In Alabama’s lake country, real quiet is easy to come by—if you know where to look. East of Montgomery, the terrain breaks into a puzzle of long, wooded peninsulas and deep, glinting inlets. Lake Martin, with over 750 miles of twisting shoreline, isn’t just a body of water—it’s a way of life carved out in boat slips, gravel roads, and low-slung porches.
Locals in Jackson’s Gap and Dadeville talk about “the back side” of the lake with a knowing shorthand. It means fewer weekenders, more tree cover, and stretches of water where the only sounds are the chirping of crickets and the gentle dip of a paddle. Neighborhoods like Parker Creek and Sandy Creek aren’t subdivisions in the traditional sense. They’re lightly trafficked pockets of longtime residents, cabin owners, and the occasional retiree who came down for a weekend and forgot to leave.
This region has its own pace. Groceries are twenty minutes away, and cell service can be hit-or-miss—but the tradeoff is blackwater coves that haven’t changed much in decades. Development comes slowly and selectively. Some communities, such as StillWaters or Windermere, are gated and well-planned. Others, like Shady Bay or Cherokee Bluffs, follow older patterns—a few homes per ridge, gravel drives, no streetlights.
This list isn’t about the most Instagrammable lakeside escapes. It’s about places where the water shapes the rhythm of the day, and where seclusion isn’t curated—it’s built in.
10. Bay Pine Island – Remote Island Living on Lake Martin
Bay Pine Island is a secluded island neighborhood on Lake Martin, offering an ultra-private escape surrounded by water. With only a handful of homes, the population is small, resulting in an intimate and tight-knit community.
Residents spend their days boating, fishing, and soaking in panoramic lake views from their waterfront properties. There are no industries or commercial spaces on the island, maintaining a focus on quiet, lakeside living.
The remoteness of Bay Pine Island stems not only from its island status but also from the limited access—most homes can only be reached by boat, which heightens the sense of isolation.
Where is Bay Pine Island?
Bay Pine Island is situated within the central basin of Lake Martin, accessible primarily by boat from the surrounding shoreline communities, such as Dadeville and Eclectic. The island’s position in the middle of the lake ensures it remains peaceful and untouched by road traffic.
Visitors typically launch from nearby marinas and take a short boat ride across the water. This natural barrier makes Bay Pine Island one of the most remote and serene spots on the lake.
9. Sandy Creek – Wooded Solitude by the Water
Sandy Creek is a quiet, lesser-known lakeside neighborhood along the northern arm of Lake Martin. With a small number of residents and homes spread out over a large area, the region offers a perfect balance of lakefront living and forested seclusion. Locals enjoy fishing, kayaking, and exploring the calm waters of Sandy Creek’s many inlets.
There are no major industries—just a few vacation rentals and privately owned boat docks—keeping the focus on natural beauty and a peaceful way of life. The neighborhood’s hidden charm lies in its heavily wooded surroundings and remote waterfront lots, which ensure privacy for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Where is Sandy Creek?
Sandy Creek is located near Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, along the northern stretches of Lake Martin. The area is accessible by small county roads branching off Highway 280, which adds to its secluded feel.
Dense forests line the roads, creating a serene and isolated atmosphere. To find Sandy Creek, take Highway 280 to Jackson’s Gap and follow the backroads leading into the quiet lakeside community.
8. Blue Creek – A Quiet Cove on Lake Martin
Blue Creek is a tranquil lakeside community in Dadeville, known for its peaceful coves and gentle shorelines. With a small, scattered population, it’s ideal for those seeking a quiet lakeside escape. Residents enjoy various water activities, including fishing, swimming, and leisurely pontoon boat rides.
There’s limited commercial presence, aside from a few marinas and local eateries serving the boating crowd.
Blue Creek’s seclusion comes from its protected position within a cove, where the water is calm and the homes are hidden by surrounding trees. This natural barrier creates a sense of quiet isolation, even during peak summer months.
Where is Blue Creek?
Blue Creek is located along the eastern shore of Lake Martin, near Dadeville, Alabama. Despite being close to Highway 49, the community’s position within a tucked-away inlet keeps it off the beaten path.
The surrounding woods and lakefront geography enhance the feeling of solitude. To get there, take Highway 49 south, then follow Blue Creek Drive into the peaceful enclave.
7. Kowaliga Bay – Hidden Shores and Quiet Waters
Kowaliga Bay is a small, tucked-away community located along the southern edge of Lake Martin, renowned for its tranquil waters and charming lakeside homes. With a modest population, this neighborhood offers a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to escape the noise of busier lake areas.
Residents swim, kayak, and enjoy picnics at nearby natural spots, such as Kowaliga Beach. There’s little commercial development—just a few locally owned businesses serving the lake’s boating crowd, preserving the neighborhood’s quiet ambiance.
The area’s seclusion comes from its distance from main roads, as well as the thick woods that envelop the homes and shoreline.
Where is Kowaliga Bay?
Kowaliga Bay is situated near Eclectic, Alabama, along the southern coast of Lake Martin. The community is accessible via Highway 63, although the final stretch involves smaller, less-traveled roads.
This tucked-away location shields it from through traffic, adding to its remote feel. To visit Kowaliga Bay, take Highway 63 and turn onto Kowaliga Road, which winds gently into the lakeside neighborhood.
6. Parker Creek – Serene Waterfront Living on Lake Martin
Parker Creek is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood nestled along the western shores of Lake Martin. Home to a small population spread out over lakefront properties and wooded lots, it’s the perfect retreat for those seeking seclusion by the water.
Residents enjoy boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, with many homes featuring private docks and boat slips. There are no major industries here—just a handful of vacation rentals and lake-related services, keeping the focus on relaxation and natural beauty.
The area’s privacy is enhanced by its winding roads, dense forests, and calm, less-traveled lake inlets. This combination of natural seclusion and waterfront charm makes Parker Creek a serene getaway.
Where is Parker Creek?
Parker Creek is located on the western side of Lake Martin, near Equality, Alabama. Though not far from Highway 259, the neighborhood feels isolated due to its remote position along the lake’s intricate shoreline.
Its winding roads and forested surroundings add to the sense of privacy. To get there, take Highway 259 and follow Parker Creek Road as it weaves into this tranquil lakeside community.
5. Windermere – Luxury and Solitude on Lake Martin
Windermere is a quiet, upscale lakefront community known for its luxurious homes and private settings on Lake Martin. With fewer than 300 residents spread across large wooded lots, it offers a tranquil and elegant escape. Residents spend their days enjoying private docks, swimming, and relaxing on spacious lakefront porches.
The community has minimal commercial development, as most residents prioritize the peaceful ambiance and natural beauty over the conveniences of bustling urban areas.
Windermere’s seclusion stems from its careful planning — homes are set back from roads and surrounded by dense forests, ensuring privacy. This blend of luxury and solitude makes it a sought-after spot for those seeking an exclusive lakeside retreat.
Where is Windermere?
Windermere is situated in Alexander City along Lake Martin’s southern shores. It’s easily accessible via Highway 63, but the community’s layout winds through forested areas, keeping homes and docks hidden from view.
This natural barrier enhances the feeling of isolation and tranquility. To get there, take Highway 63 south to Windermere Road, leading straight into the peaceful heart of the community.
4. The Village at Lake Martin – Cozy Retreat by the Water
The Village at Lake Martin is a small, master-planned lakeside community that offers a peaceful getaway along the shores of Lake Martin. With a population in the low hundreds, it’s a quiet collection of cottages, cabins, and waterfront homes designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Residents enjoy communal amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and boat storage, as well as easy access to the lake for fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. The area focuses on residential life, with few commercial spaces, emphasizing relaxation and community.
What makes The Village secluded is its off-the-beaten-path layout, with homes nestled in wooded enclaves and waterfront lots shielded by trees. It’s a quaint, serene place for those seeking simplicity and solitude by the water.
Where is The Village at Lake Martin?
Located in the heart of Lake Martin, The Village is near the town of Dadeville, Alabama. While just a short drive from major highways, the community’s interior roads wind through thick woods, adding to its secluded feel.
Its thoughtful design preserves the natural landscape, making it feel remote despite its accessibility. To reach The Village, take Highway 49 south and follow Village Parkway, leading you straight to this hidden gem.
3. StillWaters – Resort Living with Quiet Charm
StillWaters is a gated community along Lake Martin’s eastern shoreline, combining resort-style amenities with the privacy of lakeside living. Home to a population of around 1,500, it offers a range of properties, from cozy cabins to expansive waterfront homes.
The area offers a range of activities, including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a full-service marina. While tourism and recreational services play a role in the local economy, many residents live here year-round, enjoying a balance of luxury and seclusion.
The community’s private gates and vast 2,200-acre expanse create a quiet atmosphere despite the range of amenities. With lake access, wooded areas, and limited public access, StillWaters feels welcoming and secluded.
Where is Still Waters?
Still Waters is located in Dadeville, Alabama, along the eastern shore of Lake Martin. The community is easily reached via Highway 49 and Highway 34, though its gated entrance keeps traffic at bay.
This combination of accessibility and privacy allows residents to enjoy both convenience and quiet. To get there, follow Highway 49 south to StillWaters Drive, which leads straight into this private, lakeside enclave.
2. Shady Bay – A Hidden Gem on Lake Martin
Shady Bay is a small waterfront community off Highway 80 in Alexander City, offering a tranquil slice of Lake Martin’s shoreline. With a modest population of residents spread out over its tree-lined streets and private lakefront properties, it feels far removed from the hustle and bustle.
Locals spend their days kayaking, swimming, or enjoying sunset views from their docks. There’s little industry in Shady Bay, as most residents embrace the area’s focus on leisure and nature, though some engage in vacation rentals or local lake-related businesses.
The neighborhood’s remote charm stems from its deep-water access and dense foliage, which keep homes quietly hidden from view. It’s the perfect place for those wanting to experience lakeside living in complete privacy.
Where is Shady Bay?
Shady Bay lies just off Highway 80 in Alexander City, along the tranquil waters of Lake Martin. Its secluded roads, lined with tall pines and oaks, create a sense of isolation despite being only a short drive from the main highway.
This blend of accessibility and remoteness makes it a favorite for those wanting peace without sacrificing convenience. To visit Shady Bay, take Highway 80 and turn onto Shady Bay Drive, a small road that winds into this lakeside retreat.
1. Cherokee Bluffs – Scenic Living by the Tallapoosa River
Cherokee Bluffs, Alabama, offers a picturesque lifestyle along the Tallapoosa River. This unincorporated community is known for its serene environment and historical significance. With a small population, Cherokee Bluffs offers a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate nature and a quiet lifestyle.
The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the riverbanks. The bluffs themselves offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making them a favorite spot for photography and relaxation.
Cherokee Bluffs also has a rich history, as it was the site of the Martin Dam construction in the 1930s. This historical landmark adds depth to the community’s character, making it a unique place to visit or call home.
Where is Cherokee Bluffs?
Cherokee Bluffs is located in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, near the Tallapoosa River. It is approximately 15 miles southwest of Dadeville and about 30 miles northeast of Montgomery. This convenient location enables residents to enjoy rural living while remaining close to urban amenities.
The community is accessible via local roads, with nearby highways providing easy access to the area. The drive to Cherokee Bluffs showcases the scenic beauty of central Alabama, including rolling hills and lush greenery.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or considering a move, Cherokee Bluffs offers a peaceful escape with its blend of natural charm and historical significance. It’s a quiet retreat that embodies the essence of Alabama’s countryside.
