A conversation on the intersection of outdoor recreation and the economies of small towns. Keynote: Making Trail Towns a Reality in Alabama with Amy Camp, author of Deciding on Trails: 7 Practices of Healthy Trail Towns. Panel discussion with local trail-oriented businesses, and regional resources. This Alabama Trails Foundation event is free and includes lunch. Due to venue space, the event is nearing capacity, so register today to be a part of the conversation.
Stick around after the conference for a tour of the proposed U.S. 78 bridge project that will replace a hazardous roadwalk with a more scenic woodland experience. Then, venture a few minutes north to Piedmont for the premiere of Blaze: The Trails of Alabama, produced as part of the Year of Alabama Trails and airing on Alabama Public Television the following evening.
A Year of Alabama Trails Event. Registration and Agenda available below.
DRAFT Spring 2026 Workshop – Building A Trail Town Economy
09:30-10:00 Registration, Coffee & Pastries
10:00-10:15 Welcome – Introductions – Housekeeping
- Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation
- Emmett Owen, Cleburne County Commissioner
10:15-11:15 Amy Camp – Deciding on Trails
11:15-11:30 BREAK
11:30–12:15 Small Business Panel
- Kevin Cunningham – Pinhoti Pizza
- Grant Prestridge – Pinhoti Ridge Retreat
- Kimm Wright – Pinhoti Outdoor Center
12:15-1:00 Lunch
- Piedmont Pilot
- BLAZE Trailer
01:00-2:00 Navigating Private-Public Resources Panel
- David Perry, Former State Finance Director
- Paul DeMarco, Former State Legislator
- Karri Green, Innovate Alabama
- Keith Jones, Former Executive Director, Northwest AL Council of Local Governments
2:00 – 2:10 Wrap up and adjourn
AFTER HOURS
- Site Visit – Pinhoti Trail, U.S. 78 Bridge
- BLAZE – Pinhoti Pizza