Alabama Trails Foundation

The location for all things trails in Alabama

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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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Alabama Trails Foundation Works with Senator Tommy Tuberville, and Representative Mike Rogers to Expand the Talladega National Forest

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-03) in introducing the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act. The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act would expand the proclamation boundary of the Talladega National Forest by approximately 50,000 acres in three counties in East Alabama. This bill gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the authority to purchase land from willing sellers—stimulating the local economies and promoting conservation in the surrounding areas.
“The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said Sen. Tuberville. “From beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state. But we have to make sure we take the right steps to conserve our resources. By expanding the proclamation boundary, we will boost tourism in surrounding towns and keep the forest beautiful for years to come. I’m thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest’s boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.”
“I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres,” said Rep. Rogers. “The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.”
“The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation. “The expansion of the Talladega National Forest represents a legacy of commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. It lays the foundation for making the Pinhoti Trail an even more popular destination and positions East Alabama to continue growing an outdoor recreation economy into a powerhouse spotlighting Alabama`s natural resources.

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Alabama Trails Foundation Works with Senator Tommy Tuberville, and Representative Mike Rogers to Expand the Talladega National Forest WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-03) in introducing the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act. The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act would expand the proclamation boundary of the Talladega National Forest by approximately 50,000 acres in three counties in East Alabama. This bill gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the authority to purchase land from willing sellers—stimulating the local economies and promoting conservation in the surrounding areas. “The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said Sen. Tuberville. “From beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state. But we have to make sure we take the right steps to conserve our resources. By expanding the proclamation boundary, we will boost tourism in surrounding towns and keep the forest beautiful for years to come. I’m thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest’s boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.” “I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres,” said Rep. Rogers. “The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.” “The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation. “The expansion of the Talladega National Forest represents a legacy of commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. It lays the foundation for making the Pinhoti Trail an even more popular destination and positions East Alabama to continue growing an outdoor recreation economy into a powerhouse spotlighting Alabama's natural resources.

Alabama Trails Foundation President Paul DeMarco recently visited the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 35,000 acres including hiking and biking trails, along with over 16,000 acres of waters ripe for exploring via canoe or kayak! Did you know that @wheelerrefugeassociation has over 30,000 Sandhill Cranes that visit each winter, 5 nature trails, and miles of backcountry roads perfect for gravel bikes!

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Alabama Trails Foundation President Paul DeMarco recently visited the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 35,000 acres including hiking and biking trails, along with over 16,000 acres of waters ripe for exploring via canoe or kayak! Did you know that @wheelerrefugeassociation has over 30,000 Sandhill Cranes that visit each winter, 5 nature trails, and miles of backcountry roads perfect for gravel bikes!

Alabama Trails Foundation President Paul DeMarco recently visited Coosa County, Alabama`s beautiful Flagg Mountain to talk about some of the great things that have recently happened there. And he couldn`t miss a chance to visit the historic stone observation tower. The centerpiece of the CCC efforts here remains the 54-foot stone tower. Completed in 1935, the tower is one of two built by the CCC in Alabama, including another at Cheaha State Park). The land was later turned over to the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the tower was staffed with a Fire Lookout until 1989. The tower is also the southern gateway of the Pinhoti Trail, a nearly 335-mile-long trail in Alabama and Georgia. In 2022, the stone tower was reopened to the public by Governor Kay Ivey after a nearly twenty-year hiatus. Watch for great things happening on the mountain in the coming months! @alforestrycomm

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Alabama Trails Foundation President Paul DeMarco recently visited Coosa County, Alabama's beautiful Flagg Mountain to talk about some of the great things that have recently happened there. And he couldn't miss a chance to visit the historic stone observation tower. The centerpiece of the CCC efforts here remains the 54-foot stone tower. Completed in 1935, the tower is one of two built by the CCC in Alabama, including another at Cheaha State Park). The land was later turned over to the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the tower was staffed with a Fire Lookout until 1989. The tower is also the southern gateway of the Pinhoti Trail, a nearly 335-mile-long trail in Alabama and Georgia. In 2022, the stone tower was reopened to the public by Governor Kay Ivey after a nearly twenty-year hiatus. Watch for great things happening on the mountain in the coming months! @alforestrycomm

This weather is PERFECT for camping! Do you take your dog with you when you enjoy #OutdoorAlabama ? #yearofaltrails #AlabamaTrails
#GiantStepsAcrossAL @alabamatravel

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This weather is PERFECT for camping! Do you take your dog with you when you enjoy #OutdoorAlabama ? #yearofaltrails #AlabamaTrails #GiantStepsAcrossAL @alabamatravel