Adventure Awaits: A Guide to Lake Martin Recreation
With over 40,000 acres of water and 800+ miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is a playground for those who love the outdoors. But the fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
With over 40,000 acres of water and 800+ miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is a playground for those who love the outdoors. But the fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
Terrestrial Treasures: Smith Mountain and Wind Creek
For the best view in the state, head to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower (Jerry W. Bynum Fire Tower). Standing 90 feet tall at the highest elevation on the shoreline, this historic 1939 structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire lake. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Wind Creek State Park offers the "Screaming Eagle" zipline canopy tours, featuring 11 ziplines and sky walks at heights up to 70 feet.
An Angler’s Paradise
Lake Martin is a premier destination for competitive and casual fishing, known for its crappie, bluegill, and striped bass. The 2026 season is packed with events like the Wind Creek Bass Trail Classic and the Alabama Bass Trail. For a relaxed afternoon, the park also features a 210-foot fishing pier that is open 24 hours a day.
Navigating the Waters
Boating is the heart of lake life, but it comes with important rules. Alabama’s "Proximity Law" requires boaters to maintain idle speed within 100 feet of any shoreline, dock, or structure. Additionally, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are prohibited within 200 feet of structures.
With road travel between peninsulas often taking 30–50 minutes, Lake Martin Lift provides a reliable way to get your crew from the trailhead to the marina without the stress of navigation.