Go Explore STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
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ust 6 miles west of Dadeville on Youngs Ferry Road, sits D.A.R.E. Power Park at Lake Martin, a 30-acre gem known by locals and loved by guests. Owned by Alabama Power, the park was built in 1997 to comply with terms of the Martin Dam hydroelectric project operating license granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The park features sandy white beaches, pavilions with picnic tables, grills, power outlets, two fishing piers and an amphitheater, which makes it the perfect place to host a party or catch a little rest and relaxation. Whether fun in the sun is the ultimate goal or playing host to the family reunion (pavilions must be reserved), D.A.R.E Park has operating attendants on staff to help with any needs that may arise. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends prior to Memorial Day and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day from Memorial Day until Labor Day. For those who love to hike, Dadeville and
Dadeville has been declared a U.S. Tree City for three consecutive years.
26 2021-2022 | Dadeville Magazine
surrounding areas are loaded with walking and birding trails that are official sites of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, which consists of 40 sites spanning 9 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 wellmaintained 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.
