The Singing River Trail (SRT) is marking several milestones across North Alabama this October, including trail development, community planning, new signage and the launch of an AI trail guide. Since its founding in 2018, the outdoor nonprofit has been stitching together a 220-plus-mile network across North Alabama, one community and trail connection at a time.
One of the latest additions is at Ditto Landing in Huntsville, where co-branded SRT and Tennessee RiverLine signage was unveiled along 17 miles of existing trail connecting the landing and Aldridge Creek loop. The signs also point trail users toward recreation on the Tennessee River.
“Every new sign, project, and community connection represents another step toward the larger vision for Singing River Trail,” Singing River Trail Executive Director Misti Potter said. “We are building from the community level outward by strengthening local trail experiences first and then connecting those destinations across North Alabama.”
Gurley groundbreaking held Monday
The town of Gurley joined Singing River Trail and community partners Monday to break ground on about one mile of trail.
Supported by a Transportation Alternatives Program grant, the project is intended to connect downtown Gurley with the community’s trail system and improve access between local destinations.
Trail organizers said the new segment will expand opportunities for walking, biking and other outdoor recreation in Gurley.
Oct. 6: Design charrette in Huntsville
Residents and regional partners can help shape the trail system’s next phase during a design charrette, an interactive planning session, Tuesday at the TARCOG building, 4976 Corporate Drive NW in Huntsville. The public input session will run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Completed in 2019, the original master plan outlined more than 70 miles of trail across Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties. The nonprofit said regional growth and changing priorities have created a need to update it.
SRT and the Huntsville Metropolitan Planning Organization will gather feedback for the updated plan.
Oct. 14: Swan Creek Greenway sign unveiling
The city of Athens has installed signage along about two miles of the Swan Creek Greenway. An Oct. 14 unveiling will recognize the city officials, staff and community partners involved in the project.
The segment extends from the Sportsplex area south beyond U.S. 72. The project grew out of the Athens Action Plan.
Oct. 21: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge sign unveiling
Another unveiling is planned Oct. 21 at the Rockhouse Road Trailhead at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
The event will highlight about 17 miles of signed trail. Organizers described the effort as a collaboration among SRT, the refuge and the city of Huntsville intended to strengthen trail connections across the Huntsville metropolitan area.
Oct. 29: AI trail guide launch
The month will close with the launch of Wayland Walosi Walker, an AI trail guide developed through an Innovate Alabama-funded partnership with technology company Ethar.
The online guide will provide information about trails, nearby communities, local history, safety and regional attractions, trail organizers said. Its responses will draw from material approved by SRT, with safeguards designed to keep conversations focused on relevant subjects.
Public input helped shape the bullfrog mascot and its name. “Walosi” is the Cherokee word for bullfrog, organizers said, and reflects the initiative’s identity as a Native American heritage trail.
The planned network is intended to support outdoor recreation, health, tourism, economic development and connections among North Alabama communities.
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