LAKE MARTIN THINGS TO DO
Birding Trails
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus) leads the way to untold adventure in East Central Alabama. From the edges of the black belt to the Southern Appalachians, the PPBT offers over 3.6 million acres to explore. Alabama is blessed with tremendous natural diversity that spans terrestrial habitats from the gulf beaches to the lower Appalachian Mountains. The state also contains a wealth of water and wetland resources. This great physical diversity produces numerous habitat types and the abundance of wildlife species they support.
Children’s Harbor Thrift Store
We are “not just your average” thrift store. You never know what gems you might find here – everything from clothes and household items to boats. Many of our customers are repeat visitors who do not want to miss a great bargain.
All of our store’s proceeds are used to help fund the activities at both of our locations: the Lake Martin Campus and the Family Center at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. So you not only get the opportunity to go home with a new treasure, at the same time you get to help seriously ill children and their families.
DARE Power Park, Alexander
D.A.R.E Power Park is a 30-acre, day-use facility developed in 1997 by Alabama Power with cooperation from the local community. The name of the facility came from the winning entry in a contest to name the park. The competition was open to student members of the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) organizations at four Tallapoosa County Schools.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
On 27 March 1814, Major General Andrew Jackson ‘s army of 3,300 men attacked Chief Menawa’s 1,000 Red Stick Creek warriors fortified in a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Tallapoosa River. Over 800 Red Sticks died that day. The battle ended the Creek War, resulted in a land session of 23,000,000 acres to the United States and created a national hero of Andrew Jackson.
Lakeside Mercantile
Unique *Upcycled* Vintage Furniture, Home, Garden, Gifts & Apparel
Russell Crossroads
Throughout our country’s history, the town center has served as a community gathering spot – a common meeting ground to shop, to dine and if luck had it, to leave with a few friendships formed.
Located in the heart of the Russell Lands communities, Russell Crossroads perfectly blends these storied traditions with today’s conveniences.
Smith Mountain Fire Tower
Come see Lake Martin like you’ve never seen it before! Originally built in 1939, the restored Smith Mountain Fire Tower was opened to the public on June 16, 2012. Visitors hike up the half-mile trail from the parking area to the tower where they can climb up to the cab. The view from the cab, which is 80 feet above the top of Smith Mountain, is spectacular and offers panoramic views of Lake Martin. The tower is surrounded by a native longleaf pine forest, large granite deposits and is open to the public sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) is working on developing additional hiking trails around Smith Mountain and along the shoreline.
In addition to being a good location for hiking, birding the area can prove quite productive.
Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of scenic Lake Martin, a 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Wind Creek boasts the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites. One hundred eighty-seven sites are waterfront, allowing for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Other facilities include a marina, camp store, fishing pier, hiking trails, playground and picnic areas with tables, grills, and shelters.
Bathhouses are located throughout the campgrounds and facilities for laundry. Seven camping cabins are now open to the public.