The Alabama Tourism Department officially launched the “Year of Alabama Trails” campaign at Vulcan Park, showcasing the state’s top 25 must-visit trails. This initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2026, aims to highlight Alabama’s extensive trail systems and their positive effects on tourism, conservation, quality of life, and economic growth. The event, set against the stunning backdrop of Birmingham’s skyline, revealed the selected trails, including six notable ones in the Birmingham region: the Cahaba Blueway, Red Rock Trail System, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Red Mountain Park, Oak Mountain State Park, and the Vulcan Trail. These trails represent just a fraction of Alabama’s expansive network, which spans over 250 miles across 21 state parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Alabama’s tourism sector continues to thrive, with nearly 29 million visitors in 2024 generating a record $24.2 billion in traveler spending. The “Year of Alabama Trails” campaign aims to further enhance this growth by underscoring the significance of the state’s outdoor areas. Tourism is a vital part of Alabama’s economy, supporting 245,000 jobs and contributing $4.3 billion directly to the state’s financial landscape.
Photo with Vulcan left to right – Jennifer Andress, Freshwater Land Trust staff and City of Homewood city council member; Vulcan; Rob Fowler, Alabama Trails Foundation board member; Tom Carruthers, CCIM, also Alabama Trails Foundation board member and Freshwater Land Trust board member.
Photo with boots left to right – Carolyn Buck, Freshwater Land Trust staff; Tom Carruthers, CCIM; Rusha Smith, executive director of Freshwater Land Trust.
Read more about the event on BhamNow: https://bhamnow.com/2025/02/27/6-birmingham-area-trails-recognized-by-alabama-tourism-in-top-25-list/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-birmingham-area-trails-recognized-by-alabama-tourism-in-top-25-list