Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Lookout Mountain Travel Guide

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Hike to Alabama's historic Smith Mountain Fire Tower for panoramic views of Lake Martin and surrounding woodlands. A rewarding outdoor adventure!

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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. Restored in 2012, it's a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

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 shoes, as the trails can be steep and rugged.
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Check the weather forecast before your visit.

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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, then left onto Young's Ferry Road. Turn left onto Smith Mtn. Drive, followed by a right onto Tower Road. Follow Tower Road to the parking lot at the Smith Mountain trailheads. From the parking lot, the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail is a steep, 0.4-mile hike to the base of the tower. There are no fees for parking or access.
Boating

الوصول إلى Smith Mountain Fire Tower بالقارب يمثل جزءًا من سحر ومغامرة هذه الرحلة النهارية. يجب على أصحاب القوارب التوجه نحو منطقة ساندي كريك، الواقعة بالقرب من ديدفيل. من هناك، ستستخدم هذه الإحداثيات: 32°48'26.2 شمالاً 85°50'39.8 غربًا. سترى بعض الركائز التي قدمتها شركة ألاباما للطاقة لدعم جمعية شيروكي ريدج الألبية للمسارات. رصيف القوارب بدائي لذا أحضر الحبال والمصدات لحماية سفينتك. بمجرد الوصول إلى الشاطئ، ينتظرك مسار للمشي لمسافات طويلة محدد بوضوح. المسار إلى البرج عبارة عن رحلة لمسافة نصف ميل عبر مزيج من غابات الصنوبر والخشب الصلب.

Discover more about Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Perched atop Smith Mountain, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower is an iconic landmark with a rich history. Built in 1939 as a collaborative effort between the Alabama Power Company, the Tallapoosa County Forest Conservation Association, and the Alabama Forestry Commission, the 90-foot tower served as a crucial fire detection point for over four decades.Before the creation of Lake Martin, the area around Smith Mountain was heavily eroded due to timber clearing and poor agricultural practices. The construction of the dam in 1926 exacerbated the problem, leading to significant soil runoff into the lake. To combat this, Alabama Power partnered with various organizations to reforest the land, leading to the establishment of a fire detection network, with Smith Mountain as its first tower and district office.In 1980, the Alabama Forestry Service closed the tower, and the site fell into disrepair. However, in 2010, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) took ownership and spearheaded its restoration. Today, the fully restored tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Lake Martin and the surrounding areas. Informative exhibits at the base of the tower detail the area's natural history, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes.The area also offers several hiking trails, including the popular Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail, a steep 0.4-mile climb to the tower's base. Other trails include the Lakeshore Trail, the David M. Forker Island Hop/Boat Dock Trail, and the Little Smith Mountain Loop Trail.