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When the seasons change and the leaves around Lake Martin begin to fall, sailors know it’s time for an annual gathering where the only thing warmer than the Dixie Sailing Club’s hospitality is the competitive spirit on the water. 

The tranquil surface of Lake Martin can be deceiving. While the water is often thought of as a constant, the annual drawdown to its winter pool transforms the lake, revealing a landscape of hidden dangers.

Alexander City natives John and Lacey Howell and Tallassee natives Bobby and Tera Cagle opened a new campground last month near the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association’s Overlook and Deadening Trail network, offering 61 sites for RV campe…

We are in the drawdown period for Lake Martin when water levels can be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet below full pool. This regular drawdown occurs in preparation for heavy winter and spring rains that could potentially raise the lake level by sev…

Boaters on Lake Martin know there is a peaceful tranquility about hitting the water during the off-season. The lake takes on a quiet calm, and the stillness stretches for as far as the eye can see. With fewer boats on the water, it can feel l…

It is said that “legends are made” at the University of Alabama, and the Lake Martin Bama Club is helping tee up the next generation of local students to achieve their collegiate dreams through its annual scholarship fundraiser.

​​Just a few miles from the shorelines of Lake Martin, African safari tents rise above the Alabama woods, hiding luxury accommodations within canvas walls. Behind the vision of this unique retreat are Skip and Rhonda Courtney, who blended their love of nature, music and hospitality into what…

Horseback riding through Russell Forest is one of Lake Martin’s classic outdoor fall experiences. Guided by The Stables at Russell Crossroads, riders wind along forest trails layered with autumn leaves, cross gentle streams and trace along the shoreline where the lake reflects fall colors.

Set off on an adventure this fall with Explore Lake Martin’s Hiking Challenge, offering participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and take in the breathtaking beauty that Lake Martin has to offer. 

In our little corner of the Southeast, there may not be a better month of the year to be in the outdoors. The water’s still warm enough to enjoy time on the lake, and there are outdoor festivals, football games, hunting, fishing and walks in the park. I enjoy being outside any time of year, …

Every boater should know how to tie off their craft in a number of situations: alongside a dock, in a wet slip or beached. But a quick glance along any public dock – say outside one of Lake Martin’s restaurants – shows that a lot of boaters struggle with the basic task of tying their boat to…

There’s nothing quite like spending a summer Saturday cruising across Lake Martin and enjoying a little friendly competition. But the annual Poker Run offers more than just fun with friends – it turns every hand dealt into support for local c…

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Hello, readers. This is my first LAKE magazine article since becoming president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin. A lot of friends have been asking questions about the organization, so I thought it might be helpful to start out with some general …

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While it is hard to beat a day out on the water, Lake Martin truly comes to life at night. From brilliant sunsets to moonlit hikes, the lake offers unforgettable ways to experience its magic long after the sun goes down.

It’s getting hot, and it’s peak season for recreational traffic on Lake Martin, but there’s still a good opportunity for bass anglers to get some exciting action before the first midmorning crowd hits the water. A personal favorite technique …