ELKMONT– Singing River Trail, the City of Elkmont, and local trail advocate Richard Martin are proud to announce the unveiling of new Singing River Trail wayfinding signage at the Richard Martin Trail.
The Trail was unveiled by Singing River Trail Leadership, Elkmont Mayor Tracy Compton, and Richard Martinas a celebration of the trail’s history and future connectivity to North Alabama’s growing regional trail system. Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. the Richard Martin Trail Signage was unveiled.
The trailhead is located at the Elkmont Train Depot, 18860 Upper Fort Hampton Rd, Elkmont, AL 35620.
The Richard Martin Trail is built along the former Tennessee & Alabama Central Railroad line and passes through historic landmarks, including the site of the 1864 Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. Today, the trail is enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
“This new signage represents a bigger vision for the trail and our community,” said Richard Martin, the trail’s namesake and long-time advocate. “The Richard Martin Trail was built to preserve history and create access to the outdoors. Through this partnership with Singing River Trail, it will also serve as a connection to a larger regional trail network.”
The unveiling marks another step in Singing River Trail’s mission to connect communities across North Alabama. Plans are underway to link the Richard Martin Trail to Swan Creek in Athens, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to walk, bike, and experience the natural scenery throughout the region.
According to Singing River Trail’s economic impact study, connecting trails like the Richard Martin Trail will generate millions in direct and indirect benefits each year by attracting visitors, improving health outcomes, and raising property values. Regionally, the completed Singing River Trail is expected to deliver more than $13 million in annual direct benefits to North Alabama communities.
“The success of the Singing River Trail is not measured simply in miles completed or signs unveiled, it is defined by the strength each community brings to the whole,” said Misti Potter, Executive Director of the Singing River Trail. “When we say SRT+, we mean that every new or existing trail, greenway, and partnership advances our 220-mile vision, and a win in one community is a win for all of North Alabama. Today’s sign unveiling marks one of many significant milestones still to come.”
About Singing River Trail: Established in 2018, Singing River Trail is a 200+ mile greenway system that strengthens regional bonds and creates new health and wellness, educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people and communities in the Tennessee Valley region.
About the Richard Martin Trail: Named after local advocate Richard Martin, the 10.7-mile trail follows the historic Tennessee & Alabama Central Railroad corridor. Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the trail features historic Civil War sites, wetlands, covered bridges, and the Elkmont Depot, serving as both a recreational resource and a link to Alabama’s cultural heritage.
Media Release/Sarah Macaluso
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