Alabama Outdoor Recreation Round-Up | | |
About This Newsletter
All of us are busy working to help Alabama flourish in the area of outdoor recreation. Alabama's wide variety of one-of-a-kind natural assets is vital to continue the task of bringing positive economic impacts through tourism spending and enhancing quality of life that will make Alabama more competitive in attracting residents and businesses.
In this newsletter, we will highlight some of the most recent happenings around the state on outdoor recreation and trails news over the past six months.
What is your organization doing to meet the outdoor recreation needs of the people you serve? Please let us know.
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Alabama State Parks
Article by Will Collins, Trails Coordinator - Alabama State Parks
Alabama State Parks continue to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the state through trail development, accessibility improvements, and strategic partnerships.
At Oak Mountain State Park, the team is working toward IMBA Silver Ride Center designation, with two new downhill mountain bike trails completed, two more under construction, and ground soon to be broken for a mountain bike skills park and pump track. This project is a collaboration between Alabama State Parks, Shelby County, BUMP, Forever Wild, and is funded by Innovate Alabama. For more information on mountain bike trail developments at Oak Mountain State Park, click here.
At Monte Sano State Park, HAMR (Huntsville Area Mountain Riders) funded the construction of three new MTB trails, expanding the park’s offerings for cyclists.
Meanwhile, Lake Lurleen State Park implemented a temporary access trail and parking area to maintain trail access during construction.
In the south, Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was named the #1 Trail System in the U.S. for the third consecutive year in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards - a testament to the ongoing commitment to excellence in trail experiences.
The Alabama State Parks Trail Crew is a dedicated field team responsible for planning, building, and maintaining trails across the Alabama State Parks system. Working in close coordination with park staff, local governments, nonprofits, and volunteers, the Trail Crew ensures that trails are not only fun and sustainable but also increasingly accessible to all through the use of adaptive equipment and inclusive trail design. Action Trackchairs are now available at Oak Mountain, Lakepoint, and The Lodge at Gulf State Park. A Huckleberry Hiker all-terrain chair is available at Monte Sano, and Grit Freedom Chairs are available at Gulf State Park, helping visitors of all abilities experience Alabama’s great outdoors.
Support the work of the Alabama State Parks Trail Crew through our Dirt Pass Program today: https://tinyurl.com/3vvhtndw
Learn more at Alapark.com.
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Cypress Nature Preserve
Montgomery Area
Article by Ashley Thorne, River Region Trails
| | Photos of recent progress made at the Cypress Nature Preserve. | | |
Exciting Projects Take Place
in the Huntsville Area
(Land Trust of North Alabama)
Article by Marie Bostick, Executive Director - Land Trust of North Alabama
| | Tollgate Greenway Funding Goal Met | | |
Thanks to the incredible support of 250+ donors, the Land Trust of North Alabama successfully matched the city’s $500,000 commitment to bring the vision of a mountainside greenway to reality. In partnership with Monte Sano State Park, the city, and many dedicated organizations & individuals, Tollgate Greenway will provide an asphalt path for those who struggle with natural surface trails and a safer route for bicyclists on Bankhead.
Click Here for City Blog
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City of Huntsville Hires Consultant
to Plan Huntsville Beltline Project
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The city is working with Lord Aeck Sargent, Inc. to develop the Huntsville Beltline. This greenway will connect over two dozen neighborhoods across the city, offering new spaces for recreation, transportation, and economic growth, said Dennis Madsen, Huntsville's Manager of Urban and Long Range Planning.
By connecting the Meek Greenway and the city's PARC project in downtown Huntsville, a new transportation corridor will be created between Alabama A & M University and the city's center.
It’s not a new idea, but it’s one Huntsville planners hope to establish here. Like Atlanta’s 22-mile Beltline, the proposed Huntsville Beltline would reshape how residents interact with their city as well as play a crucial role in Huntsville’s infrastructure and long-term growth. The photos below are examples of the Atlanta Beltline.
| | Photos of Atlanta's Beltline, a 22-mile path through the heart of the city. | | Land Trust of North Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving natural lands, water resources, and wildlife habitat in ten counties of North Alabama with over 10,000 acres currently protected. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor adventure on 100+ miles of free public trails on ten public nature preserves. The Land Trust also provides environmental education programs and guided hikes to encourage future stewards and connect people with nature. More information at www.landtrustnal.org. | | |
North Alabama Trails and Recreation
(NATR)
Article by Jared Carter, North Alabama Trails and Recreation
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North Alabama Trails and Recreation (NATR) is currently leading a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at expanding and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities across the region. This includes the successful initiation of eight Regional Trail Coalitions—multi-county partnerships that bring together local stakeholders bimonthly to collaborate on trail planning, funding, and implementation efforts.
NATR is also directly involved in the ongoing development of Bridgeport’s River Park, which will feature an RV campground, an accessible kayak launch, improved parking, and inclusive playground equipment.
In Mentone, NATR is working with local partners to expand and revitalize Brow Park, enhancing its appeal as a community greenspace and scenic destination.
At Pisgah Gorge Falls, NATR is coordinating improvements to increase safety, accessibility, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability at this natural area.
Significant progress is also being made on the Franklin/Marion County Rail Trail, a 34-mile greenway corridor that will connect communities and preserve critical landscape features along a former rail line.
Finally, NATR has begun initial planning and partnership building to transform the mouth of Flint Creek into a regional paddle destination, combining ecological conservation, increased public access, and integrated technology to this scenic waterway.
| Pisgah Civitan Park Ribbon Cutting | |
Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails Coming to Tannehill
(Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association)
Article by Philip Darden, Executive Director - SORBA
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One of the more exciting mountain bike projects to happen within the (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) SORBA region is being led by our BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers) Chapter based in Shelby County, Alabama: BUMP at Tannehill.
Thanks to funding from Innovate Alabama, BUMP is currently developing the largest adaptive accessible trail system in the Southeast at Tannehill Ironworks Historical Park. The expansion includes multiple beginner and intermediate adaptive trails with optional advanced features, along with extensive retrofitting of existing trails to accommodate adaptive bikes.
Two adaptive gravity flow trails have already been completed, professionally designed by Barry Smith Trail Design. Phase 1 — a 4.5-mile intermediate adaptive trail—is currently open with more trail on the way. These additions will expand equitable access to the outdoors for people of all abilities, including those with limited mobility.
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Important Outdoor Recreation
Funding Sources
The Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are two important outdoor recreation grant programs, with which anyone looking to fund a trail or other outdoor recreation project should be familiar. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers both programs, which distribute funds on a cost reimbursable basis. Here’s a brief summary of each program:
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Eligible Organizations: Municipalities, counties, state agencies, and federally recognized tribal governments.
Eligible Projects: Funds may be used to acquire legal interests in lands for park purposes, develop new outdoor recreation facilities, and in certain instances, renovate existing recreation facilities. Virtually all public outdoor recreation facilities are eligible for assistance under the program including playgrounds, ball fields, court sports, picnic areas, camping areas, trails, splash pads, etc. Support facilities such as concession stands, restrooms, park access roads, parking areas, utilities, and site preparation may also qualify for assistance, along with athletic facilities that are not for exclusive tournament use. Projects that address regional and statewide needs identified in the 2021 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan receive preference.
FY 2025 Funding Ceiling: $1,000,000
Match Requirement: 50% of project cost; Can be in the form of cash and in-kind goods and services.
FY 2026 Application Workshop: Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information click here.
Program Information & Application Materials: https://adeca.alabama.gov/lwcf/
Recreational Trails Program
Eligible Organizations: Municipalities, counties, state agencies, federal agencies, and federally recognized tribal governments.
Eligible Projects: Funding assistance can be used to acquire legal interests in lands for trails, the development of new trails and trail-related facilities, and maintenance and restoration of existing trails and trail-related facilities. Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance is also eligible, along with the development and dissemination of publications and programs that educate the public about safety and environmental stewardship associated with trails. Projects that address regional and statewide trail needs identified in the 2021 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan receive preference.
FY 2025 Funding Ceilings:
Non-motorized single-use: $200,000
Non-motorized diverse-use: $400,000
Motorized use: ~ $500,000
Educational programs: ~ $90,000
Match Requirement:
20% of project cost; Can be in the form of cash and in-kind goods and services.
FY 2026 Application Workshop: Thursday, July 30 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information click here.
Program Information & Application Materials: https://adeca.alabama.gov/trails/
| | | | | Please visit www.alabamaoutdoorrecreation.org for more information about developing outdoor recreation projects and to learn about Alabama's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). If you have any questions about the SCORP, email Brian Rushing here. | | | | |
