Lake Martin
Cherokee Bluffs was one of Tallapoosa County’s most famous landmarks. It was also a perfect place to construct the first of four dams on the Tallapoosa River. When it was built, the dam created the world’s largest artificial body of water.
Martin Dam, as it was soon known, was dedicated in honor of Thomas Martin, president of Alabama Power Company from 1920 to 1949 and chief executive officer from 1949 to 1963. Martin was instrumental in the development of Alabama Power and a pioneer in the development of the electric system throughout Alabama and the Southeast.
The story of Martin Dam and Martin Lake began as a story of energy. It continues today as a story of flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitats. Power was just the beginning.
Nature’s Way
D.A.R.E. Power Park
Six miles west of Dadeville, down the wooded, rolling Young’s Ferry Road, hides a sandy beach cove known as D.A.R.E. Power Park that is dotted with shaded pavilions, picnic tables and open charcoal grills. Despite its seclusion, the park is a popular spot for locals and in-the-know passersby – both by vehicle and vessel – to take a break, stretch their legs and enjoy the serene nature that envelops the Lake Martin shoreline.
The park was developed in 1997 in cooperation with the local community and as a part of the Martin license. Alabama Power partnered with the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) programs for fourth-grade students at four Tallapoosa County schools on a contest to let students name the park.
The 30-acre park is one of the largest managed by Alabama Power and boasts a number of amenities, including a beach, boat launch, public restrooms, an amphitheater, grills, picnic tables, pavilions and docks.
First weekend in May-Memorial Day: Open Weekends Only
Memorial Day-Labor Day: Open Daily
Labor Day-Last weekend in September: Open Weekends Only
No Dogs Allowed
For more information about D.A.R.E. Power Park or to reserve park pavilions, contact the park office at 256-825-8386 or the Lake Martin Shoreline Management Office at 256-825-0053.
Additional Amenities at Lake Martin
| Recreation Facilities | RAMP | PICNIC | SWIM | BANK FISHING | FISHING PIER | HIKING | ACCESSIBLE | HUNTING | PLAYGROUND | RESTROOM | DIRECTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madwin Creek Boat Ramp | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||||
| D.A.R.E. Power Park | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | ||||
| Young’s Ferry Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | ||||||||
| Smith Mtn. Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | ||||||||
| Pace’s Point Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||
| Pace’s Trail | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||
| Union Boat Ramp | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||||
| Scenic Overlook | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||
| Jaybird Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | |||||||
| Timbergut Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | ||||||||
| Baker’s Bottom Boat Ramp | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP | ||||||||
| Nature’s Way | ✔️ | ✔️ | MAP |
D.A.R.E. Park
Paces Trail Fishing Dock
