Smith Mountain Fire Tower: A Sentinel Over Lake Martin

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Hike to the historic Smith Mountain Fire Tower for panoramic views of Lake Martin and a glimpse into Alabama's conservation history.

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Smith Mountain Fire Tower

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower, erected in 1939, stands as a historic fire lookout offering panoramic views of Lake Martin and the surrounding Alabama landscape [5, 7]. Restored in 2012, the 90-foot tower is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts [6, 8].

A brief summary to Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Jacksons' Gap, Alabama, 36861, US
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Local tips

Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trails can be rugged [12].
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months [12].
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds [12].
Check the CRATA website for trail conditions and updates [2].

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Getting There

Driving

From Jacksons' Gap, follow AL-49 N. Turn right onto Co Rd 48. Turn right onto Youngs Ferry Rd. Turn left onto Smith Mountain Dr, then turn right onto Tower Rd to reach the parking area at the base of the mountain [3]. From the parking lot, the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail leads to the tower [2, 4]. Parking is free [3].
Public Transport

While public transportation options directly to Smith Mountain Fire Tower are limited, ARISE Public Transportation offers curb-to-curb service for Tallapoosa County residents [17]. Contact them at 256-329-8444 to schedule a ride in advance. Keep in mind that routes may vary based on demand, and advance booking is essential [17]. Fares vary depending on distance.

Discover more about Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Perched atop Smith Mountain, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower is an iconic landmark with a rich history deeply intertwined with the story of Lake Martin [2, 5]. Constructed in 1939 as a collaborative effort between the Alabama Power Company, the Tallapoosa County Forest Conservation Association, and the Alabama Forestry Commission, the tower served as a crucial fire detection point for over four decades [5, 7]. Before Lake Martin was formed, the area around Smith Mountain was heavily eroded due to timber clearing and poor agricultural practices [2, 6]. The construction of Martin Dam in 1926 led to the lake filling with eroded soil, prompting Alabama Power to partner with various organizations to reforest the land [6]. This reforestation effort led to the construction of six fire towers, with Smith Mountain hosting the first tower and district office [2]. In 1980, aerial patrols and improved telephone service made the tower obsolete, and it was closed [6]. Neglect led to deterioration, but in 2010, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) obtained the title and began restoring the tower [2, 6]. The restored tower opened to the public in 2012 and has become a major tourist attraction [6, 8]. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of Lake Martin and the surrounding forests [3, 8]. Informative displays educate visitors about the area's natural history, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes [2, 12]. The area around the tower offers several hiking trails, including the steep 0.4-mile Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail, the 2.4-mile Lakeshore Trail, the rugged Little Smith Mountain Trail, and the Island Hop Trail [2, 3, 4].