Grenada Lake:  Flocking to fun and habitat.

While Grenada Dam and its impoundment Lake were constructed for flood control, wise design and policy have created an outstanding recreational attraction that also happens to be a nationally recognized and endlessly delightful wildlife habitat.

Want to swim, fish, boat, camp or hike?  Grenada’s the place, with 254 picnic sites, 16 boat ramps, 6 swimming beaches and 300 campsites, with RV hookups available at the nearby Hugh White State Park.

Golf and hiking are highlights at the Park, where the roundtrip trek to the top of Little Mountain offers up a scenic view at nearly 500 feet.  Hiking trails also weave in and around the Lake, where you can explore three of the old Confederate fortification sites; one of them has been restored with cannon that take center stage in regular reenactment/living history events.  If you’re a fitness buff, you’ll want to take the winding trail at Lost Bluff where hanging ropes allow you to pull yourself to the top.

Even if you’re not ready for the hand-over-hand stuff, you’ll still want hike the 1 ½-mile trail that leads into the heart of the Haserway Wetlands, the nation’s first public use wetlands demonstration area.  This unique preserve is the result of an innovative partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, local businesses and the Corps of Engineers.  Prepare to be awed.

Haserway is only one of four wildlife management areas at Grenada Lake, spreading out across thousands of lush acres teeming with natural beauty and diversity.  You can’t hunt at the Quails Unlimited Demonstration Area, but you and Old Blue can come to observe proper quail management and learn correct hunting techniques.

For an indoor adventure, be sure to check out the Grenada Lake visitor center, where you can learn more about everything from flood control to Native American artifacts to Grenada’s role in the Civil War.  Kids (of all ages!) love the 150-gallon aquarium where you can get hands-on with the local aquatic species.

Afterwards head for a campsite and a night under the stars.  As the birds sing you awake in the morning, you may find it hard to leave, but that’s how it is here. History has shown it’s hard to let go in Grenada.