Launching Florida’s Trail Town Program

A Trail Town is a vibrant destination where people come together.

by Doug Alderson, paddling trails coordinator, Florida Office of Greenways and Trails

About the Author

Doug Alderson works as the assistant bureau chief for the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails, part of DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks, helping to coordinate the planning and promotion of non-motorized trails throughout the state. Prior to his current role, he mapped the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail and he continues to coordinate the state’s designated paddling trails. In his free time, he is an avid cyclist, hiker and paddler. He has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, coordinated a group walk across the United States, and backpacked through Europe. He is also an award-winning author of several published books, including A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions, Wild Florida Adventures, andThe Great Florida Seminole Trail. In 2015, he was awarded the first ever Environmental Leadership Award by Paddle Florida.

Contact: [email protected]

More articles by this author

More articles in this category

2022 CDT Small Business Survey

posted Feb 14, 2023

From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.

Impact of Trails Hub

posted Apr 11, 2022

Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.

Deciding on Trails: 7 Practices of Healthy Trail Towns

posted Jan 25, 2022

A book review of Amy Camp's 2020 book of ideas to help fulfill dreams of developing a trail town program.

Five Iconic Trails Under 50 Miles

posted Feb 15, 2021

A trail need not be over 100 miles in length to become a travel destination. Plenty of people desire shorter trail experiences and are willing to design a trip around them just the same.

794 views • posted 08/12/2019