NORTH ALABAMA — Singing River Trail (SRT) is marking a month of significant progress across North Alabama as dozens of miles of signed trail, new community connections, and major project milestones demonstrate continued momentum behind the region’s growing trail network.
The recent unveiling of Singing River Trail signage at Ditto Landing in Huntsville sets the stage for a busy October. Seventeen miles of existing trail are now incorporated into the regional network, connecting Ditto Landing and the Aldridge Creek loop.
This signage is making many of North Alabama’s outdoor recreation assets more visible. New co-branded signage with Tennessee RiverLine also strengthens the connection between land and water recreation opportunities along the Tennessee River.
“Every new sign, project, and community connection represents another step toward the larger vision for Singing River Trail,” said Singing River Trail Executive Director Misti Potter. “We are building from the community level outward by strengthening local trail experiences first and then connecting those destinations across North Alabama.”
October will bring new trail development in Gurley, public input on the future of the regional trail system, signage unveilings in Athens and at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and the launch of a new AI-powered resource for trail users.
October 5: Gurley Groundbreaking
Singing River Trail will join the Town of Gurley and community partners for a groundbreaking celebrating approximately one mile of new trail development.
A Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant is supporting the project, which will help connect downtown Gurley with the community’s trail system and improve access between local destinations. The project also adds another piece to Singing River Trail’s broader regional vision.
Gurley Mayor Stan Simpson, town officials, and other project partners are expected to participate.
October 6: Singing River Trail Design Charrette
Singing River Trail will invite community members and regional partners to help shape the trail’s next chapter during a design charrette at the TARCOG building, located at 4976 Corporate Drive NW in Huntsville.
The original Singing River Trail master plan was completed in 2019 and outlined 70+ miles across Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties. Seven years of growth and evolving community priorities have created an opportunity to refresh the plan and guide the next phase of development.
A public input session will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 6, 2026. Residents will have an opportunity to share feedback and help inform future trail development. Singing River Trail will partner with the Huntsville Metropolitan Planning Organization during the planning session to help facilitate discussion and gather input for the updated master plan.
October 14: Swan Creek Greenway Sign Unveiling
Singing River Trail will celebrate approximately two miles of signed trail along the Swan Creek Greenway in Athens.
The segment extends from the Sportsplex area south beyond Highway 72 and represents an important piece of the larger vision for trail connectivity in Athens. The project grew from the Athens Action Plan, and the City of Athens installed the new signage.
The October 14 program will recognize city officials, staff, and community partners whose work has helped advance the project.
October 21: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Sign Unveiling
Singing River Trail will continue the month’s progress with a signage unveiling at the Rockhouse Road Trailhead at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The event will highlight approximately 17 miles of signed trail.
The project reflects collaboration among Singing River Trail, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and the City of Huntsville while strengthening an important connection across the Huntsville metro region. The event will also recognize Huntsville officials and community partners who have helped advance the project.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of North Alabama’s signature natural assets and provides an important link between communities, outdoor recreation, and conservation experiences within the larger trail network.
October 29: Wayland Walosi Walker AI Trail Guide Launch
Singing River Trail will close out October with the public launch of Wayland Walosi Walker, a new AI Trail Guide developed through a partnership funded by Innovate Alabama with technology partner Ethar.
Users can access the AI-powered guide through the Singing River Trail website to learn about trails, communities, local history, safety information, and nearby experiences while exploring the region.
Public input helped shape the bullfrog mascot and its name, with “Walosi,” the Cherokee word for bullfrog, nodding to Singing River Trail’s identity as a Native American heritage trail and the cultural history woven throughout the region.
The technology is built around approved Singing River Trail information rather than unrestricted generative AI. Safeguards are designed to keep interactions focused on relevant trail-related topics.
Building Locally, Connecting Regionally
October’s milestones demonstrate how Singing River Trail is building a regional network one community and one connection at a time.
SRT works with individual communities to strengthen local trail assets that can ultimately connect as part of a larger regional system. This approach allows communities to see tangible progress while long-term connections continue to develop.
The broader Singing River Trail vision spans more than 220 miles. Each completed project, signed segment, and community partnership contributes to a network designed to support outdoor recreation, improve quality of life, connect communities, and create new tourism and economic development opportunities across North Alabama.
Additional details about each October event, including times, locations, media opportunities, and project information, will be released in the coming days.
Media Release/Blake Williams – Singing River Trail Marketing Partner
