Four Alabama Trails designated as National Scenic Trails

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Four more Alabama trails have been added to the National Recreational Trail System, a national database of urban walks, wilderness hikes and floatable waterways. The additions were among 28 added nationwide. The new trails include walks at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson and the network of new mountain biking trails on Forever Wild's Coldwater Mountain property outside of Anniston.  

The program is administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The trails and their listings are maintained by state and local government as well as nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website. The designation bring attention to trails and offers opportunities from technical assistance and advice from the federal partners.

Over the past several years, Alabama has been particularly successful in getting trails designated thanks to the efforts of Rob Grant, the Recreational and Conservation Programs Manager at the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

ALABAMA

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Trail System - Three nature trails totaling 2.13 miles showcase the unique beauty of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson. The paved Highland Trail provides walkers and bicyclists a moderate climb through the Highland Forest; the easy Boy Scout Trail takes hikers past some of the most scenic reaches along the banks of Turkey Creek; and the Thompson Trace offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The Forever Wild Coldwater Mountain Trail System - Located within the Forever Wild Coldwater Mountain Doug Ghee Nature Preserve and Recreational Area in Anniston, 11.5 miles of trail provide beginner, intermediate, and advanced experiences for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers. The International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Trail Solutions team designed the trails for maximum interest and long-term sustainable use.

Harvest Square Recreational Preserve Trail System - At the Land Trust of Alabama’s Harvest Square Recreational Preserve in Northwest Madison County, 2.3 miles of trail invite hiking, biking, running, nature viewing, and service. Boy Scouts cleared trail and installed benches for their Eagle Scout projects. The longest trail was developed and is maintained by the Sparkman High School cross country team. The preserve is home to deer, turkey, raccoon, fox, beaver, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles.

Phenix City Riverwalk - The 1.2-mile Phenix City Riverwalk offers bike riders, fitness enthusiasts, runners, and strollers a variety of settings. From the 3,000-seat amphitheater overlooking the Chattahoochee River, to sections shaded by great tree cover, to open areas, the trail is a great location for enjoying entertainment, viewing wildlife and whitewater, and soaking up southern sunshine.