Of Alabama's 52,000 square miles of land, more than 1,500 (or about 3%) are under water. There are no large natural lakes in Alabama, but plenty of reservoirs that have created huge beautiful lakes offering more shoreline, or lakefront property than most any state in the nation.

Boasting 40,000 acres of clean, clear water with over 750 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River in Tallapoosa, Coosa, and Elmore Counties is one of the largest lakes in the state. Traveling the 750-mile shoreline would take you farther than traveling from Mobile to Huntsville and back!

Lake Martin provides excellent sport fishing for largemouth bass, salt-water striped bass, white bass, hybrid bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. In fact, fishing is one of the biggest draws to the lake and avid fishermen abound.

Other lake activities include water skiing, boating, swimming and canoeing. The lake has more than 12 marinas and a large state park providing access to the public.

There are hundreds of channels and backwater coves to explore -- in fact, old-timers recommend that newcomers take a lake map (available everywhere in the lake area) with them before setting out of an adventure. There are many islands in the lake with exotic names like Acapulco Rock, Goat Island and Chimney Rock -- plenty of exploration to keep the adventurous busy.

There's also plenty of quiet, shady shoreline, most dotted with beautiful lakefront homes. Home developments abound and offer a range from a weekend get-away cabin to primary residences and include some of the most elaborate homes in the state. The popularity of the lake lifestyle is evident by the big, new homes appearing daily.

Retirees are flocking to the lake. Many convert weekend homes they've enjoyed for years into primary residences on their retirement. The mix of resort and community, rural and small town atmospheres makes the area ideal for retirement.

Wind Creek State Park

For those wanting a temporary get-away, Wind Creek State Park, located seven miles southeast of Alexander City on Highway 128, spans 1,445 acres of pine and hardwood ridges on the shoreline of Lake Martin.

Wind Creek offers a fully equipped modern campground containing 669 sites spread over 320 acres. Park facilities include a camp store, marina, play areas, hiking trails, heated restrooms and showers, picnic pavilions and a 210-foot fishing pier.

Wind Creek State Park offers the perfect setting for family recreation and relaxation. The park provides something for all ages, from fishing and hiking to just relaxing beneath the whispering pines. Campsites directly on the water allow boats at their own campsites.

In addition to the abundant natural resources and beautiful lake setting, Wind Creek's nature program has converted a grain silo into a Nature Center. The silo tower was built in 1915 and is still a solid structure after 80 years. In addition to a spectacular view from the top, its interior has been remodeled to include educational exhibits on native Alabama wildlife.

Nature Programs include guided nature walks, hikes, tree identification and bird watching. Two hiking trails offer the visitor everything from the beauty of wildflowers and blooming dogwood to white-tailed deer. The trails wind over hardwood ridges and through tall pines down the shoreline, offering spectacular views of Lake Martin.

Enjoy!