Alabama’s Gulf Coast has 4.4 more miles of trail for walkers, runners and cyclists following the completion of a $5.6 million extension of the Fort Morgan Trail at Gulf State Park.
Community leaders, elected officials and Alabama State Parks staff marked the opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The extension brings the Fort Morgan Trail to approximately 10.5 miles along Alabama Highway 180, also known as Fort Morgan Road.
“This is a great day for south Baldwin County,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “Extending the Fort Morgan Trail gives residents and visitors more opportunities to walk, bike and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Projects like this create new ways for people to experience the outdoors, support tourism and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve. I’m proud to support this project and excited to see this important connection completed.”
The new section extends west from Plantation Boulevard to a new terminus near Fort Morgan Pizza. The paved trail is 10 feet wide along its entire length and is designed for walkers, runners and cyclists.
The extension also includes 12 bridges designed to help preserve coastal wetlands along the route. At the new terminus, a new bathhouse features four private, family-style suites for trail users.
The Fort Morgan Trail connects with the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, providing access to approximately 28 miles of paved trails through Gulf State Park and connecting to Orange Beach.
“Extending the Fort Morgan Trail is a win for residents and visitors alike,” said State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine). “Trails like this draw tourists to our coast, support local businesses and give our families a safe, beautiful place to be outside together. It’s always good to offer more outdoor recreational facilities along our beautiful Gulf Coast.”
The $5.6 million project was funded through the federal RESTORE Act, which uses civil and administrative penalties paid under the Clean Water Act by companies responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funding supports projects and programs designed to restore and protect the environment and economy of the Gulf Coast region.
The Fort Morgan project is one of several recent Alabama State Parks investments. Other projects include a new RV resort at Gulf State Park, a new access road at Rickwood Caverns State Park and the renovation and reopening of Lake Lurleen State Park. A new 32-room bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park is expected to open later this year.
“We’re thrilled to see the Fort Morgan Trail extended because trails like this one bring people outside, connect them to nature and give everyone another reason to spend time on our gorgeous Gulf Coast,” said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. “We’re continuing to invest in places that give families and visitors opportunities to explore, make memories and experience what makes Alabama special. This trail extension is another example of how we’re working to create a first-class experience for everyone who visits Alabama State Parks.”
