Fall is in the air at Lake Martin! And along with the change of seasons comes the promise of crisp, cooler nights, bonfires, and fall festivities. From roasting marshmallows over the open campfire to catching the leaves changing brilliant colors, there is no doubt that autumn at the lake is one of the best seasons of the year.
Here is our guide to 6 fun activities that will make you “fall” in love with Lake Martin this season!
1.) Go Camping or Glamping
Nothing beats the sound of a crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows, and telling ghost stories over an open flame. Fall is the perfect time to break out your cozy hoodie and camping gear for an outdoor getaway at Lake Martin.
Tent & RV Camping: Wind Creek State Park is the perfect camping getaway at the lake! With 586 campsites for both RV and tent camping, it is one of the largest state-owned campgrounds in the United States. Nestled along the scenic shoreline of Lake Martin, it offers campers a wide range of activities, including zip lining, hiking, putt-putt, horseback riding, and more. Whether you’re seeking a family getaway or a peaceful solo retreat, Wind Creek provides the perfect setting for a memorable outdoor autumn experience.
If you’re looking for an alternative option to popping a tent or pulling up an RV, Wind Creek State Park also offers a large variety of cabins for rent as well as several “glamps” for those looking to retreat in style this fall.
Glamping: If traditional camping isn’t your style but you still want to immerse yourself in nature, we recommend giving “glamping” or “glamourous camping” a try.
The Destination Glamping Resort is nestled on 70 acres of woods on the shores of Sandy Creek and is home to 4 uniquely themed “glamps”, each complete with a hot tub and private deck for stargazing and enjoying the vibrant fall colors. Guests can also take in the autumn weather and explore the property with activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Or, for those seeking added luxury, the resort also offers upgrade options such as private wine cellar dinners and massage therapy packages, allowing guests to relax and unwind in style.
2.) Catch Fall Colors with a Hike
Lake Martin is known to have some of the most stunning hiking trails and lookout areas for leaf peeping in Alabama. With the cool temperatures setting in and leaves crunching beneath your feet, it is hard to beat autumn days in the woods at the lake.
There are more than 10 different hiking trailheads to try out, each unique in its variety of scenery and levels of difficulty, making this the perfect activity to get outside to enjoy the changing landscape and beautiful fall weather. It is also a dog-friendly activity too!
For the best views of vibrant fall leaf colors, we highly suggest visiting the Smith Mountain Fire Tower. Standing at 90 feet above the ground, the fire tower offers a stunning 360° panoramic view of the lake and surrounding woods. You can also catch gorgeous views from the hiking trails surrounding the tower itself.
Or, if you are visiting or camping at Wind Creek State Park, another great place to catch the changing leaves this season is from atop the old historical silo located on the campgrounds.
3.) Attend a Fall Festival
Oktoberfest… and hayrides…and pumpkin patches, oh my! Lake Martin is home to everyone’s favorite fall festivities this year!
Both Alexander City and Dadeville have a great lineup of local fall festivals this season. Be sure to mark them all on your calendar for an unforgettable autumn experience, filled with seasonal treats, live entertainment, and plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
4.) Go to the Pumpkin Patch
Is there anything more nostalgic than going to the pumpkin patch in the fall?
Lake Martin has several fantastic pumpkin patches to explore this year. Starting October 16th, “The Great Pumpkin Patch” will open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. Hosted by the First United Methodist Church, they boast their patch has “the best and most unique pumpkins in town”.
And don’t miss the chance to pick your perfect pumpkin at the Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival on October 26th – it’s a great way to make new memories while enjoying traditional fall festivities.
5.) Volunteer in the Local Community
Fall is a time for change and a great opportunity to get out in the community to make a meaningful difference! This year there are several new and unique ways to volunteer.
2nd Saturday Community Clean Up: Main Street Alexander City will be hosting a 2nd Saturday Community Clean Up at Strand Park. However, this trash clean-up day comes with an exciting twist! Teams will be competing to see who can collect the most trash for a chance to win a cash prize for the nonprofit of your choice!
Burger Battles to Benefit United Way: New this year is the “Burger Battles Fundraiser”, hosted by Lake Martin Area United Way. Attendees will enjoy a delicious array of burger samples and get the chance to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” winner of their favorite burger. All proceeds will benefit the Lake Martin Area United Way programs, so come for the fun and stay to make a difference!
“Renew Our Rivers” 20th Anniversary: Lake Martin Resource Association, in partnership with Alabama Power, will be hosting its annual “Renew Our Rivers” trash clean-up event on November 1 & 2 this year. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this incredibly impactful event will be focused on cleaning the shorelines of Lake Martin and the roads leading to boat ramps. In addition, there will be prizes for volunteers as well as free T-shirts! Volunteers of all ages (yes, even the kiddos too!) are encouraged to come out and help pick up trash to keep our treasured lake beautiful! Please contact [email protected] for more information on how to be involved.
6.) Get into the Halloween Spirit
When October hits, it is officially spooky season at Lake Martin! To get into the Halloween spirit, here are a few of our favorite Halloween events and attractions we think will be a spooky good time!
Boo Weekend at Wind Creek State Park: Boo Weekend at Wind Creek State Park is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Alabama! Held the third Saturday in October, campers are known to go all out with decorating their campsites for Halloween and visitors come from all over to enjoy the family-friendly festivities, including a pumpkin carving contest and trick-or-treating. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
The Halloween House: If you plan to take your boat out on the water this fall, be sure to stop by the ultimate Halloween setup located near Goat Island. Known as the “Lake Martin Halloween House”, boaters are encouraged to do a slow boat ride during dusk hours to see the yard lit up with ghosts, skeletons, and spooky animatronics.
Trick-or-Treating: And of course, who can forget Trick-or-Treating? Grab your little goblins and ghouls and head to Downtown Alexander City for a spooky good time at their Main Street Downtown Trick-or-Treat, where shops will be handing out candy to all the little ones!
We hope this guide helps you truly “fall” in love with everything Lake Martin has to offer this autumn, from breathtaking fall foliage and outdoor adventures to must-visit local spots and seasonal events. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more memories, there’s something special waiting for everyone. So grab your favorite sweater, hit the trails, and savor the beauty of the season. Happy Fall, Y’all!