| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT INFORMATION: Cynthia Ragland, Alabama Trails Foundation AlabamaPinhoti@gmail.com C: 205-310-6533 |
Birmingham, Alabama – The Alabama Trails Foundation announces that work has started on the trail construction at Flagg Mountain. In partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission, this project provides a half-mile accessible approach trail to the historic Flagg Mountain Tower, located in the Weogufka State Forest. Along with the approach trail, a 15-vehicle parking lot is being developed. The construction site is now temporarily closed to visitors. Construction is anticipated to be complete by August 2021.
Tom Carruthers, Alabama Trails Foundation President said, “We are thrilled to see this work begin. The approach trail to this historic landmark sets the stage for Flagg Mountain formally becoming the beginning of the Pinhoti Trail and the gateway to Alabama’s Appalachian Mountains.”
Considerable planning and careful design have gone into the creation of this approach trail, ensuring that it is an accessible path offering an interesting journey through native understory with several scenic vistas. At the top of the mountain, visitors can tour the stone tower constructed in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Renovation of the tower stairs will soon be underway. Once complete, visitors will again be able to climb the stairs to the cab for spectacular views of the Talladega National Forest and the Coosa River Valley. The tower area is currently closed to visitors until renovation is complete.
Rick Oates, State Forester, Alabama Forestry Commission said, “As the land managers for the Weogufka State Forest, partnerships that help projects such as this trail construction are vital to the future of outdoor recreation and helping the public enjoy Alabama’s forests.” The Alabama Forestry Commission considers conservation education and outdoor recreation an important part of its mission. The Commission works with trail groups at all the Alabama State Forests.
Additional partners in this project include Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Friends of Flagg Mountain, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Coosa County Commission, Jacksonville State University, The Nature Conservancy, and The Conservation Fund.
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The Alabama Trails Foundation established by the Alabama Code 41-23-140, supports the geographic and social diversity of Alabama, and is charged with advancing, developing, interconnecting, and supporting use of trails in Alabama. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/AlabamaTrailsFoundation.