Alabama State Parks officially opened a 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail at Gulf State Park on August 28, expanding non-motorized recreational access along the state’s Gulf Coast.
Community leaders, elected officials, and park staff gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting in south Baldwin County to mark the completion of the project along Alabama Highway 180.
The $5.6 million extension brings the total length of the paved, 10-foot-wide Fort Morgan Trail to approximately 10.5 miles, extending westward from Plantation Boulevard to a new terminus near Fort Morgan Pizza, according to an article by The Outdoor Wire.
“This is a great day for south Baldwin County,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.
“Extending the Fort Morgan Trail gives residents and visitors more opportunities to walk, bike and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Projects like this create new ways for people to experience the outdoors, support tourism and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve. I’m proud to support this project and excited to see this important connection completed.”
To preserve critical coastal wetlands along the route, construction included the installation of 12 bridges.
At the new western terminus, a newly constructed bathhouse offers four private, family-style suites to enhance comfort and convenience for trail users.
The extended pathway connects directly with the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, granting visitors access to approximately 28 miles of interconnected paved trails throughout Gulf State Park and extending into Orange Beach.
“Extending the Fort Morgan Trail is a win for residents and visitors alike,” said state Sen. Chris Elliott.
“Trails like this draw tourists to our coast, support local businesses and give our families a safe, beautiful place to be outside together. It’s always good to offer more outdoor recreational facilities along our beautiful Gulf Coast.”
Funding for the development was provided through the federal RESTORE Act, which uses civil and administrative penalties paid under the Clean Water Act by companies responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to support coastal environmental and economic restoration projects.
The expansion is part of a broader capital investment strategy across Alabama State Parks, which manages 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres.
Other recent projects include the new RV Resort at Gulf State Park, an access road built at Rickwood Caverns State Park, the renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, and an upcoming 32-room bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park.
“We’re thrilled to see the Fort Morgan Trail extended because trails like this one bring people outside, connect them to nature and give everyone another reason to spend time on our gorgeous Gulf Coast,” said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps.
“We’re continuing to invest in places that give families and visitors opportunities to explore, make memories and experience what makes Alabama special.
This trail extension is another example of how we’re working to create a first-class experience for everyone who visits Alabama State Parks.”
Expanding regional trail networks and adding modern public infrastructure enhances destination appeal and encourages longer stays at nearby RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts.
By seamlessly linking public parklands with commercial corridors, investments in multi-use trails drive reliable visitor traffic and stimulate local tourism economies.
