Photo by Evan Lanier
Determination That Paid Off THE ALABAMA SCENIC RIVER TRAIL
It all started some 15 years ago with a man who refused to take no for an answer. And today, the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which runs through Cherokee County, has grown from 650 miles to more than 6,000.
Jay Grantland, executive director of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, recalled that Fred Couch of Anniston had a vision for the trail and the initiative to make it happen. The idea was to develop the Coosa River, where it enters the Alabama River and then through the Delta to Mobile Bay. Through his connections, Couch was able to get the ball rolling to establish the first 650 miles. After a year or more, the Alabama Scenic River Trail had become a reality. Shortly after that, working with the state department, the trail was established as a national river trail for the United States. An avid paddler, Grantland once owned a business, Alabama Eco Adventures, which helped travelers get their kayaking and camping gear to their adventures around the state. This experience eventually led to his applying for the job as executive director. “It is quite a job,” said Grantland. “It is a challenge to keep up with 6,000 plus miles of (Continued on page 32)
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