FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2025. The Alabama Trails Foundation (ATF) today celebrated the passage of U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Auburn) Talladega National Forest Expansion Act by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The legislation, which was included in a larger package of U.S.D.A. Forest Service lands bills on Tuesday, is a significant step toward enhancing and protecting some of Alabama’s most vital outdoor resources.
The proposed expansion would add approximately 50,000 acres to the Talladega National Forest’s proclamation boundary across three East Alabama counties. For the Alabama Trails Foundation, this expansion represents a critical opportunity to advance our mission of developing, protecting, and stewarding Alabama’s trail systems.
A key benefit of the Act is the potential to transform the Pinhoti Trail. The Pinhoti, which is Alabama’s premier long-distance hiking trail, relies on the acquisition of land by the Forest Service from willing sellers to complete and protect several sections of the southern trail that currently include roadwalks. The expanded boundary provides the necessary framework for the USFS to pursue these strategic acquisitions from willing sellers, ensuring a more cohesive, sustainable, and enjoyable experience for hikers.
“This is a major win for Alabama’s outdoor community and a testament to the importance of public-private partnerships in conservation,” said Paul DeMarco, President of the Alabama Trails Foundation. “Senator Tuberville’s legislation lays the groundwork for the future protection and expansion of trails like the Pinhoti. The Alabama Trails Foundation has advocated for this type of strategic land conservation to ensure that every Alabamian has access to safe and high-quality outdoor recreation. We are eager to work with the Forest Service and local partners to leverage this expansion for the betterment of our state’s trail network, which promotes economic development, health, and time spent in Alabama’s beautiful outdoors.”
“As Alabama continues to grow, citizens need access to safe and reliable hiking trails and outdoor spaces to encourage wellness and improved health,” said Tuberville. “I am proud to lead this legislation to promote both tourism and conservation efforts for all Alabamians.”
The Alabama Trails Foundation will continue to support the swift passage of the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act into law and looks forward to collaborating with the USFS on the subsequent land acquisitions and trail development efforts. We are appreciative of Senator Tuberville and his dedicated staff for their hard work in shepherding this important piece of legislation to Alabama.
About the Alabama Trails Foundation The Alabama Trails Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the development of Alabama’s outdoor recreation economy by assisting in the planning, development, and maintenance of trails. www.alabamatrailsfoundation.org
