Lake Mitchell

In 1921 the Federal Power Commission granted Alabama Power Company a license to construct a dam across the Coosa River near Clanton, downstream from Lay Lake, at a location called Duncan’s Riffle. The dam and lake are named for former Alabama Power Company President James Mitchell. An internationally known electrical engineer, Mitchell came to Alabama in 1911 to survey its potential for hydroelectric power development. Construction of Mitchell Dam, Alabama Power Company’s second hydroelectric plant, was completed in 1923 and it has been busy producing hydro power ever since.

Mitchell Dam is the second-oldest of 14 Alabama Power Company hydroelectric generating plants. The dam was named for James Mitchell, Alabama Power president from 1912 to 1920.

One of Alabama Power’s newest day-use parks, Barrett’s Park on Lake Mitchell continues to grow each lake season. It’s an ideal place for families to come and enjoy the lake. People can be seen grilling, fishing and swimming at the park.

While Barrett’s Park is nestled in Lake Mitchell’s remote Hatchet Creek area, the park already provides boater access and parking, a pier and boardwalk along the water, public restrooms, grills and picnic tables. Fishermen especially like to use the park to launch their boats due to its convenience, so much so that the park has even seen bass tournaments launch from its shores.

No dogs allowed.

For more information about Barrett’s Park, contact the park office at (256) 396-5093.