Singing River Trail

06/24/2026

A bullfrog is about to become the newest member of the Singing River Trail team, and we need your help naming him!

Thanks to the support of Innovate Alabama, we're creating an exciting new trail experience designed to help visitors discover trails, uncover hidden gems, learn local history, explore nature, and connect with communities across the Singing River Trail region.

But before our friendly bullfrog can start welcoming visitors and sharing adventures from across the trail, he needs a name!

Take a look at the candidates, learn a little about their personalities, and cast your vote.

Option 1: Waylon the Bullfrog - The Storyteller & Community Ambassador
Waylon is the friend everyone wants to travel with. He knows the trails, but more importantly, he knows the stories behind them. From historic rail lines and small-town treasures to local legends and hidden gems, Waylon helps visitors discover the people and places that make North Alabama special.
Personality Traits
• Friendly and welcoming
• Wise and knowledgeable
• Loves local history and storytelling
• Encouraging and positive
• Proud of North Alabama's communities
• Connects people to places
Best Represents
✓ Community Connections ✓ Local History ✓ Cultural Heritage ✓ Storytelling

Option 2: Jasper the Bullfrog - The Friendly Nature Guide
Jasper is kind, curious, and always eager to help. He loves introducing visitors to wildlife, scenic views, seasonal changes, and outdoor adventures. Jasper encourages everyone to slow down, look around, and appreciate the beauty of the trail.
Personality Traits
• Sweet and approachable
• Curious and observant
• Patient and helpful
• Loves wildlife and nature
• Family-friendly
• Educational and fun
Best Represents
✓ Family Adventures ✓ Wildlife & Nature ✓ Outdoor Learning ✓ Youth Engagement

Option 3: Walker the Bullfrog - The Trail Explorer
Walker is always ready for the next adventure. He loves discovering new trails, helping visitors navigate the system, and encouraging people to get outside and explore. Walker focuses on the journey and inspires people to experience all that the Singing River Trail has to offer.
Personality Traits
• Adventurous and energetic
• Optimistic and encouraging
• Active and goal-oriented
• Loves exploration
• Motivates people to get outside
• Trail-focused
Best Represents
✓ Exploration ✓ Trail Discovery ✓ Recreation ✓ Active Lifestyles

Cast Your Vote
☐ Waylon the Bullfrog – The Storyteller & Community Ambassador
☐ Jasper the Bullfrog – The Friendly Nature Guide
☐ Walker the Bullfrog – The Trail Explorer
Which bullfrog best represents the spirit of the Singing River Trail and will guide visitors through North Alabama's trails, communities, history, and outdoor experiences?

06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day!

Today, we celebrate the trails that bring us together, inspire adventure, and strengthen the communities we call home.

Across North Alabama, the Singing River Trail vision is helping create something truly extraordinary, a connected network of more than 220 miles of existing and future planned trails that will link eight counties, connect people to the outdoors, and create new opportunities for recreation, tourism, health, and economic growth.

Every trail tells a story. Every mile creates possibilities. And every connection brings us one step closer to a more connected North Alabama.

Whether you're hiking a favorite trail, cycling a scenic route, enjoying a walk with family, or exploring somewhere new, today is a reminder of the power of trails to improve quality of life and bring communities together.

So get outside, hit the trail, and help us celebrate the places, people, and communities that make North Alabama special.

Here's to the trails we enjoy today and the 220+ miles of connections we're building for tomorrow.

Happy National Trails Day!

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

Yesterday, the SRT team spent the day on the Richard Martin Trail with Phil Ratliff of BackStory Educational Media as we began laying the foundation for a regional interpretive storytelling initiative across the Singing River Trail footprint.

Before heading out on the trail, we had the opportunity to sit down with Richard Martin, who shared stories, history, and insights about the trail's origins and evolution. His firsthand perspective provided valuable context that will help shape how we tell the stories of not only the Richard Martin Trail, but eventually trails and communities throughout the SRT region.

After our conversation, Phil and the SRT team set out to experience the trail firsthand, covering nearly 8 miles while discussing opportunities to capture the history, culture, natural resources, and unique character that make trails more than just places to walk and bike. Along the way, we met fellow trail enthusiasts enjoying the beautiful day, explored the corridor through the eyes of future visitors, and even had a mudbug pop up and challenge us for the right-of-way.

Working with BackStory Educational Media, SRT is developing a framework for interpretive signage and storytelling that can be adapted throughout our regional trail system. The content gathered through this process will support future signage, educational experiences, and our AI Trail Guide, helping visitors discover the stories beneath the trail and the communities connected by it.

The more time we spend on the trails, the more we're reminded that every mile has a story. Our job is to help preserve those stories and share them with future generations.

05/28/2026

Thank you for sharing our great news 256 Today!

Singing River Trail has hired Decatur native Scott Graham as its new Trail Development Project Manager.

Officials say Graham will help oversee development of the 200-plus-mile trail network, with more than 30 projects currently underway or in development across the region.

Read more at: https://256today.com/singing-river-trail-hires-scott-graham-to-lead-regional-trail-development-projects/

05/27/2026

Singing River Trail Welcomes Scott Graham as the Trail Development Project Manager

Singing River Trail is proud to announce the hiring of Scott Graham as the Trail Development Project Manager to continue building upon the momentum of a transformational 2025 and move SRT into its next phase of activation and implementation across North Alabama.

05/11/2026

Exciting Announcement from Singing River Trail!

Thank you to everyone who participated in voting for the official SRT Mascot! The race was incredibly close between the Great Blue Heron and the Bullfrog, with the Hedgehog right behind them.

And the winner is… 🐸
THE BULLFROG!!

This is just the beginning! Keep following as we reveal the mascot’s official name and give you the first look at its design. We can’t wait to introduce you to the newest face of the trail!

05/08/2026

There’s something powerful about seeing tourism, outdoor recreation, conservation, infrastructure, and economic development leaders from across Alabama come together with one shared purpose, advocating for the future of our state.

This week in Washington, D.C., Singing River Trail Executive Director Misti Potter had the opportunity to join a statewide delegation, organized by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and led by President & CEO Tami Reist, who brought together professionals from across Alabama.
Representatives from the Cullman County Tourism Bureau, Alabama State Parks, Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Marshall County Tourism & Sports, Madden Media, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Holistic Performance Group, and Visit Tuscaloosa spent the week meeting with federal agencies and Alabama’s congressional delegation to discuss issues that directly impact tourism, outdoor recreation, infrastructure, conservation, and economic growth across Alabama.

We are incredibly grateful for the time spent with representatives from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the National Park Service, the United States Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and several other agencies, along with the offices of Congressman Gary Palmer, Congressman Shomari Figures, Congressman Mike Rogers, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Barry Moore, Congressman Dale Strong, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Senator Katie Britt.

“As I looked around the room, I was reminded that many of these leaders have spent years building relationships, advocating for Alabama communities, protecting our natural resources, and strengthening tourism and outdoor recreation across our state. It was an honor to stand alongside them, learn from their experience, and be part of conversations focused on moving Alabama forward together.” Misti stated.

Regionalism works when communities, organizations, and leaders move forward together, and this week was a reminder of just how strong Alabama can be when we advocate with one united voice.

05/04/2026

This past weekend, Misti Potter, Executive Director of the Singing River Trail, stepped onto one of Alabama’s greatest outdoor recreation treasures, the Pinhoti Trail, for a purpose far bigger than the miles ahead.
Taking on the Trailblazer Challenge alongside her husband Alan, they hiked 26.3 miles not just to test endurance, but to make an impact, supporting the incredible work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

From early morning starts and steep climbs to rocky terrain and unforgettable moments along the way, the journey was a powerful reminder of what trails truly represent. They’re more than paths through the woods, they are connectors. Connectors to nature, to community, to challenge, and in this case, to hope.

The Pinhoti Trail delivered every bit of adventure it’s known for, beautiful, demanding, and deeply rewarding. And through that challenge came something even greater: more than $1,000,000 raised to help grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
Great trails.
Great people.
Great causes.
This is what outdoor recreation is all about.