The Year of Alabama Trails

Alabama Tourism Department is celebrating outdoor adventures across the state

From the Appalachians and the Mountain Lakes region to the sunny beaches of the Gulf, Alabama is blessed with natural beauty and biodiversity. The Alabama Department of Tourism recently announced it is celebrating this abundance through The Year of Alabama Trails.

In fact, the state has so much to offer that one year is not enough. While past “Year of” campaigns, such as food and music, have lasted 12 months, The Year of Alabama Trails will continue through 2026.

“It’s going to last for two years because there is so much to do that we couldn’t cram everything into one year,” said Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director, at the event kickoff earlier this year at Vulcan Park in Birmingham.

“Twenty years ago, tourism was a $6 billion industry in Alabama,” Sentell said. “This year, it is a $24 billion business.”

Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said the trail systems of Alabama’s state parks will play a big role in the promotion. “When you look at our 21 Alabama State Parks from one end of the state to the other, you’ve got the mountains in northeast Alabama to the Tennessee River Valley to the southern Appalachians at Oak Mountain State Park, all the way down through the River Region through the Black Belt all the way to the Gulf Coast,” he said. “The breadth and diversity of the terrain is fantastic.

“If you want to hike in the mountains, you can do that here,” he added. “If you want to have a walk along the beach at Gulf State Park, the diversity is fantastic. I don’t think you can get that in any other state, especially one that’s only about 350 miles long.”

The Alabama Trails Foundation is partnering with the tourism department to “showcase the state’s natural beauty and promote healthy lifestyles through a variety of events, hikes, community activities, and educational programs,” according to the foundation’s website. “This initiative aims to highlight the unique character of Alabama’s trails, encourage exploration, and foster a deeper appreciation for the state’s natural resources.”

While the campaign is highlighting “25 Must-Tread Trails for 2025” that span the state, there are plenty of outstanding trails to enjoy close to home. The Little River Canyon National Preserve offers hikes ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The Little River Canyon Center features trails for exercise and education. And DeSoto State Park boasts more than 35 miles of hiking trails, including 11 miles of mountain bike trails.

Keep reading The Groundhog throughout 2025 for The Year of Alabama Trails highlights, announcements, and opportunities to explore area trails.