The Alabama Scenic River Trail

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

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waterways that make up the Alabama Scenic River Trail to keep everything open and safe. It was just a natural fit for me. I have enjoyed it.”

The diversity of the area keeps Scenic River Trail paddlers from being bored. “They love the mountains, trees, the bluffs, different things you see along the way,” said Grantland. “They see black bears, alligators, bald eagles, as they go through. They enjoy the different scenery so much they are returning and bringing their families because it is so beautiful. They want to come back and take the time to enjoy the different things we have to offer in the state along the Alabama Scenic River Trail.”

Remarkably, Alabama has more navigable waterways than any other state in the nation except for Alaska. “We have such a large river basin,” said Grantland. “We have the Appalachian Mountain foothills, a lot of really great waterways in the Black Belt area, the Delta and Mobile. People come from all over the world to Little River Canyon, the Black Warrior, Locust Fork. On the trail, there is a great variation in the types of water. There is everything from black water to extreme white water. White water paddlers will find Class Four and Class Five destinations. We have something for everybody that likes to paddle.”

The Alabama Scenic River Trail promotes the state’s assets worldwide. “Canadians overwhelmingly knew where Cracker Barrels, other restaurants were, things like that,” said Grantland. “They didn’t know much about what was outside of the big exits.” The organization’s goal is to change that and get visitors back to nature and explore the area.

“Of course, it is right here in our backyard, 6,000 plus miles of waterways,” said Grantland. “You can pick any section of the state. There are campsites. All of that stuff is easy to do. There are now over 60 outfitters across the state. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. It is a great way to take a staycation.”