For Google Map directions to any of the trail locations visit our Show Me The Way Map by clicking here!
Located just outside Dadeville, Alabama, just off Youngs Ferry Road.
Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail – From the Parking Lot it is a steep 0.4 mile climb to the base of the tower. A sign on the West side of the tower points to the return trail to the parking lot. Total length 1.0 mile. (It will seem further due to rugged terrain.)
Lakeshore Trail – Total length 2.4 miles. From near the top of the mountain, the Lakeshore Trail then makes a steep descent before winding gently along undeveloped shores of Lake Martin, returning to the parking lot through mixed hardwood/pine forest.
David M. Forker Island Hop/Boat Dock Trail – From Parking Lot it is approximately 1.4 mi. to the boat dock. When Lake Martin is lowered to winter pool levels, it is possible to walk another quarter mile crossing a series of islands inaccessible at full pool. The return trail from the boat dock to the parking lot is approximately 1.2 mile.
Little Smith Mountain Loop Trail – 2.6 miles
WARNING: This trail is spectacular for its views and rock formations, but is also the most difficult and potentially dangerous. At times the trail goes along sheer cliffs where a single misstep could have dire consequences. Do not attempt this trail unless you are sure-footed and in better than average physical condition. This is NOT a trail for small or unruly kids.
TRAIL MARKINGS
Rectangular paint blazes on trees at approximate adult eyeball height identify the correct trail paths. A double blaze either indicates a trail intersection or a sharp change in direction. DO NOT remark or change the trails.
https://crata.org/smith-mountain
Note: All trails begin and end at Overlook Park area. All are easy to moderate difficulty. All descend from the ridge to the shoreline and back to Overlook Park. All are marked with white rectangular blazes on trees or rocks.
his park is provided by Alabama Power Company and provides a wonderful setting with picnic tables, seating area, and observation platform for probably the best view of Lake Martin.
CRATA’s first trails constructed in 2004 consist of three (3) trails for a total of 7.2 miles. All three trails are tied together so you can hike from 1 mile to 7 miles with several combinations.
Great views of Lake Martin, mountain longleaf pine, native azaleas, and mountain laurel are just a few of the interesting things that will delight the hiker.
https://crata.org/our-trails/overlook/
The cliffs of the Tallapoosa River, the Needles Eye, and Jasmine Bluff are just a few of the unique rock formations that await the hiker. Spectacular vistas of Lake Martin, thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron will delight the hiker in late April and early May.
WARNING: We do not recommend children under 12 years of age hike this trail. We also recommend that children ages 12 to 14 years have strict adult supervision. There are cliffs and bluffs without safety barriers within 10 to 20 feet of the trail. A fall from these heights could result in critical injury or death. The trail is relatively safe as long as you stay on marked trail, but hiking by its very nature carries a certain amount of risk. The land owner or trail association is not responsible for any injury, accident, or adverse health event while on these premises or as a result thereof. Hike safely.
NOTICE: Stay on marked trails; any pets must be on leash at all times. No motorized vehicles, bicycles, horses or other pack animals allowed on trail. No alcohol, drugs, firearms, open fires, camping, rock climbing or repelling allowed.
The directions to the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail is Alabama State Highway 50 in Tallapoosa County which runs east and west.
From the east going west, take Overlook Drive (turn right, County Road 99) for approximately 3 miles, turn right into the Harbor subdivision. Trailhead is 600-feet on left at 83 Harbor View Blvd, Dadeville, AL 36853.
From the west going east, cross the Tallapoosa River (the Jack Venable Bridge), take first left, Overlook Drive (County Road 99) for 3 miles. Turn left into Harbor subdivision. Trailhead is 600-feet on left at 83 Harbor View Blvd, Dadeville, AL 36853.