Friday, May 29, 2015

Alabama State Parks Celebrates National Trails Day with Guided Hikes

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 Lein, 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
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


The Alabama State Parks Division operates and maintains 22 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water. These Parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other Partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. To learn more about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark.com.


Contact: 1-800-ALA-PARK