Lake Martin is known to be fun for the whole family, and that includes your four-legged companions too! Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Lake Martin is home to more than 800 miles of scenic shoreline and dong-friendly things to do year round. It’s the perfect destination for a day of fun, relaxation, and bonding with your furry companion.
Whether your dog loves splashing in the water, exploring nature trails, or simply lounging in the sun, Lake Martin offers a variety of activities that cater to every canine personality!
Planning a trip to the lake with your dog has never been easier, so pack up your gear, grab your leash, and check out our top 5 dog friendly things to do at Lake Martin!
1.) Go for a Boat Ride
If there is one thing dogs love more than a car ride, it’s a boat ride! With the wind in their hair and fresh breeze on their whiskers, taking your pup out on the water is one of the best ways to treat your dog and explore all the unique destinations the lake has to offer.
While you are hitting the open water, don’t forget to make a pit stop at one of the many islands or secluded coves for a jump in the lake to cool off and have a quick swim together!
Pro Tip For Boating With Your Dog: Make sure you pack plenty of fresh water and a bowl, as well as some snacks and toys to keep your dog entertained if you plan to be out on the water for an extended period of time. If your dog is not a comfortable swimmer, bringing along a dog-specific life jacket can help ensure your pup enjoys the boat safely. And of course, don’t forget an extra towel to dry off your dog if you plan to hop in the water for a swim!
Don’t have a boat? No problem!
There are many places to rent a boat on Lake Martin. Check out our Watercraft Rentals location list or read our blog Renting a Boat on Lake Martin for all your watercraft rental needs.
2.) Dine at These Dog-Friendly Places to Eat
Part of making memories on vacation is enjoying delicious meals, and now you can include your dog in the experience too! Lake Martin has several pet-friendly dining locations, including these wildly popular hang-out spots:
- Chuckwalla’s Pizza at Chuck’s Marina – A vibrant and colorful destination on the lake that serves up delicious pizza and wings with waterfront views.
- The Landing at Parker Creek – An outdoor venue with sweeping waterfront views and a mouthwatering food menu, including sushi, seafood, burgers, and more.
- The Landing Harbor Point – Located near Stillwater in Dadeville, this outdoor venue is one of the newest waterfront dining experiences on Lake Martin.
- Niffer’s Place Lake Martin – Known for their creative signature burgers, Niffer’s Place is family fun for everyone! Along with being pet friendly, they are an indoor and outdoor venue with yard games, live music, Trivia night, and more.
- Whippoorwill Vineyards – Described as a hidden treasure and named as one of the top vineyards in the south by Southern Living, experience tours and personalized wine tasting in our very own local “wine country”.
Pro Tip For Dining With Your Dog: Keeping your dog on a leash can help ensure you are being courteous to the restaurant staff and other diners. It can also be helpful to bring a blanket for them to lay on or toys to chew while you enjoy your meal. Also, if the staff goes out of their way to accommodate your dog, consider leaving an extra tip to show your appreciation. All these are sure ways to make your beloved pup a favorite new customer!
3.) Go for a Hike
Hiking with a pet can be a rewarding and bonding experience, as well as a great way for you both to get a little exercise and enjoy the outdoors too!
Lake Martin boasts a variety of scenic hiking trails that cater to a variety of different skill levels and provides the opportunity to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake.
Some of the most popular trail routes include Wind Creek State Park, Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association trails, and Russell Forest trails.
However, Lake Martin is also unique in that it has routes along the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, as well as a secret hiking spot called “Island Hop Trail”. This hidden hike is only accessible during the winter season when the water levels are lowered, making it a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience.
To find the right hike for you and your dog, check out our full list of hiking trails here.
Pro Tips For Hiking With Your Dog: Staying hydrated is key to a fun day of hiking, so be sure to pack plenty of water for both you and your dog. As with any hiking trail, it is a good idea to check the difficulty of the route ahead of time and make sure it is manageable for your pet. Be sure to also keep your beloved dog on a leash at all times. This is not only for the safety of your pet, but also the wildlife and other hikers too.
And of course, mind the golden hiking rule: leave only footprints behind. Pack extra doggie bags to clean up after your pet, including their poo too.
4.) Visit the Alexander City Dog Park
Let your dog stretch their legs and run free at the Alex City Dog Park! Located at the Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex, just behind the lower softball field, the Alex City Dog Park has been recently renovated with new fencing, seating, and dog attractions.
You’ll love bringing your dog here and letting them run leash-free and have fun with other four-legged friends.
Pro Tip For Visiting Dog Parks: If your dog is new to visiting dog parks, try starting with shorter visits during off-peak hours to help them adjust and become familiar with the environment.
5.) Go Camping at Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park is located directly on the beautiful shores of Lake Martin. This state park is not only dog-friendly, but it also offers a range of activities for campers and day visitors alike. From ziplining to hiking, swimming, and fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a pet-friendly getaway!
One activity we highly recommend with your dog is trying out a few of their hiking trails, such as the Campfire Trail. This is a personal favorite and includes scenic views along the water’s edge of Lake Martin.
While dogs are allowed to stay on the main campground with their owners, you can also consider renting one of the dog-friendly Camper Cabins at Wind Creek State Park as well.
Just imagine the picture-perfect serenity of building a bonfire while the sun sets over Lake Martin, and your beloved dog by your side! It’s the perfect atmosphere for creating unforgettable camping memories that you’ll be sure to cherish forever.
Pro Tip For Camping With Your Dog: Be sure to bring a sturdy leash and a collar with ID tags for your camping trip, as well as monitor the access to your campfire food. This will help keep unwanted wildlife AND your four-legged friends from accidentally eating food that is delicious to us, but harmful for them.
BONUS: Spend the Day at Doggie Day Care
Whispering Pines Pet Resort and Southern Star are great options if you are looking for a place to board your dog for an afternoon or even overnight. You can also have your dog looking and feeling their best after a bath, brush, and even full groom!
We hope you enjoy bonding and making memories with your dog companion at Lake Martin. It is the “paw-fect” place to stay for dog-friendly adventures and experiences!