Alabama is fortunate to have a vast, impressive trail network throughout the state. Trails wind through countless wooded areas, within close distance to white sandy beaches, and up to the highest mountains. However, historically there haven’t been many trail options available surrounding the state’s lakes. That recently changed with the addition of The Preserves, an initiative by Alabama Power to create multiple outdoor recreational areas around many of our beautiful lakes. I recently got the opportunity to do some exploring on two of Alabama Power-owned properties that make up a portion of The Preserves—Double Cove at Logan Martin Lake and Fox Creek at Lake Wedowee.

1. Logan Martin Lake Poker Runs
2. Logan Martin Lake Poker Run Schedule
3. Logan Martin Lake Poker Run Results
4. Logan Martin Lake Poker Run 2019

From hiking and biking, to bird watching and lounging, The Preserves are core to the Alabama Power ideal of merging nature with recreational activities. The lands allow people to enjoy, learn, and grow a deeper appreciation of the state’s ecology and natural landscape, and they are inclusive and open to all. The Preserves feature varying amenities such as playgrounds, trails, boat ramps, picnic areas, gazebos, fishing piers, and swim areas. Lakes that currently have completed projects or will have them completed in the next year include Lay Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Weiss Lake, Lake Martin, Lake Wedowee, Neely Henry Lake, Smith Lake, and Lake Jordan.

The lake, nicknamed Lake of a Thousand Coves by locals, has 275 miles (443 km) of shoreline along its 48.5-mile (78.1 km) length sandwiched between Logan Martin Dam on the south and Neely Henry Dam on the north. The depth of the lake is 35 to 110 feet (34 m) with only five feet average water level variance. Logan Martin Lake is located on the Coosa River in east-central Alabama approximately 30 miles east of Birmingham, Alabama. This 17,000 acre Coosa River reservoir was built in 1965 by Alabama Power Company. The story of Logan Martin Dam and Logan Martin Lake began as a story of energy. It continues today as a story of flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitats. Power was just the beginning. Logan Martin Reservoir Facts: Elevation above sea level: 465 feet Area: 15,263 acres. Poker Run Logan Martin Lake, location of new casino in cincinnati ohio, download texas holdem deluxe 2020, tarot master slot machine instructions.

I decided to run the trails at Double Cove (Logan Martin Lake) and Fox Creek (Lake Wedowee) a few weeks back in order to experience for myself what Alabama Power had developed. Trails at all the different lake locations range from half a mile to close to five miles in length. They vary in terms of difficulty, as I would find out on my runs.

I started with exploring Double Cove at Logan Martin Lake. The land features amenities ranging from a 4,000 square-foot playground to fishing piers and a swimming area. But I was there to run the main loop trail, a nearly 2-mile loop around most of the property. I took off on my run going counterclockwise and was immediately impressed. The trail was very well maintained and markings for wayfinding were great. The trail featured an overlook of the lake about 1.5 miles into my run.

Before I knew it, I was back at the trailhead and lounging by the water. It was very clear to me that this property and trail system will be very popular for lake visitors on any weekend throughout the year. I ended my day with dinner at The Back Porch on Alpine Bay. Appropriately named, this restaurant is the perfect spot to have a drink outside on the back porch while watching the boaters come in from a day on the lake. I’d recommend the catfish, it was delicious!

Next up, I drove to the eastern side of the state to visit Fox Creek at Lake Wedowee. This property features an outer loop trail called Fox Trot and several connector trails in the middle. I arrived at the trailhead and was immediately excited about my run. The trail features include forested single-track, constant views of the lake, and an abundance of silence. What surprised me the most was the amount of elevation change that occured. Despite being right next to the water, the trail was constantly rolling and included a few big climbs/descents.

Similar to Double Cove, Fox Creek is very well marked with trail signage every 15-20 yards. Though leaves had recently fallen and covered the trail, it was good knowing that I wasn’t going to get lost out there. The trail was perfect for runners and hikers looking to test their legs while having scenic views of the lake throughout. Around the 2-mile mark, running counterclockwise, the trail takes you to a newly-constructed gazebo that is perfect for a quick break and a great view. After sitting for a few minutes, I took off to explore the rest of the trail. Soon, I passed an area with soil overturned and realized this is where Alabama Power is adding pollinator plots in the middle of the property. Once completed, this will add some additional beauty to the trails.

With daylight fading, I soon found myself back at the parking lot and feeling quite accomplished. Though the trailhead stated that Fox Trot trail is 3.36 miles long, my watch recorded closer to 4 miles in distance. In need of some food after a hard run, I stopped at Randy’s on the River for a burger and fries. If you go on the right day, they even have karaoke and trivia!

More information on The Preserves will soon be available on a dedicated website. Be on the lookout for it on our website so you can get out there and log your 100 Alabama Miles Challenge miles!

Logan Martin Lake Poker Runs

Why do some lakes on the Coosa flood when others don’t? As we’ll explain, it’s because some lakes are flood control lakes whereas other lakes are what we call “run of river.”

Logan Martin Lake Poker Run Schedule

Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell and Lake Jordan are run of river lakes. Their levels do not vary considerably throughout the year. At any given time, approximately the same amount of water being let into the lake is being let out of the lake. This is controlled by both generators and flood gates which are opened in a big rain.As a result, homes can be built much closer to the water on these lakes.

Weiss, Neely Henry and Logan Martin Lakes are all flood control lakes. These three lakes are lowered in the winter, which is the rainy season in Alabama, so that when the big rains come, the lake level can be let up without causing damage to private property or the dams themselves. In fact, sometimes the lake comes up even higher than it normally is in the summer. This is why homes on these lakes are all higher up off the water.

When Alabama Power originally constructed the lakes, they acquired property rights and flood easements which legally allow them to flood these lakes up to certain levels. Many people living on Logan Martin and Neely Henry may not realize that they do not actually own all of the land at their lake property from their house down to the water. They only own the land above Alabama Power’s fee ownership elevation, as listed below.

Ranges provided in the above table indicate that the exact fee ownership and flood easement elevations vary by parcel across the lake. Check your deed to see what elevations apply to your individual property.

If you live on a flood control lake, you can protect your personal property from damage by ensuring that anything you keep on your property in the flood easement is secure. Most of us who have spent a good bit of time on the lake in the winter have seen a dock floating downriver that wasn’t properly secured to shore. It’s quite a sight! Even more common is assorted items left lying about on the ground.

Logan Martin Lake Poker Run Results

We hope this blog post helped to explain how and why Alabama Power is allowed to flood the lake into your yard! Interested in learning more about private property rights on the Coosa River? Check out Who Owns the Coosa River? – a rather lengthy, but thorough look at who really owns the riparian rights on the Coosa’s lakes.

Logan Martin Lake Poker Run 2019

This blog post was written by Frank Chitwood, Staff Riverkeeper