From kayaking to jet skiing right on top of the water, you can find all kinds of fun at the lake. Last week, popular newspaper USA Today ranked the top ten best places for watersports with Lake Martin coming in hot on the list at Number 2.

Read on the learn more about Lake Martin and why it is ranked so highly for watersports.

Your weekend getaway at Lake Martin

Lake Martin is a great spot for those not wanting to travel too far, but also wanting top-tier lake vibes.

If you’re looking for a vast amount of water to do all kinds of fishing, kayaking and snorkeling, Lake Martin has you covered. The lake was originally formed by the Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, making it one of the largest man-made body of water in Alabama.

Since then, the lake has become a huge tourist destination for people located in Birmingham, Montgomery and out-of-state. Lake Martin is also home to diverse wildlife such as

Birds: Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill
Fish: Alabama bass, striped bass, bluegill
Reptiles: Alligators, water snakes, copperheads
Rare species: Freshwater jellyfish and Black bears have been spotted around the lake

Lake Martin ranked No. 2 for watersports

Chucks On Lake Martin — Chucks on Lake Martin. (Emilyn Hamn / Bama Buzz)

If you’re like me, you love exploring nature through water and other outdoor activities

One of the best things about Lake Martin is the wide variety of things to do. Here are some ways you can enjoy a fun day at the lake:

Boating + other watersports: Take the family out on the lake and enjoy great views. The lake is also perfect for wakeboarding, waterskiing, scuba diving, fishing + more
Swimming: Relax on some of the sandy Lake Martin beaches offer

If being on the water is not your thing, you can find all kinds of fun on the drier side of the lake:

Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails such as Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail and Wind Creek State Park
Dining and shopping: Check out great waterfront restaurants like Kowaliga Restaurant and the Landing at Parker Creek
Ziplining: See incredible views from Wind Creek Ziplines at Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures

Have you been to Lake Martin? What’s your favorite place to go to? Let us know by tagging us on Facebook @thebamabuzz.