The Sweet Trails Alabama team has released a comprehensive trails plan aimed at connecting the state’s regional and local trails to boost economic and recreational opportunities from the mountains to the gulf. The plan involves input from thousands of stakeholders and residents and aims to connect all 67 counties in Alabama, linking major cultural and natural resource destinations.

State Sen. Andrew Jones spearheaded the effort to create the plan, which is part of a larger initiative to expand Alabama’s outdoor recreation industry and attract high-skilled workers. The plan focuses on all types of trails, including hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, and OHV/ATV riding, with hiking and biking as the top priorities. The goal is to leverage state, local, federal, and private funds to build out a trail system in Alabama.

The plan, developed by Jacksonville State University and Singing River Trail with Alta Planning + Design, includes a trails toolbox for communities and feasibility studies to advance trail development. Federal grants totaling over $100 million have already been awarded for trail projects in cities like Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville, with plans to continue building on this success and accelerate trail development in the state.