer) enjoy the off season:

Biking

Did you know that Flat Rock park is still open for walking and biking year round on the weekends? One of my favorite places to ride is on the trails at Flat Rock. Not on the granite outcropping but on the walking and biking trails just inside the gate. You can easily ride out on the shoreline when the water is down.

Kayaking

Even when the water is downright cold, you can always bundle up and climb into a kayak. Kayaking around the lake is an awesome way to explore, especially when the water is down. You can beach the kayak on newly emerged shores and stroll around rocks and sand and even into the forests, without fear of critters.

Fishing

While I’m no fisherwoman, you will always see, year round, people fishing on boats and on docks in our great lake. Thankfully our neighbor loves to fish and he loves to share. We have crappie galore to fry to our hearts’ content. May you be so lucky!

Hiking/Walking

The Preserves are the official name of the trail system set up by Alabama Power. Around Lake Wedowee there are gazebos to hike to (and to take a rest) around Flat Rock but also at the birding trail at Little Fox Creek boat ramp, off of highway 48.There is a beautiful boardwalk to stroll and even a 6 mile loop that goes way out up the creek through the woods.

https://apcshorelines.com/recreation/the-preserves-harris-lake/

The Pinhoti Trail is the 300+ mile trail that traverses the state of Alabama. Many trailheads are just a county away and makes for some really great hiking.

Camping on Lake Islands

Grab a canoe, fill it with your basic necessities and head to a lake island with the camping sign posted. As the water goes down, new shore lines emerge for some of the best (free) camping. It is such an adventure to canoe to your campsite!

Stargazing

In some areas of the lake, due to the lack of light pollution, you can see the Milky Way. All you have to do is look up! Grab some blankets and a beverage, turn off the outdoor lights and sit outside with the family (or visiting friends) and show off that dark sky. Count satellites or wait long enough and you will see a shooting star (or 3!)

Bonfires

Everyone should have the joy of a fire pit. Whether you use river rock or old bricks to create a safe place to burn firewood, it’s easy to create a ring and build a fire. It’s always too hot in the summertime at night to enjoy a fire but the rest of the year it is a perfect way to enjoy being outside. Again, bring blankets and the ingredients for s'mores and gather around the warmest place you can be — the campfire with friends.

Motorcycling

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be a motorcycle rider but living here has changed me. Postcard perfect backcountry roads lend themselves to the most beautiful rides, even as it gets colder. We can ride for hours and only see a handful of other cars. It’s one of my favorite ways to explore our area.

Jeep vs Bronco

My sister is now an empty nester and finally has the Jeep of her dreams. There are all sorts of wonderful places to go out riding- from back country roads to off road playgrounds in the area. Regular meetups happen as well with other Jeep and Bronco owners.

It turns out that the skies here are just as blue as in summer. And you won’t sweat. You’ll just be so glad that you went outside and so grateful to be in the south. Staying indoors in colder weather always seems like a good idea. But trust me, bundle up and head outside, your soul, body and mind will thank you.

By: Angie Stryker