Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	Horseshoe Bend by Pontoon
Date:	8/14/2018 12:17:00 AM

I am new to boating lake martin and I have enjoyed exploring the lake.  I noticed that horseshoe bend was north along the Tallapoosa. Can you get there in a pontoon? If so are there any areas that require local knowledge? If you cannot go that far how far north can you safely go?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 6:21:55 AM

You can't get past the Shoals which mark the beginning of the lake. It would take a kayak or canoe to get through the shoals and the it is a couple of mile further to the actual park. It's a great trip up the river though. Very few folks go that far upstream.

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 9:52:31 AM

If you decide to explore it, make sure your depth finder is in good working order.

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 9:58:23 AM

I went under the 280 bridge and the railroad bridge and saw a boat going north but did not want to attempt it without a working depth finder and/or local knowledge.  I got back and did quite a few google searches and did not find anything about going by boat.  Then last night I looked at google maps and I saw Irwin Shoals.  Is it safe to go to Irwin Shoals and turn around?  It looks like that little run would be a lot of fun.  

I just started boating there this summer and have already explored quite a bit of the lake.  I love how each area has a totally different feel about it.  And based on some of the posts I have read everyone has their opinion as to which is best.  But to me the fact it has such variety is what makes it such a great lake.   

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 10:13:10 AM

You can easily get to the shoals. Look up Jaybird Landing. It is right at the shoals. North of there you must be extremely careful and look for submerged rocks.

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 10:28:06 AM

Thanks for the info.  When I get the depth finder fixed I will definitely venture up that way.  Until then there is plent of other places I can explore. 

Name:	John C -	Reply
Subject:	explore downstream
Date:	8/14/2018 11:25:14 AM

I highly recommend exploring the Tallapoosa! They are right, you can't get upstream from the shoals without damaging your boat. But exploring downstream is a lot of fun. The Harold Banks Canoe Trail is the name of the route from Horseshoe Bend boat ramp to the Jaybird Landing boat ramp. It's about a four hour float. If you don't have a kayak or canoe or need help with portage, there's a local business that can help: https://www.offthebeatenpathalabama1.com/

Here's a free map: https://store.aces.edu/itemdetail.aspx?ProductID=18748

Have fun!

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 12:01:33 PM

You can do it without a depth finder. Just be cautious. There no more danger up to Jaybird than there is at any  other place on the lake. The river is entry wide and fairly deep right up to the shoals. Ive been up river and all the feeder creeks as far one can go. Okachoy on the north end of the eastern side is my favorite. When you go up Sandy Creek, you may hear banjo music on e you pass the mouth of Buck Creek. Happy Trails.

Sometimes I am envious of new folks because you have so much to explore and learn.

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 2:41:43 PM

It really is a lot of fun exploring.  I cannot believe there are people that don't do it.  I have only been out a handful of times and have already been to the furthest corners of the lake.  I think my only semi complaint would be the lack of restaurants by boat.  I think I have been to all of them and that includes docking and walking to Niffers.  I would rather cruise by boat for an hour rather than hop in my car for 5 minutes.  So if I have missed any other than Harbor, Kowaliga, Landing, Chucks, & Niffers please let me know.  And if there any must eat places by car feel free to mention them.  I will be back down for a week around Labor Day and if it rains then maybe I will actually get in my car.

Name:	John C -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 4:01:38 PM

Peanut Point is a must. And Bay Pine usually has something to eat. There used to be an ice cream place at Wind Creek but honestly I have not been by this year so it might not be open.

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/14/2018 5:08:40 PM

I think I remember seeing peanut point when I cut thru going by wood island.  I figured they were just selling boiled peanuts.

One more question.  Are there any stores/marinas on the lake that sell beer?

Name:	joey3485 -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/15/2018 2:55:42 AM

Peanut point does just sell boiled peanuts.I haven't been in a marina that doesn't sell beer but if you are around Woods island, Bay Pines is the closest.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/20/2018 8:43:08 AM

You must be careful in Sandy Creek.  Take no boat with an open propeller past the last 90 turn into the narrow section.

Rocky bottom easy to hit.  Must take a PWC and only at high water.  You can go under the HWY 49 bridge and at idle another quarter mile or so.

Yes, banjo music, loose teeth, and NASCAR affectinatios abound.  I call it the Redneck Riviera.  Also Buck creek is navagable a long ways. You go under the Mullican road bridge.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8034762,-85.7954659,16.25z

The coolest places are up the Elkahatchee Creek.  It splits three ways at the end.  Beautiful old bridges.  New high bridge. 

Twists and turns in Sugar creek to the end pool.  Mysterious neighborhoodless club area. Only on PWC again.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8855521,-85.9783982,14.75z

Name:	Aardvark -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	8/22/2018 6:53:49 PM

Once the lake level goes down, navigation upstream gets trickier.  Check out Google Maps to see all of the sand bars and shoals upstream of the Alex City bridges.  Keep in mind that the headwaters have been silting in for over 100 years.  What is safe at 490.5 is surprisingly shallow at 483.  That is when local knowledge, a depthfinder, and an eagle eye come in handy.

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	9/5/2018 1:59:29 PM

I took a boat ride up the river and made it to Irwin Shoals and turned around as suggested.  It was a great stretch of scenery although I was disappointed that i did not hear any banjos.  I also took a nice ride in another area of the lake until I came to a really cool bridge on hwy 63.  I got a good picture of it and going to have a friend paint it.  Should make a nice addition to the house.

Thanks to all that responded and encouraged me to take a trip up the river.  And for those that have not done it I highly recommend it.  

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	9/12/2018 4:05:59 PM

The bridge is over Elkatchee Creek and is a very scenic spot. If you want banjo music you have to travel up Sandy's Creek to the hwy 49 Bridge. Oakachoy Creek is a short trip but a nice waterfall at the end.,

Name:	Scupper -	Reply
Subject:	The short answer is no.
Date:	9/12/2018 4:33:37 PM

I just looked on map and actually I was over by the hwy 49 bridge on labor day trying to avoid all the traffic south.  I went all thru there but guess i didnt see that i could have headed towards the bridge.  I found a beach and place that looks like they hold weddings and a couple other cool spots.

I am headed back to the lake next week so could you point me to Oakachoy Creek with waterfall?  Can i get there by boat?