MONTGOMERY-Alabama State Parks will host several guided hikes in celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6. National Trails Day was created by the American Hiking Society to promote the importance of hiking trails in the U.S. The hikes will be led by park naturalists and volunteers and will take place at various state parks throughout the state. The hikes are free and no reservations are necessary. Park entrance fees are required where applicable.
Alabama State Parks is currently facing a funding crisis that threatens to close more than half its
parks. Participation in events like National Trails Day is critical to keep all 22 of Alabama’s state parks open. About 90 percent of the annual funding to operate state parks comes from user fees such as lodging, gate entries, camping and meeting space rentals.
Trails have always been a component of Alabama’s state parks. In addition to highlighting the state parks trail system, events like National Trails Day attract more visitors which, in turn, help the parks remain open.
“In the last ten years, certain elements of our trails have seen a growing use, reinforcing the importance of trails as a recreational activity,” said
Greg M. Lein Alabama State Parks Director
, State Parks Director. “We also recognize trails are a way to support greater physical fitness and better health for Alabamians. Trail hiking is a fantastic gateway activity to introduce people to the outdoors and the fundamentals of trails and trail programs. We believe very strongly in growing the day-use activities we can offer the public and in the importance of developing a stronger trails program.”
National Trails Day participants are encouraged to invite their friends to one of the guided hikes, bring plenty of water and contact the participating Alabama state parks for more details about hiking conditions.
National Trails Day Events at Alabama State Parks
June 6, 2015
Cheaha State Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: CCC reservoir off Chalet Road
Distance: ¾ mile
Contact: (256) 488-5115
Frank Jackson State Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Boat ramp pavilion
Distance: 1 mile
Contact: (256) 329-0845
Gulf State Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Catman Trailhead in Orange Beach on Highway 161
Distance: 3 miles
Contact: (251) 948-7275
Lake Guntersville State Park
Time: 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Location: Campground activity building
Distance: TBA
Contact: (256) 571-5440
Oak Mountain State Park
VLUU L210 / Samsung L210
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Treetop Nature Trail
Distance: TBA
Contact: (205) 620-2520
Wind Creek State Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: North Picnic Trail
Distance: TBA
Contact: (256) 329-0845
Unable to attend one of the guided hikes? Alabama State Parks offers many other hiking options. For more information about state park trails, click here. For more information about National Trails Day, click here.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
