Alabama Trails Foundation

The location for all things trails in Alabama

Adventure Awaits

What is the Alabama Trails Foundation

The Alabama Trails Foundation (Foundation) works to develop Alabama’s potential as a nationally recognized trails destination. The Foundation partners with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and local governments to catalyze significant destination trails to become premier recreation resources and economic engines for Alabama.   To execute this mission, the Foundation assigns resources to three major areas; Organizational Capacity, Primary Projects, and Fiduciary Projects.

Making Alabama better… one trail at a time.

Our remarkable landscape shapes who we are and steers us towards who we can become. Alabama’s rich scenic beauty, exceptional biodiversity, and hard-earned cultural history flows from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf Coast. Yet, Alabama does not capture its potential outdoor recreation economy. The Alabama Trails Foundation resolves to change that through partnerships, open dialog, and collaboration to develop biologically, economically, and socially sustainable trails for Alabama.

Investing in Alabama trails is an investment in the future of Alabama. Sustainably managed trails can be part of a strategy to leverage the economic success and social relevance of nearby communities. They provide a means to connect people to natural resources allowing an enriched dialog on rural and wildland values. Urban trails provide a myriad of health and social benefits to intercity and suburban environments. Trails are an excellent entrée for inviting visitors to enjoy, learn, and appreciate what makes Alabama special.

Who makes up the Alabama Trails Foundation

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ATF president Paul DeMarco took a few minutes away from this spring`s @innovatealabama @seekalabama trails summit to get outside and enjoy @lakegvillesp at beautiful @explorelakeguntersville . Have you visited this wonderful Alabama State Park yet? With over 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, it is a @visitnorthal treasure that we`re excited to highlight for @alabamatravel Year of Trails!

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ATF president Paul DeMarco took a few minutes away from this spring's @innovatealabama @seekalabama trails summit to get outside and enjoy @lakegvillesp at beautiful @explorelakeguntersville . Have you visited this wonderful Alabama State Park yet? With over 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, it is a @visitnorthal treasure that we're excited to highlight for @alabamatravel Year of Trails!

Alabama Trails Foundation president Paul DeMarco visited the Cahaba River last weekend to dedicate a sign on the Cahaba Blueway, a water trail that travels from the headwaters in St. Clair County all the way south to the Alabama River in Dallas County. The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2002 to protect an important section of the state’s longest free-flowing river. The river is wonderfully biologically diverse – with more fish species, at 131, than any other river its size in North America. The river and the surrounding woodlands provide habitat for a surprising number of rare and endangered species.

From mid May until Mid June, the blooming Cahaba lilies attract tourists from across Alabama and beyond to experience one of the few easy to access spots to see these rare flowers. Be sure to get outside and enjoy Alabama`s amazing beauty today!

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Alabama Trails Foundation president Paul DeMarco visited the Cahaba River last weekend to dedicate a sign on the Cahaba Blueway, a water trail that travels from the headwaters in St. Clair County all the way south to the Alabama River in Dallas County. The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2002 to protect an important section of the state’s longest free-flowing river. The river is wonderfully biologically diverse – with more fish species, at 131, than any other river its size in North America. The river and the surrounding woodlands provide habitat for a surprising number of rare and endangered species. From mid May until Mid June, the blooming Cahaba lilies attract tourists from across Alabama and beyond to experience one of the few easy to access spots to see these rare flowers. Be sure to get outside and enjoy Alabama's amazing beauty today!

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, AL – May 17, 2025 – Trail and river lovers gathered at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the unveiling of new signage for the Cahaba Blueway. This signage continues to enhance understanding of public access to the Cahaba River and promotes its ecological importance.

The Cahaba Blueway is a designated “water trail” and program working to provide the information, infrastructure, and marketing that supports recreational use of the Cahaba River, one of the most biologically diverse river systems in North America. The initiative aims to promote recreational opportunities while enhancing the conservation of this valuable natural resource. Pictured (left to right): Alabama Trails Foundation president Paul DeMarco, West Blocton Mayor Daniel Sims, Centerville Mayor Mayor Mike Oakley, ACMO, and Brian Rushing, University of Alabama Office for Economic Development ‘s Director of Economic Development Programs.

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Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, AL – May 17, 2025 – Trail and river lovers gathered at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the unveiling of new signage for the Cahaba Blueway. This signage continues to enhance understanding of public access to the Cahaba River and promotes its ecological importance. The Cahaba Blueway is a designated “water trail” and program working to provide the information, infrastructure, and marketing that supports recreational use of the Cahaba River, one of the most biologically diverse river systems in North America. The initiative aims to promote recreational opportunities while enhancing the conservation of this valuable natural resource. Pictured (left to right): Alabama Trails Foundation president Paul DeMarco, West Blocton Mayor Daniel Sims, Centerville Mayor Mayor Mike Oakley, ACMO, and Brian Rushing, University of Alabama Office for Economic Development ‘s Director of Economic Development Programs.

ATF President Paul DeMarco visited @rickwoodcavernsstatepark earlier last month to enjoy one of the 5 hiking trails. Located just north of Birmingham in Blount County, what makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed. It also has 5 hiking trails for users to enjoy.

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ATF President Paul DeMarco visited @rickwoodcavernsstatepark earlier last month to enjoy one of the 5 hiking trails. Located just north of Birmingham in Blount County, what makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed. It also has 5 hiking trails for users to enjoy.