Looking for an affordable and easy getaway for spring break? There is always something to do at the lake, whether volunteering, visiting one of Alabama Power’s day-use parks or enjoying nature.
Lake Martin — Smith Mountain Fire Tower
Sitting atop the highest elevation point on Lake Martin, 90-foot Smith Mountain fire lookout tower boasts an extensive history and great views of the lake. Built in 1939 by Alabama Power, the Tallapoosa County Forest Conservation Association and the Alabama Forestry Commission, the tower was used to locate forest fires for 40 years. After being deeded to the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) in 2010, the tower has been upgraded and restored and is open to the public. Daily hours for the free attraction are daylight until 30 minutes after sunset.
While you’re there: Check out the extensive trail system created by CRATA.
Visit www.crata.org for more information.
Lake Harris — Alabama Birding Trail
Located in the Piedmont Plateau region of the Alabama Birding Trail, Fox Creek at Lake Harris offers hiking and bird-watching year-round. The trail has more than 1.5 miles of developed walking paths and another mile of rustic paths. This is a great spot for bird-watching, attracting a variety from herons to hummingbirds. During the spring and summer, expect to see swallows and purple martins, with belted kingfishers, wading birds and wood ducks seen year-round.
Directions: From Wedowee intersection at U.S. 431 and Alabama Highway 48, go west on AL 48 for 9.5 miles. Turn left at boat ramp sign. From Lineville intersection at Alabama Highway 9 and AL 48, travel east on AL 48 for 9.3 miles and turn right at boat ramp sign.
While you’re there: Go bass fishing. Lake Harris is known for its bass fishing, especially along Wedowee Creek.
Visit www.alabamabirdingtrails.com for more information.
Logan Martin Lake — Renew Our Rivers
Make a difference and volunteer with Logan Martin Protection Association (LMRA) during a weeklong Renew Our Rivers cleanup from Saturday, March 25 through Saturday, April 1. Volunteers may report to one of the following collection sites at 8 a.m.: Caribe Club Marina, Lakeside Landing, Riverside Marina, Poor House Branch Marina, Woods Surfside Marina or Clear Creek Marina. The cleanup will culminate with a picnic at Pell City Lakeside Park on April 1 at noon.
While you’re there: Check out the LMRA’S Wetlands Boardwalk Project at Pell City Lakeside Park.
Visit www.alabamapower.com/renewourrivers or www.lmra.info for more information. Alabama Power operates five day-use parks and 45 public access sites on our lakes for the public to enjoy. Click here for more information.
