Tucked away in central Alabama, Lake Martin is a peaceful oasis that has been drawing visitors for decades.
Lake Martin was created in 1929 by the Alabama Power Company for hydroelectric power generation. The dam that impounds the lake is located on the Tallapoosa River, and at 44,000 acres, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Lake Martin quickly became a popular spot for boating and fishing, and as development increased around the lake, so too did the number of visitors.
In recent years, Lake Martin has become well-known for its abundant wildlife. Bald eagles can frequently be seen perching in the tall pines along the shoreline, and ospreys can often be seen diving into the lake to catch fish. Otters and beavers are also present in the lake, and deer are often seen roaming through the woods. With such a diverse array of wildlife, it’s no wonder that Lake Martin is one of Alabama’s most popular tourist destinations.
With over 40,000 acres of water and 700 miles of shoreline, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are 5 things to take advantage of when visiting Lake Martin.
Nestled in the heart of Alabama’s Talladega National Forest is the beautiful Smith Mountain Fire Tower. At a towering 6,357 feet above sea level, the fire tower offers breathtaking views of one of the state’s most famous lakes, Lake Martin. Visitors are welcome to hike to the top of the tower for an up-close look at the surrounding wilderness.
The hike to the fire tower is classified as “strenuous” and is not recommended for young children or those with limited mobility. The trail is 3 miles long and gains about 1,200 feet in elevation. However, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Chewacla Falls, Lake Martin, and the surrounding forest throughout the journey. And, of course, the view from atop the fire tower is truly unforgettable.
Hikers should remember to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike, as there are no amenities once you leave Chewacla State Park. While the trek to the top is challenging, it is well worth the effort for the incredible views that await you at the summit.
The trailhead for the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail is located at the Lake Martin Visitor Center. From the visitor center, the trail winds its way up into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and it features a number of scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of Lake Martin and the surrounding area. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, snakes, and birds.
The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail is a moderate hike with some inclines and the total length of the trail is 8 miles, but there are plenty of places to turn around if you don’t want to hike the entire distance.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to hike, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail should be at the top of your list.
If you’re looking for a place to relax or an Instagram-worthy background, Martin Dam has you covered. The area surrounding the dam offers stunning views of the lake and the picturesque landscape beyond. Soak up the sun and enjoy the view from one of the many benches located near the dam or rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the lake at your own pace.
One of the most popular activities at Lake Martin is fishing. Anglers can cast their lines in hopes of reeling in largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, or any number of other species that call the lake home. Fishing enthusiasts will want to check out Kowaliga Marina, where they can purchase bait and tackle and rent boats.
In addition to being a beautiful place to spend a day outdoors, Martin Dam also has a fascinating history. The dam was built as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program during the Great Depression and provided much-needed jobs for locals at a time when work was hard to come by. Today, the dam is still operational and helps generate hydroelectric power for much of central Alabama.
Woods Island: This small, uninhabited island is a nature-lovers paradise, with its pristine forests, hiking trails, and crystal-clear waterfalls.
The first step to visiting The Woods Island is, of course, getting there! The island can only be accessed by boat most of the year. During the winter months, when the water level is lowered, there is a land bridge from Peanut Point that connects the mainland with Woods Island. So if you are visiting during the Spring or Summer months you’ll need to either rent a pontoon boat or bring your own. Once you’re on the water, it’s just a 10-minute ride from the mainland to the island.
As soon as you set foot on The Woods Island, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from civilization. The island is home to towering trees, babbling brooks, and beautiful wildflowers. There are also several hiking trails that wind their way through the forest, leading to hidden waterfalls and lookout points with stunning views of the lake.
One of the things that make Woods Island at Lake Martin so special is its location. Woods Island is on the northern end of the lake close to where the Tallapoosa River (one of the most pristine river ecosystems in the country) dumps into the lake. This location makes it home to a variety of different fish species. Here, you’ll be close to where largemouth bass, spotted bass, catfish, crappie, and more call home!
With endless pristine beach surrounding this islean, you can bring your fishing gear and drop a line off. Or, if you’re feeling hot, you can take a dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Martin! Just be sure to heed any posted signs about dangerous areas or areas closed off to swimming.
Young’s Island: Next to Woods Island is Young’s Island. This island sits in the middle of the lake and used to have a ferry that would drop people off at the island. It’s small but is a great place for camping or fishing.
Billy Goat Island: This famous island is well known in the community for providing joy to those who choose to beach their boats to fish, camp, or pet a cute goat. The island is so famous it even has its own Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/593516704360144/) with nearly 10,000 members. The island is an uninhabited wooded island that for years the Baker family would put their goats on the island to eat vegetation and for local people to enjoy the company of docile goat. Sadly, this ended in 2022 when the power company put an end to it after several goats were found dead.
When it comes to natural beauty, few places can compare to Dare Power Park at Lake Martin. This sprawling park is located in the heart of Alabama and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Moreover, the park offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy, making it the perfect destination for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Here are the top 3 reasons why you should visit Dare Power Park at Lake Martin.
1. Beautiful scenery: One of the best things about Dare Power Park is its scenic views. Whether you’re hiking through the woods or paddleboarding on the lake, you’re sure to be impressed by the park’s natural beauty.
2. Abundant wildlife: If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be happy to know that Dare Power Park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Keep your eyes peeled and you might just spot an alligator or two!
3. Plenty of activities: There’s no need to be bored at Dare Power Park! The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing.
If you’re thinking about heading to Lake Martin in Alabama this year, you’re in for a treat. This lake is known for its large bass population, and there are plenty of spots where you can cast your line and try to snag one of these prized fish. We’ll share some of the best places to go fishing at Lake Martin.
Lake Martin Dam: The Lake Martin Dam is a popular spot for both fishermen and sightseers. If you’re interested in catching some big fish, this is the place to be—bass weighing over 10 pounds have been caught here! There is also a walking trail that goes all the way around the dam, so you can take in the scenic views when you need a break from fishing.
Wind Creek State Park: Wind Creek State Park is another excellent spot for bass fishing. There is a wide variety of fish that can be found in the waters here, so you’re sure to have a good time no matter what you’re trying to catch. The park also has a boat ramp if you want to bring your own boat, and there are plenty of hiking trails if you need a break from fishing.
Elkahatchee Creek Boat Launch Ramp: The Elkahatchee Creek Boat Launch Ramp at Lake Martin is widely considered to be the best fishing spot in Alabama. The creek itself is relatively small and only extends a few miles into the lake, but it is teaming with fish. Anglers who cast their lines from the boat launch ramp have reported catching bass weighing up to eight pounds. In addition to being an excellent spot for bass fishing, the creek is also popular for catfishing and crappie fishing.
With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque landscape, and ample fishing spots, it’s no wonder that Lake Martin is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. If you’re looking to experience all that this lake has to offer, be sure to check out some of these amazing places to visit and fishing spots. And don’t forget to bring your camera – the views are simply stunning!
Source:
