Climbing a 90-foot-tall fire tower in a cold, stiff January breeze was a tiny bit nerve-racking. But the spectacular view from the top made it well worth the effort and was highlight of our recent visit to Smith Mountain, the highest point along Lake Martin.
At the base of the 90-foot-tall Smith Mountain Fire Tower.
Reboot partner Chris Bowden and I spent one chilly Saturday morning exploring the trails around Smith Mountain in advance of our March 1 day hike trip. Chris is the person who got me into backpacking a few years ago and has been an instrumental partner in taking Reboot from a prayer and idea into a reality. After spending a year in Kentucky, Chris and his family recently moved back to the Montgomery area and this was our first chance to hike together since his return.
After driving about an hour and a half from Montgomery, we arrived at the trailhead which is along the shores of Lake Martin west of Dadeville. Back in 2012 the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association, or CRATA, restored the fire tower and opened it to the public. This is the latest project for the group which has done excellent work over the past decade to bring quality hiking trails to Lake Martin.
We started by hiking uphill about a half mile to reach the base of the fire tower and remnants of some old buildings. Here is a little history behind the property from the CRATA website:
“Standing majestically atop Smith Mountain is the historic 90-foot fire lookout tower. Erected in 1939 as a cooperative agreement between Alabama Power Company, Tallapoosa County Forest Conservation Association and the Alabama Forestry Commission, the tower was a sentinel for locating forest fires for 40 years.
Decommissioned in 1980, the fire lookout tower fell into neglect and disrepair. The office building was dismantled along with other facilities. The property (10 acres) reverted back to Alabama Power Company and had been abused by dumping for the last 30 years.”
In late 2010, Alabama Power deeded the land and tower to CRATA which worked to repair and restore it for visitors. They have done a wonderful job.
Reboot Wilderness Adventures 