Alabama’s rich outdoor recreation scene took center stage on February 27, 2025, as the Alabama Tourism Department officially launched the Year of Alabama Trails campaign at Vulcan Park. The initiative, which will run through 2026, highlights the state’s diverse trail systems and their impact on tourism, conservation, and economic growth.
Attendees gathered at Birmingham’s iconic Vulcan statue, lacing up their hiking boots and posing alongside oversized outdoor gear to mark the occasion. With the city’s skyline as a backdrop, officials unveiled Alabama’s 25 Must-Tread Trails for 2025, a curated list of top hiking, biking, and paddling trails that showcase the state’s natural beauty.
“For more than 20 years, our ‘Year Of’ campaigns have introduced visitors to the people, places and experiences that make Alabama unique,” said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “Trails offer one of the most immersive ways to explore our state—whether from the seat of a bike, the path beneath your boots or the pull of a paddle.”
Alabama Tourism partnered with several outdoor organizations, including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Alabama Trails Foundation, Freshwater Land Trust, Innovate Alabama, and Rails to Trails Conservancy, each of which plays a role in expanding and maintaining the state’s trail networks.
Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the DCNR, emphasized Alabama’s wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. “With more than 250 miles of trails available at our State Parks and the unique experiences offered by the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust… we are proud to offer exceptional hiking, biking and paddling opportunities to all Alabamians,” he said.
A Boost for Tourism and the Economy
Outdoor recreation is a significant contributor to Alabama’s economy, generating $6.6 billion annually and supporting more than 65,000 jobs. The Year of Alabama Trails builds on the success of previous ‘Year Of’ campaigns, such as the Year of Alabama Food and the Year of Alabama Outdoors, both of which significantly boosted tourism.
Paul DeMarco, Board President of the Alabama Trails Foundation, emphasized the economic benefits of trails. “Investing in Alabama’s trails strengthens communities, boosts local economies and expands outdoor access,” he noted, pointing to the Pinhoti Trail in East Alabama as an example of how trails drive tourism and local economic growth.
Must-Tread Trails and Key Events
The 25 Must-Tread Trails for 2025 list features standout outdoor experiences across Alabama, including:
- Pinhoti Trail (171 miles) – Connecting Alabama hikers to the Appalachian Trail.
- Chief Ladiga Trail (33 miles) – Alabama’s first rails-to-trails project, ideal for cyclists.
- Red Rock Trail System – Expanding urban trail access in Central Alabama.
- Singing River Trail – A North Alabama greenway linking communities.
- Bartram Canoe Trail – A paddling route through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, known as “America’s Amazon.”
Throughout the year, a series of events will engage residents and visitors in Alabama’s outdoor adventures, including:
- Innovate Alabama Outdoor Recreation Summit (April 21-22, 2025, Lake Guntersville State Park) – A discussion on outdoor recreation’s role in economic development.
- Tour of Alabama Trails (April 23-26, 2025) – A multi-day, nearly 100-mile cycling tour from Cedartown, Ga., to Birmingham.
- Celebrate Trails Day (April 26, 2025) – A Birmingham-based event featuring guided bike rides and trail tours.
Additional events will be announced throughout the year to encourage further exploration of Alabama’s trails.
For more information on the Year of Alabama Trails, visit Alabama.Travel.
