Join us on Saturday, April 27th as we Celebrate Trails on the Chief Ladiga Trail and the Pinhoti Trail!
Trail organizations in east Alabama are teaming up with the communities of Anniston, Jacksonville, and Piedmont to host Celebrate Trails Day for the second year in a row. A list of planned biking, hiking, and walking activities can be found below. Everyone is encouraged to get outside and enjoy trails. Whether it’s through an organized event, experiencing the trail individually, or enjoying the trail with family and friends, be sure to get outside and enjoy Alabama!
The celebration was started by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2013 to encourage people nationwide to get outside and enjoy trails and trail systems. Trails and greenways create a support system for small businesses and are important for economic development, community wellbeing, and regional connections. East Alabama can benefit from a general trails strategy… let’s work together to get organized and make it happen!
Registering for the event will reserve a Celebrate Trails wristband for you. These can be picked up at any Alabama Trails Foundation table on the day of the event. Wristbands will give you access to discounts and specials at participating businesses in the area!
Activities:
Bike
The Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association will host two group bikes rides. One will be an out and back easy-paced ride on the Chief Ladiga Trail. The other will be a longer gravel route to Coleman Lake in the Talladega National Forest for intermediate and experienced riders. More details about both these routes will be added soon!
Hydration and information stations will be set up at multiple locations along the Chief Ladiga trail. Food trucks and live music will be located in Piedmont for everyone to enjoy!
Hike
Wild Alabama and Alabama Audubon are hosting a birdwatching and nature hike along the Pinhoti Trail in Dugger Mountain Wilderness. This experience will take you through diverse habitats, offering a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature while exploring one of Alabama’s most picturesque trails. The Pinhoti Trail birding hike will begin at 8 AM and return participants to Piedmont by 11 AM. Places are limited, registration required.
The East Alabama Trail Club The East Alabama Trail Club will be leading a hike to Oakey Mountain Shelter, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Pinhoti Trail /Chief Ladiga Trailhead on CR-94 off Vigo Road (CR-70) east of Piedmont. This hike will connect three outdoor destinations that Piedmont is famous for: the Pinhoti Trail, the Chief Ladiga Trail, and Terrapin Creek. The distance is 4 miles with an elevation gain of about 700 feet. The hike will take approximately 3 hours.
Walk
There will be multiple group walking events on the Chief Ladiga Trail in partnership with the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge. This is a statewide program designed to inspire all Alabamians to kick-start an active, healthy lifestyle while exploring our beautiful state and connecting with fellow participants.
A one mile walk will be hosted by Jacksonville Parks and Recreation. More details about this event and more will be added soon!
Celebrate
After spending time on the trail, join us to celebrate in Piedmont, Alabama, a Chief Ladiga Trail and Pinhoti Trail Town! Food Trucks and live music will be located in Optimist Park directly behind Pinhoti Pizza Company. There will also be multiple trail organizations at the celebration sharing information on how to get involved and support trails!
You aren’t required to participate in a group activity to take part in Celebrate Trails Day. Everyone is welcome to get outside and enjoy the celebration!
Perks for Registered Participants:
Perks for Registered Participants:
Show your wristband at the following businesses on April 27th to get special discounts!
- Elevated Grounds – 10% off one coffee
- Eubanks Welcome Center – two entries into a drawing for a free Chief Ladiga Trail t-shirt and hat
- Rhythm Cafe, Heflin – discount on their Pinhoti Sandwich
- Shell’s Downtown – free dessert with purchase of a meal
- Main Street South – discounts that vary by vendor
Bicycle Rental Information:
Wig’s Wheels – http://www.wigswheels.com/
- Location: 1229 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201
- Contact: (256) 237-9447
- Call for rental information.
Jacksonville State University U-Rec – https://www.jsu.edu/urec/adventure/rentals.html
- Location: JSU Adventure Recreation Center, 119 Beck Circle, Jacksonville, AL 36265
- Contact: (256) 782-8690 or adventurerec@jsu.edu
- $25 for a bike and helmet ($5 purchase of a U-Rec day pass required for non-members)
Elevated Grounds
- Location: 110 South Center Avenue, Piedmont, AL 36272
- Contact: (256) 792-9485
- $8/hour for bicycle
This event is a collaboration between the Alabama Trails Foundation, Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, Pinhoti Pizza Company, and many other great organizations! We look forward to celebrating on the Chief Ladiga Trail with you on Celebrate Trails Day!