Gainesville Lake (Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gainesville Lake |
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 Gainesville Lake
Location in Alabama
Gainesville Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pickens County, Alabama, United States |
| Coordinates | 33°03′50″N 088°11′35″W / 33.06389°N 88.19306°W |
| Primary inflows | Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway |
| Primary outflows | Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway |
| Basin countries | United States |
Gainesville Lake is a large, man-made lake located in the northwest part of Alabama. It is a special kind of lake called a reservoir, which means it was created by building a dam across a river. This lake is an important part of the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway, a big canal system that helps boats travel through the region. It is found near the town of Gainesville.
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Gainesville Lake: A Man-Made Wonder
Gainesville Lake is a big reservoir that was created to help with boat travel and manage water. It is a key part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. This waterway connects rivers and helps ships move goods across the southeastern United States.
Where is Gainesville Lake Located?
Gainesville Lake is in Pickens County, Alabama. It is also partly in Sumter County. The lake is close to the small town of Gainesville. This area is in the western part of Alabama.
How Was Gainesville Lake Created?
Gainesville Lake was formed by building the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam. A dam is a large barrier built across a river. It holds back water to create a lake. The Howell Heflin Lock and Dam helps control the water level. It also allows boats to move between different parts of the waterway.
The Role of the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam
The Howell Heflin Lock and Dam is a very important structure. It has a lock system. A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It raises or lowers boats so they can pass from one water level to another. This dam makes it possible for boats to travel smoothly along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
What is the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway?
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is a huge project. It connects the Tennessee River with the Tombigbee River. This creates a direct water route to the Gulf of Mexico. It is often called the "Tenn-Tom" for short.
Why is the Tenn-Tom Waterway Important?
The Tenn-Tom Waterway helps transport goods by boat. This is often cheaper than moving them by truck or train. It also helps with flood control and provides places for recreation. Gainesville Lake is one of the many lakes that are part of this large waterway system.
Fun Things to Do at Gainesville Lake
Gainesville Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people visit the lake for fun and relaxation.
- Fishing: The lake is home to many types of fish. Popular catches include bass, catfish, and crappie.
- Boating: People enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake's calm waters.
- Nature Watching: The area around the lake has lots of wildlife. You might see different birds, deer, and other animals. It's a good spot for nature lovers.
Gainesville Lake offers a peaceful setting for families and friends to enjoy nature. It is a valuable resource for both transportation and recreation in Alabama.
