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ALABAMA
Featured National Recreation Trails

A sampling of National Recreation Trails in the news or recently designated. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

National Recreation Trails... America's great trails!

Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths.

Search all of Alabama's designated National Recreation Trails in the Online NRT Database

photo of bridge

Bibb Graves Bridge Along the Alabama Scenic River Trail

(photo by Darren Swanson)

Alabama Scenic River Trail – Recognized as the Nation’s longest one state river trail stretching approximately 631 miles from the Coosa River to the Gulf of Mexico, this scenic water trail is a unique statewide recreational and tourism resource featuring numerous camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities (designated 2008).

Doc Hilt Trails is a private off road recreational trails area and camping facility located just north of Lineville, Alabama, on the eastern edge of the Talladega National Forest. The Doc Hilt Trails system consists of approximately 15 miles of continuous trails for ATVs, dirt bikes and OHV enthusiasts. The trail system was created by collaborative efforts between private land owners and the Cheaha Trail Riders Association (designated 2010).

Eastern Shore Trail is a 36-mile multi-purpose trail along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The trail traverses waterfront, historic, wilderness and small town areas, both off- road and paralleling roads. Because of the wide variation in grade, elevated boardwalks and high-rise bridges are common components (designated 2010).

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – The trail stretches along the unspoiled coastal lowland area of Alabama's Gulf Coast. This 7.5 mile multi-use, handicapped accessible asphalt and boardwalk trail winds through the pristine coastal forests within the City of Orange Beach and through Alabama’s Gulf State Park. (designated 2009).

Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail — The beautiful Elk River is the perfect place for canoeing and kayaking in Limestone County. It is a Class-1 stream, with views of forests, towering bluffs, and rolling meadows. The water is challenging and the scenery is beautiful. The Canoe and Kayak Trail begins at Elkmont and ends at Wilson Lake at Joe Wheeler State Park. The route is 21.9 miles along scenic Elk River with five easy in-and-out points (designated 2010).

Minooka Park Trail System — Located in central Alabama, Minooka Park features 25 miles of trails. Some are specifically designed and constructed for ATVs and off road motorcycles. The dirt bike enthusiast looking for more technical trails can check out miles of single track. Horseback riders can choose from trails featuring beautiful views, creeks, and the opportunity to see wildlife. Hikers have wooded nature trails and a one mile walking trail around Lake Minooka. The walking trail around the lake, along with five fishing piers and a large deck overlooking the lake, is wheelchair accessible(designated 2010).

Pinhoti Trail — This trail features two nationally designated wilderness areas, mountainous rocky terrain, and steep grades in places. It meanders through mountains and valleys rich in history and legend, through rugged pine and hardwood forests, along ridge tops and through shady hollows and along mountain streams. The 103-mile trail is managed by the Alabama National Forest (designated 1977).

Richard Martin Trail accesses outstanding natural, cultural, and historic resources. including beautiful wetlands and flora and fauna indigenous to the Tennessee Valley. A historic site on the trail marks the bloodiest Civil War battle on Alabama soil, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. Richard Martin led a 25-year effort with volunteers and various community organizations to establish the continuous 10.2 mile, rails to-trails bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian trail in Limestone County (designated 2010).

Smith Lake Park Walking/Bike Trails — This 150-acre park owned and operated by the Cullman County Commission includes 3.5 miles of walking and biking trails that give campers, day-visitors, and residents an opportunity to exercise while viewing forested areas and the lake. Single track bike trails are one way to enjoy exercising with safety in mind. A special, short bike trail for children near the main playground allows younger children to ride their bikes while still remaining completely within view of their parents (designated 2010).

Sportsman Lake Trails is a scenic destination located in downtown Cullman, Alabama. The shady 5 miles of bike/walking trails provide opportunities for walkers, novice bike riders, in-line skaters, mountain bikers, and participants in bike and cross country events to enjoy the park and its 28-acre lake (designated 2010).

Stony Lonesome OHV Park Trail System located in Cullman County, Alabama, offers 150 miles of trails for hiking, mountain bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, Rock Crawlers, and horseback riding. The 1500-acre park’s topography includes rolling hills, steep inclines, wetlands, and flowing streams. The trail system has attracted tremendous interest and support from trail enthusiasts. It is the culmination of efforts by the County and community leaders in planning, land acquisition, and trail development (designated 2010).

Veterans Park Trail – The 4.8-mile in the City of Hoover connects a middle school, high school, community college, a 2-acre lake, park amenities, recreation areas, two playgrounds, and a large veteran’s memorial which is the focal point of the 82-acre park. The multi-use nature, running, and boardwalk trail winds though diverse open fields, wetlands and forested areas (designated 2010).

Chattahoochee Valley Railroad (CVRR) Trail – Northern Section — The 7.5-mile CVRR Trail offers biking, jogging, and walking and connects to the Shawmut Mill Village. The trail’s Northern Section is 1.4 miles long, with a half-mile road and sidewalk link connecting to the trail’s Southern Section. The trail follows what was once the Chattahoochee Valley Railroad that serviced four textile mills in the area. The railroad carried passengers, cotton, cloth, and supplies among the Shawmut, Langdale, Fairfax, and Riverdale mills. Today, this trail ties together all the mill villages that compose the city of Valley and passes many of the area’s historic landmarks.

Chattahoochee Valley Railroad (CVRR) Trail – Southern Section — The 7.5-mile CVRR Trail offers biking, jogging, and walking and connects to the Shawmut Mill Village. The Trail’s Southern Section is 5.6 miles long, with a half-mile road and sidewalk link connecting to the trail’s Northern Section. The trail follows what was once the Chattahoochee Valley Railroad that serviced four textile mills in the area. The railroad carried passengers, cotton, cloth, and supplies among the Shawmut, Langdale, Fairfax, and Riverdale mills. Today, this trail ties together all the mill villages that compose the city of Valley and passes many of the area’s historic landmarks.

Chewacla State Park Trail System — Located in Lee County just four miles south of Auburn, Chewacla State Park has eight hiking trails in varying degrees of difficulty. Options range from the short interpretive Sweet Shrub Trail to the more challenging Mountain Laurel Trail which takes you by the picturesque 30-foot Chewacla Dam Waterfall. A Mountain Bike Trail and Tree Identification Trail are also included in the park's 5.8 miles of trails. Highlights along the trail include unique rock formations and a variety of native trees and flora.

Chief Ladiga Trail (Jacksonville Section) — The 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails project. This section of the Trail extends nine miles through Jacksonville from Warren Drive in the south to the intersection of the old CSX Railroad in Maxwellborn to the north. Along the way are beautiful wetlands, streams, forests, farmlands, and a horizon filled with mountains. The trail is a family-oriented pathway that provides a safe, non-motorized way to travel, exercise, and relax in a quaint southern college town while enjoying the outdoors.

Chief Ladiga Trail (Piedmont Section) — The Trail was named for a Creek Indian leader who signed the Cusseta Treaty in 1832. The 3.8-mile section that runs through Piedmont is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains surrounded by gorgeous mountain and stream scenery. Just north of Piedmont, the Trail intersects with the Pinhoti Trail, a spur of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Chief Ladiga Trail also connects to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail which stretches more than 100 miles from Anniston, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia. These combined trails are noted as the longest paved trail system in the United States.

Citronelle Walking Trail — The Citronelle Walking Trail traverses three-miles through the old downtown area of Citronelle on the rail bed of the old Ohio and Mobile railroad. The trail takes you by the restored train depot and the adjacent Hygeia Cottage, the only survivor of the town’s famous hotels. The city of Citronelle, through a Recreational Trails Program grant, recently installed gas lights along the trail as a nod to the town’s history.

City of Foley Antique Rose Trail — Antique roses turn this otherwise ordinary walking trail into an extraordinary one. The trail is enjoyed by walkers, joggers, parents, students, and antique rose enthusiasts. Foley’s Antique Rose Trail winds one mile along the old railroad right-of-way, passing the Depot Museum/Heritage Park and John B. Foley Park. The trail was designed to provide a historical learning experience; signs along the way identify plant varieties and the years they were propagated. The trail also shows local citizens the types of plants that will flourish in their gardens and provides them with unique ideas on incorporating antique roses into their existing landscapes. This project has brought together city workers, volunteers, local citizens, and specialty nurseries.

DeSoto State Park Trail System — Nestled atop scenic Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama along the Little River, DeSoto State Park offers 19 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The terrain varies from easy to strenuous. "Easy” biking can be found on the Family Loop. The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail is a 360-yard trail that can be enjoyed and traveled by people of all abilities. This trail is also part of the North Alabama Birding Trail. Several of these trails lead to views of the various falls on the Little River.

Florala-Lake Jackson Scenic Trail — This 1.4-mile scenic trail lies along the shores of Lake Jackson, the largest natural lake in Alabama. The lake is on the Florida-Alabama State line, with the trail traversing Florala Wetlands Park and Florala State Park on the Alabama side of the lake. The even-surfaced trail is constructed of asphalt, with wooden boardwalks built over wetland areas. Benches and picnic tables are scattered along the route. A 200-foot overlook pier extends into the lake, and a spur of the trail travels along a brick sidewalk to the old L&N depot. The trail offers opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, as well as wildlife observation.

Lake Guntersville State Park Trail System — Lake Guntersville State Park is located along the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama. The park has 36 miles of trails. Hiking trails traverse moderate to difficult terrain, with some following the banks of the Tennessee River and others leading to seasonal waterfalls. Some trails, such as the Old Still Path, the Moonshine Trail, and Lickskillet Trail, pique visitors’ interest by their names alone. Trail lengths vary from 0.5 miles to 3.5 miles, and connections create many loops.

Lake Lurleen State Park Trail System — Lake Lurleen State Park, near Coker in west-central Alabama, is named after Alabama’s only female governor, Lurleen Wallace. The Park’s system of natural-surface hiking and mountain bike trails totals 19.5 miles. The trail system is composed of two components: the foot-traffic-only Ridge Trail, and the Multi-Use Trail System, comprised of six connecting segments. The latter loops around Lake Lurleen into the undeveloped west side of the park and trail users must take into account that the minimum length of the entire loop is 11 miles plus 1.3 miles of roadway connecting the two trailheads.

The Larry and Ronna Dykes Trail — Located along the perimeter of Westgate Memorial Park, the original site of Dothan’s first airport, The Larry and Ronna Dykes Trail consists of two 3.28 mile paths – one for pedestrians and one for cyclists – and a connecting one-half mile loop, the Kiwanis Trail, which is handicapped accessible and fully lighted for evening enjoyment. The design of the multi-use trail encourages family participation. The trail averages over 400 users a day. All three trail components traverse peaceful wooded areas featuring a combination of native hardwoods and southern pines, with approximately one quarter of the trail mileage passing through open “active park” areas. Named after the founders of the Dothan Runners’ Club, the trail is the location for running events as well as an annual bicycling event, the Mayor’s Ride for Fitness.

Montevallo Greenway Trail —The two-mile Montevallo Greenway Trail connects Orr Park, the city of Montevallo’s downtown business district, the University of Montevallo, the University Lake Recreation Area, and Stephens Park. The greenway provides diverse experiences of wooded and riparian areas. Features include beaver dams and direct access to Shoal and King Creeks, with their excellent habitats for wood ducks, kingfishers, and muskrats. The trail has a combination of natural and sidewalk surfaces.

Queen City Park Trail — The 1.1-mile Queen City Park Trail is located in Tuscaloosa’s historic Queen City Park. Built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, the park is on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail is a system of three connected trail segments – the renovated two original trails built by the WPA and a new 0.3-mile Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible trail. The trail segments meander through scenic woods and pass ruins of WPA-built park structures. Although the trail is in the middle of town, visitors are out of sight and sound of the urban environment and may see a family of red fox, many species of birds, and fox squirrels while enjoying many native plants.

Sunset Drive Trail — This 3.66-mile paved recreational trail is located on the west side of the city of Guntersville. The trail combines the old southern charm of the town’s well-preserved historic homes with spectacular views of beautiful Lake Guntersville on the Tennessee River. The Guntersville Tree Commission, responsible for landscape designs along the trail, oversees Project Knowledge, a tree project, along the walking trail. Many of the trail’s trees have also been added through The Memorial Tree Project, which places a tree in honor of or in memory of someone on city property. The Sunset Drive Trail combines nature, exercise, and fun.

Swan Creek Greenway Trail — The shaded Swan Creek Greenway Trail parallels Swan Creek for 2.3 miles. Many species of wildlife indigenous to northern Alabama – including deer, squirrel, chipmunk, fox, and numerous types of fowl and fish – can be viewed and enjoyed here. The soothing sounds and beautiful sights of numerous rapids enchant visitors along a 1.2-mile section of the trail where the creek cuts its way through limestone bedrock. The trail connects with numerous recreational facilities at the Athens Sportsplex and Swan Creek Park, offering the public numerous opportunities to enjoy health benefits and family fun. The entire trail was designed in accordance with ADA standards.

Talladega-Lincoln Outdoor Park Trails (T.O.P.TRAILS) — The Talladega-Lincoln Outdoor Park, north of the Brecon area of Talladega, is on the property that was formerly known as the Coosa River Storage Annex Depot. Much of the existing 50 miles of trails were used in World War II as narrow guard roads when it served as an ammunition depot. There are trails for all ages and skill levels, with ratings ranging from very easy to expert. ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses, and side-by-sides/UTVs up to 60 inches wide are accommodated. Trails are two-way to help reduce speed and therefore erosion to the trail system. The volunteers of the Cheaha Trail Riders, Inc., an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Advocacy Group, consistently help develop and maintain the OHV trails within the Park.

Tannehill Tramway Trail — Located inside Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near McCalla, this trail follows a section of an old tramline trail. Ore cars were pulled by mules 150 years ago over the tramline’s rails between brown iron ore beds two miles distant and the Tannehill Ironworks. Today’s one-mile, crushed stone trail takes walking and mountain biking visitors past several historical sites, including those of the furnace and log cabins, as it parallels lovely tree-lined Mud Creek. The trail is close to other activities within the park and connects to several other area trails.

Village Pointe Preserve Park Trail System — The trails at Village Pointe Preserve Park are just over a mile in length, but they cover a lot of ground, naturally and historically. The Preserve, located in Daphne, on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, is rich in local, national, and world history. The trails lead to historic sites, Mobile Bay, and a fishing pier with a view of the city of Mobile across the bay. It’s an easy hike on crushed stone, natural surface, and boardwalk, with benches along the way. Signs help identify plants. Wildlife seen while hiking includes blue herons, egrets, and pelicans. One of the boardwalks crosses over an alligator lagoon where young gators can be spotted sunning themselves on the bank.

Wind Creek State Park Trail System — This natural-surface trail system covers 15.8 miles within Wind Creek State Park near Alexander City in east-central Alabama. With 626 campsites, Wind Creek boasts the largest State-operated campground in the United States. Two moderate-to-difficult hiking trails wind over ridges and through hardwood bottoms down to the shoreline of Lake Martin, offering spectacular views, the beauty of ferns and wildflowers, and chances to observe the abundant bird and animal life. There is also a horse trail, offering riders scenic lake views through the forest of mixed hardwoods and stands of tall pines.

Yoholo-Micco, The Creek Indian Trail — Named for Chief Yoholo-Micco, the Creek Indian leader of Eufaula Town, this 2.5-mile rail-trail connects Eufaula’s downtown to Old Creek Town Park, site of an Indian village. The trail winds along Lake Eufaula through residential areas and crosses the lake on an old railroad trestle. It provides a walking connection from downtown to Eufaula High School and the Admiral Moorer Middle School. The schools have taken advantage of the trail for field trips to teach students about the natural and historic significance of the area. Several natural-surface nature trails have developed off of the primary trail, including one to a beautiful waterfall and another leading to the historic Fairview Cemetery. Daffodils and native flowers along with over 100 trees have been planted along the trail.

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

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ALABAMA Featured National Recreation Trails

National Recreation Trails... America's great trails!

ALABAMA
Featured National Recreation Trails