Why Rent On Inland Lake

Inland Lake impounds 1,557 acres on the Blackburn Fork of the Little Warrior River in Blount County, Alabama, about nine miles south-southwest of Oneonta. What makes this lake extraordinary is its depth: with a mean depth of 77 feet and local reports of depths near 200 feet near the dam, Inland Lake has the kind of clarity that most Alabama lakes simply cannot match. The reservoir was completed in 1939 and has been managed ever since by the Birmingham Water Works and Sewer Board, which owns all the shoreline property around the lake.

A Unique Rental Base Near a Birmingham Watershed Lake

The Birmingham metro area is roughly 35 miles to the southwest, and Oneonta is just nine miles northeast, which puts Inland Lake in an appealing position for families driving out from the city for a lakeside stay. Vacation rentals in the Blount County area give families a home base in the Alabama foothills, with full kitchens, outdoor space, and the forested hillside character of a lake that has never been commercially developed. Bring everything you need for the stay, as the lakeside amenities are intentionally minimal.

Boating, Skiing, and the Deep Clear Water

Inland Lake is open for pleasure boating, water skiing, and fishing, accessed via two boat ramps, one near Allgood off Highway 75, and another nine miles southwest of Oneonta off Highway 75. The remarkable clarity of the water makes swimming and boat riding here a different visual experience from the murkier waters of most Alabama reservoirs. The lake’s depth also means the water temperature stays cooler through the summer, which is a genuine pleasure on a hot Alabama afternoon.

Fishing in an Underpressured Lake

Because Inland Lake serves primarily as a water supply reservoir and access is controlled, the fishing pressure is lower than on most publicly accessible Alabama lakes. Bass fishing is the main draw, and the lake’s depth and clarity create conditions for healthy fish populations. A $5 boat launch fee is required, and both access points are patrolled by the Blount County Sheriff’s Department, which keeps the lake well managed and safe.

Oneonta and the Blount County Character

Oneonta and the surrounding Blount County communities have a rural Alabama character that is warm and genuine. The Covered Bridge Festival, held each October in Blount County, celebrates the region’s six remaining historic covered bridges in a community event that families find genuinely charming. For those wanting a deep, clear, and largely undiscovered Alabama lake in beautiful foothill country, Inland Lake is one of the state’s most rewarding finds.