Smith Mountain Fire Tower, South Alabama Travel Guide

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Hike to panoramic views from a restored 1930s fire tower overlooking Lake Martin, Alabama's natural beauty and conservation history.

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Smith Mountain Fire Tower

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower, erected in 1939, stands as a historic landmark offering panoramic views of Lake Martin and the surrounding woodlands. Fully restored, the 90-foot tower provides a unique vantage point and insight into Alabama's conservation 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 shoes for the steep, sometimes rocky, climb to the tower.
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
Apply insect repellent to protect against ticks, mosquitoes, and red bugs.
Take time to read the informative exhibits at the tower's base to learn about the area's history and ecology.

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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 Smith Mountain area trailheads and parking lot. From the parking lot, it is a steep 0.4-mile hike to the base of the tower. Parking is free.
Boating

Access Smith Mountain by boat via Lake Martin. Head towards the Sandy Creek area near Dadeville and use coordinates 32°48'26.2"N 85°50'39.8"W to locate the boat dock. Look for pilings provided by Alabama Power Company. Tie your boat to the pilings, ensuring you have lines and fenders to protect your vessel. Be prepared to wade through waist-deep water to access the steps to the trail. From the boat dock, it's approximately 1.4 miles to the parking lot. Then take the Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail 0.4 miles to the tower. Docking is free, but space is limited.

Discover more about Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Perched atop Smith Mountain, the highest point on Lake Martin, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower offers visitors a blend of history and natural beauty. Built in 1939 by the Alabama Power Company in cooperation with the Tallapoosa County Forest Conservation Association and the Alabama Division of Forestry, the tower was part of a network designed to protect the area's reforested lands. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in these early conservation efforts, which aimed to combat soil erosion that threatened the newly created Lake Martin.For four decades, the fire tower served as a vital lookout, with watchmen scanning the horizon for signs of forest fires. The tower's significance diminished over time, leading to its closure in the 1980s. Neglect and deterioration followed until 2010, when the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) stepped in to restore the tower. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and donors, the Smith Mountain Fire Tower was brought back to life, reopening to the public in 2012.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 landscape. Informative exhibits at the base of the tower detail the area's natural history, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes. Several hiking trails, maintained by CRATA, originate from the mountain's base, offering various levels of difficulty and scenic views. These include the Tower Trail, Lakeshore Trail, and Island Hop Trail.