Tag Archives: smith mountain

Fellowship, fresh air and fun at Smith Mountain

Posted on March 4, 2014 | Leave a comment
The group from the day hike to the Smith Mountain area of Lake Martin on March 1, 2014

The group from the day hike to the Smith Mountain area of Lake Martin on March 1, 2014

We had a great start to our 2014 spring season with a day-hike trip to Smith Mountain fire tower area of Lake Martin on Saturday, March 1. The weather was just about perfect, and we had a great time of fellowship, fresh air, exercise and unplugging from our day-to-day lives to focus on God while enjoying His creation.The theme of the day was perspective. We shared and discussed several examples from the Bible of how God has a much greater perspective than our own. The whole experience served as a reminder to remember and trust in God’s perspective on our lives especially when we are faced with a challenge or struggling to see how he is working in our present circumstances.

Here is what one participant had to say after the trip that sums it up the best:

“We enjoy getting to know other fellow believers in Christ along with hiking through the beauty at Lake Martin. It is awesome to take time and enjoy the outside beauty created by our Lord. Like you said during one of your devotional stops during the hike, it is necessary for us to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to reflect.”

Check out some more trip photos from hiker John Boyd.

Sharing some of God’s word at our first break on the trail up to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower.
The 90-foot tall Smith Mountain Fire Tower.
At the base of the Smith Mountain Fire Tower.
Mike climbs to the top of the tower.
It’s a long way down from the top.
The view from the top of the Smith Mountain Fire Tower on March 1, 2014
Sharing a story from the Bible about a fisherman, Peter from Luke 5, on the shores of Lake Martin.
Some real hiking on the Little Smith Mountain Trail.
Hiking the hillside of Little Smith Mountain.
Sharing a brief devotional and discussion at the top of Little Smith Mountain.
Taking a rest break at the top of Little Smith Mountain

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Posted in About Reboot, Experiencing God in nature, Trip reports

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Gaining a new perspective from the Smith Mountain fire tower at Lake Martin

Posted on February 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

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.

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.

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