Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DeSoto State Park Campground, 7104 DeSoto Pkwy. NE, Fort Payne; (256)
845-5075; http://alapark.com/desotoresort/Nature%20Programs%20&%20Events.
DeSoto State Park, along with its many partners including Jacksonville State
University and Little River Canyon National Preserve, hosts many educational
programs and hikes. Visit the website for schedule.
The Alabama Trails Com-
mission
Throughout this edition I have remarked how Alabama
has become a hiking destination, not only for residents
of the state but also for hikers and backpackers from
around the country and the world. This is due in great
part to the amazing work being done by hundreds of
volunteer trail builders across the state.
Up until recently, these volunteers went about their
work quietly, cutting and maintaining trails without
much in the way of thanks and more importantly,
without a voice in the state government or financial
backing. Recently, that all changed.
On February 16, 2010, seeing the whirlwind of trail
groups that had arisen in the state and realizing that
outdoor recreation such as hiking, paddling, and horse-
back riding was becoming an income stream for the
state (ecotourism), the Alabama House voted to estab-
lish a new commission to help organize and guide the
trail groups. The Alabama Trails Commission was
signed into law soon after by Governor Bob Riley.
Stakeholders including proponents of river trails,
birding trails, walking trails, hiking trails, equestrian
trails, off-road vehicle trails, and mountain bike and
road bike trails needed vision, coordination, and an es-
Search WWH ::
Custom Search