H iking the H ills Area trails feature challenges and panoramic views STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & BETSY ILER PHOTO BY MARA MCKENNA
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he Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail in East Central Alabama includes 40 sites spanning nine counties, from Alabama’s highest mountain to the shores of Lake Martin. Lake Martin boasts more than 175 miles of free public trails through picturesque landscapes with interesting rock formations, wildlife sighting opportunities and terrain to fit every skill level. The lake’s west, east, south and central shorelines all offer opportunities for unique outdoor experiences on well-maintained routes. The following trails are open all year long, but cool weather hiking is preferred, as it is more comfortable than hiking in the summer heat. The largest section of trails winds through Russell Forest from Willow Point to Russell Crossroads off state Route 63. Here, more than 125 miles of pathways take hikers over rolling hills, into protected valleys and across meandering streams. On the east and south shorelines, Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association has built and maintains more than 26 miles of footpath-only trails in three locations, including an outdoor education center at the restored Smith Mountain Fire Tower. CRATA’s Smith Mountain trail system consists of four trails of varying lengths and terrain, from easy to rugged. The entire Island Hop Trail can be accessed only at low water, so plan to hike this trail before or very soon after Feb. 19, when the lake begins to fill to summer pool levels. The Little Smith Mountain Loop Trail, at 2.6 miles, treats hikers to spectacular views and unique rock formations, but this trail also hugs sheer cliffs and difficult terrain. It is not a trail for small children. 20 | 2021-2022 THE SOUTH'S BEST KEPT SECRET
The view from the 90-foot fire tower at Smith Mountain rivals any other view of the lake, as the tower tops the highest point along Lake Martin’s 880 miles of shoreline. Bald eagles are regularly spotted over the lake; wild turkeys are abundant in the lush hardwood forests that surround the trail, as are other traditional woodland birds. At Overlook Park on the east shoreline just north of Martin Dam, three CRATA trails intertwine, so hikers could choose a variety of routes from 1 to 7 miles. Provided by Alabama Power and built and maintained by CRATA volunteers, the park at the trailhead includes picnic tables and an observation platform that shows off another spectacular view of Lake Martin. Bald Eagles are spotted regularly over the lake; Wild Turkeys are abundant in the lush hardwood forests that surround the trail, as are other traditional woodland birds. Situated just north of the Overlook trail system, the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail is a challenging 4.2mile loop along a ridge that parallels Lake Martin’s famed Chimney Rock formation on Acapulco Rock Island. The Needle’s Eye and Jasmine Bluff are popular formations along the trail, which offers numerous vistas at which hikers could rest, enjoy a snack or catch their breath. The trail often treats hikers to up-close views of wildlife, as eagles are known to roost along the bluff. The Deadening Trail is a rewarding trek for experienced hikers but is not recommended for the novice or anyone under the age of 12. Pets must be on leash at all times, and hikers are urged to use care on the rough terrain. CRATA’s most recent trail system continues to expand on the west shoreline south of Martin Dam. Two historic trails
