Why visit Lake Martin + local secrets you NEED to know
** Many attractions are closed or operating on limited hours due to COVID-19. Please research the destinations below before planning a visit. **
Here’s your Friday getaway:
Lake Martin, AL
Drive time from Nashville: 4 hours 30 minutes
This trip is perfect for travelers:
who adore lake views, water sports, and outdoorsy getaways.
Lake Martin, Alabama
Located south of Nashville, near Montgomery, Alabama, sits one of the largest man-made lakes in America. Lake Martin has over 880 miles of shoreline and hosts many annual events including a big 4th of July fireworks celebration, fishing tournaments, and Alexander City Jazz Festival.
How far is it from Nashville to Lake Martin, AL? Drive time is 4.5 hours.
Why you should visit
It’s a large lake with many options for overnight accommodations.
You can rent a rustic cabin, mid-sized, vacation rental, or a large, luxurious, lakefront house to accommodate a big family.
There are camping options on lakefront sites.
There are local places to rent boats for day trips to the 30+ islands around the lake.
Dining options bordering the shore around the lake are plentiful, making it easy-access for boaters, as well as numerous waterfront dining options for those without boats.
Hiking nature trails is another option for Lake Martin visitors.
There are unique activities that make this spot extra special, like Goat Island, an island with free-roaming goats that you can play with and feed.
Things to do at Lake Martin
When we asked locals and frequent travelers to Lake Martin what there was to do, they listed these options as some of the best! Here are their recommendations:
An overview to show how large Lake Martin is and where a few dining and daytime activities are located.
Goat Island:
Island hop to the more than 30+ islands in Lake Martin. Just be sure to make a pit stop at Goat Island! There you can play with and feed free-roaming, island goats!
Don’t miss this unique stop at Goat Island on Lake Martin! Bring your Cheetos!
The rules of Goat Island on Lake Martin
Russell Trails:
The trails vary in difficulty, so there’s a trail for everyone. Local tip: hike up to Heavenly! Then afterwards, have lunch at Catherine’s Market. There is also an Adventure Center on site.
Chimney Rock:
Source: Chimney Rock, Lake Martin, AL
One of the landmarks on Lake Martin is Chimney Rock, also known as Acapulco Rock. Many boaters park in front of the rock to watch adventure-seekers jump from the high cliffs. Severe injuries have occurred here, so please use extreme caution if you decide to jump.
Smith Mountain Fire Tower:
Source: Smith Fire Tower
The hike to the tower is an .8 mile loop. The tower itself is approximately 90 feet tall and just underwent a restoration in 2012.
D.A.R.E Power Park:
Source: Dare Power Park, Lake Martin, AL
Want to satisfy the beach craving, but can’t go that far? We recommend setting up for the day at a spot like D.A.R.E Power Park. (There’s a top secret beach just like THIS in Nashville! We hate telling folks about it, because we don’t want it to get overcrowded. But for YOU…we’ll spill the beans.)
Island hop:
There are over 30 islands to explore by boat on Lake Martin. Here’s a list of them.
Where to eat at Lake Martin — according to locals!
Pizza spot: Chuck’s Marina
Ice cream recommendation: Cream at the Creek
Fancy option: SpringHouse Restaurant
Source: SpringHouse, Alexander City, AL
Lake Martin camping
Primitive camping on islands, unless “No Trespassing” sign
Lake Martin boat rentals
Depending on where you want to launch from, there are a variety of marinas that rent boats and watercraft.
Lake Martin vacation rentals & cabin rentals
Pin this to your road trip bucket list:
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Read: Where are weekend travelers on our Facebook page dreaming of road tripping this summer?
“Savannah, Captiva Island, Myrtle Beach,.” -Jennifer Glasner
Nearby attractions in Alexander City, a few minutes from Lake Martin:
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