Smith Mountain Fire Tower: A Historic Sentinel Over Lake Martin

The Smith Mountain Fire Tower, standing tall in Jacksons' Gap, Alabama, offers visitors a unique blend of history and stunning 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 90-foot tower served as a crucial fire detection point for four decades. Before Lake Martin was created, the area around Smith Mountain was heavily eroded due to timber clearing and poor agricultural practices. The construction of Martin Dam in 1926 exacerbated the problem, as eroded soil began filling the lake. To combat this, Alabama Power partnered with various organizations to reforest the land, leading to the establishment of the fire detection network. 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 began restoring the tower. Today, the fully restored tower is open to the public, offering panoramic views of Lake Martin and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the 111 steps to the top and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Smith Mountain site also offers several hiking trails, including the 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. Educational exhibits near the tower teach visitors about the area's natural history, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes.