Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Coosa Valley Travel Guide

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Hike to panoramic views from a historic fire tower overlooking Alabama's Lake Martin in Jacksons' Gap.

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Smith Mountain Fire Tower

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower, located in Jacksons' Gap, Alabama, offers panoramic views of Lake Martin and the surrounding landscape. Built in 1939, the 90-foot tower stands as a historic landmark and a testament to forest fire prevention efforts.

A brief summary to Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Jacksons' Gap, Alabama, 36861, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Smith Mountain Fire Tower.

Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be steep and rugged.
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are no facilities on-site.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Check the CRATA website (crata.org) for trail conditions and updates.

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Explore Smith Mountain Fire Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Smith Mountain Fire Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Dadeville, travel south on AL Hwy 49. Turn right onto W. Lafayette St. After 1.4 miles, turn left onto Young's Ferry Road. In 3.4 miles, turn left onto Smith Mtn. Drive, then turn right onto Tower Road. Follow the brown signs to the parking lot at the Smith Mountain trailheads. Parking is free. From the parking lot, the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail leads to the tower.
Boating

If arriving by boat on Lake Martin, look for a small slough with wooden pillars near the 'Island Hop Trail'. Limited space is available for docking (2-3 boats). Be prepared to wade through waist-deep water to access the trail. Follow the trails through the woods to reach the tower.

Discover more about Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Standing tall on the highest point of Lake Martin's shoreline, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Erected 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.Before Lake Martin was created, the area around Smith Mountain was a desolate landscape of eroding soil. After the lake's completion in 1929, the soil erosion threatened the hydroelectric plant's capacity, leading to a reforestation project by Alabama Power, the Alabama Extension, the Soil Conservation Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The fire tower was one of six built to protect the newly planted trees.After being closed in the 1980s and falling into disrepair, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) took ownership of the tower in 2010 and restored it. Today, visitors can climb the 111 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Lake Martin and the surrounding woodlands. The site also features educational exhibits that showcase the area's natural history, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes.The surrounding area offers several hiking trails, including the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail, a steep 0.4-mile climb to the tower. Other trails include the Lakeshore Trail, the Island Hop/Boat Dock Trail (accessible by boat), and the more challenging Little Smith Mountain Loop Trail.