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Lake Martin - a boater's paradise
Splash! Magazine examines getaways within a day's drive
By Lisa Newell Special to Splash! magazine
 | | Submitted photo ABOVE: A skier leaves a plume while enjoying a day on Lake Martin. The huge man-made lake is located Northeast of Montgomery, Ala. |
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There's a retreat just 60 miles north of Montgomery where families go to enjoy a huge freshwater lake, serene woods and a quiet place to get away from it all.
Lake Martin is a 40,000- acre lake on the Tallapoosa River, located near Alexander City, Ala.
The huge lake has an oak leaf shape, featuring over 750 miles of shoreline, with resorts, marinas and cabins dotting the shore.
Lake Martin was formed in 1926 for flood control and to supply hydroelectric power to Alabama residents and it remains a popular fishing and boating spot.
Jet skis, pontoon boats and bow runners zip through the lake, pulling kneeboarders, skiers and kids on flying tubes.
The adventurous trek to the famous rock formation called "Chimney Rock" to climb up to 200 feet to jump off and plunge into 150-foot deep water.
Chimney Rock jumping is also a spectator sport, with at times hundreds of boats anchoring to watch the spectacle of jumpers of all ages defy their better judgment and step off the side of the cliff.
 | | LEFT: Commonly called "Chimney Rock," this spot is popular both for jumpers and spectators. The rise at the highest point is 200 feet and water depth is 150 feet. |
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Resorts such as Stillwaters, in the Dadeville area, offer golf, condominium and townhouse lodging options as well as residential homesites on the golf course.
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