A Bird's Eye View

Come see Lake Martin like you’ve never seen it before!  Originally built in 1939, the restored Smith Mountain Fire Tower was opened to the public on June 16, 2012.  Visitors hike up the half-mile trail from the parking area to the tower where they can climb up to the cab. The view from the cab, which is 80 feet above the top of Smith Mountain, is spectacular and offers panoramic views of Lake Martin.  The tower is surrounded by a native longleaf pine forest, large granite deposits and is open to the public sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA) is working on developing additional hiking trails around Smith Mountain and along the shoreline.

In addition to the fire tower, there is also several boulders for climbers to explore. There are not many established routes through here and most spots around the boulders need some work to be able to have room to climb, but there are several climbable boulders. There is also one route that is bolted at the top for top roping.

For more information and the complete history of Smith Mountain Fire Tower.  Visit www.crata.org