Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Smith Mountain Fire Tower Area near Lake Martin

The highest elevation around Lake Martin, Smith Mountain is a jagged peak mountain in the Sandy Creek area of the lake.

The top of Smith Mountain is rugged. Jagged rock formations dissect the mountain top into a series of rough terraces that are for the most part disconnected. A house-sized crag consisting of numerous boulders stands out from and above the rest of the peak.  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.  In November 2010, Smith Mountain was deeded to the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA). Over a period of 18 months the tower has been restored and upgraded with new safety features and is now open to the public. Visiting time is daylight until 30 minutes after sunset, daily.

A trail begins at the base of Smith Mountain and ascends the northern and western slope for about 0.4 mile. The trail descends the southern and eastern slope of the mountain for about 0.6 mile back to the parking lot. The view from the tower is spectacular.

In addition to the Smith Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, there are 5 miles of hiking trails.  The two main trails are the Lake Shore Trail and the Little Smith Mountain Trail. The Island Hop Trail is accessible only during winter months when the lake is down. The Lake Shore Trail is a two-mile trail that descends the western slope to the lake shore and follows the shoreline for most of the two miles.  There is also the dramatic two-mile Little Smith Mountain Trail which has four resting benches with some spectacular views–one bench on a peninsula, two on the south face, and one on the top.

Your hike leader has selected a scenic 3-6-mile moderate hiking route for you to enjoy from this wide choice of trails.

Note-To view photos of what we will see on this trip, please click on this link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/asRo5FAwRoXO7mIH2

Please be sure to click on the link and view the photographs.

Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and over welcome.  Optional dinner after the hike.

Please meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone.   We plan to depart from there at 9:15 a.m.

Info. and Trip Leader: Doris Hatch, 205/901-8367

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone– 410 Doug Baker Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35242-2682.  Take U.S. Highway 280 East going away from Birmingham to intersection with AL Route 119, Cahaba Valley Road.  Continue on U.S. 280 through that intersection 9/10 more miles and turn right on Doug Baker Boulevard.  This turn should be right after the very large Driver’s Way used car dealer.  Drive 3/10 miles on Doug Baker Boulevard and then see the Publix Super Market on your right.  Please park in front of the Publix, but fairly far out towards 280, not right by the front door.

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS
Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities? Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors. The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment. From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials. All events and activities of the group are open to the public. Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.
NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS.
The organization currently has about 250 members. We scheduled seventy-nine events during calendar year 2020 for an average of 7 fun events per month. We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.
SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings. You do not have to be a member to participate in one or two SEO activities. Dues are only $10. Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events.
Thank you.