Southern Charm
Alabama’s Lake Martin, a 44,000-acre colossus, is among one of the South’s best-kept secrets. Once the largest man-made lake in the world, these 750 miles of shoreline spread across Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties. With its distinctive rock formations, numerous storied islands, and clear waters, Lake Martin has undoubtedly left its mark on the people of Alabama.
Essentials
Multiple locations near the lake offer emergency medical care, but Russel Medical Center and Lake Martin Community Hospital are the closest, each within 8 miles of the lake. Not far off is Birmingham International Airport—the nearest major airfield—only 2 hours away.
Cherished Waters
As water flows down the Tallapoosa River, it will eventually cross paths with Martin Dam, an indomitable 168-foot-tall wall at the mouth of Lake Martin. Before the dam and lake shared the name Martin, there was only one name for the reservoir: Cherokee Bluffs. The name came from the Tallapoosa River Gorge, where the lake was impounded. Still, the lake was eventually renamed in honor of Thomas Martin, a former president of Alabama Power.
Lake Martin features some of Alabama’s finest homes and amenities. The region is known for its high-end luxury lake homes, many of which are owned by CEOs from Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile. This central lake is a popular recreational spot for Alabama skiers, swimmers, boaters, campers, golfers, and anglers. The lake also boasts eagle nests, sandy beaches, quaint restaurants, and marinas. Boat ramps are easily accessible here, with 19 public ramps situated around the lake. The community here is no stranger to lake-day fun and offers events year-round, such as the Lake Martin 4th of July fireworks show.
At least 12 noteworthy islands dot the waters of Lake Martin, many with interesting stories behind them. Deer Island sits in the western portion of Lake Martin. When water levels recede, a land bridge forms that many local deer cross over. Goat Island is aptly named as it is an island inhabited by goats. Chimney Rock Island is a sizeable island in the southern central portion of Lake Martin but is often confused with the nearby and more famous jumping rock of Acapulco Island.
Given its sheer size, the variety of fish here comes as no surprise. Four bass species—large, white, Alabama, and striped— thrive here. Anglers also will be pleased to know that Lake Martin likewise teems with channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, black and white crappie, sunfish, and bluegill.
Alabama Ambition
When the sun rests on the horizon at Lake Martin, as waters begin to still and residents sink deep into their Adirondack chairs, Alabama’s charm dazzles in full display.