Directions: From the intersection of US 431 and AL Hwy 69 in Guntersville, AL, go west on Hwy 69 for 6.2 miles to CR 240/Union Grove Road. Turn right on CR 240/Union Grove Road and travel 2.3 miles to CR 50/Snow Point Road. Turn right and drive 3.4 miles to the southern side of Guntersville Dam. Note: this is for south dam access only - there is no vehicular traffic allowed across the dam.

Description: Guntersville Dam impounds the 67,900-acre Guntersville Reservoir in northeastern Alabama. The Tennessee Valley Authority manages the dam for electrical production and flood control. The dam makes an excellent vantage point to scan the waters of the reservoir for waterfowl, wading birds, and gulls. Numerous Great Blue Herons fish here, unaffected by the close proximity to the dozens of anglers. The park below the dam also offers a boat ramp where boats can be launched to visit Painted Bluff, a few miles downstream. This impressive red sandstone bluff is the premier observation site for migratory raptors, which are attracted to the hot air thermals that are pushed off the water and over the bluff, providing ideal soaring conditions. This area can be comfortably scanned from a boat below the bluff. The area is especially good for Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles, which have historically nested nearby.