Our Mission
River Region Trails, Inc. is committed to developing a network of pedestrian greenways, parks, and outdoor resources in the River Region. The organization will coordinate the efforts of citizens, corporate partners, and local governments to plan, fund, and develop natural space for public use, which will invariably have a positive impact on community health, quality of life, economic development, transportation, and neighborhood connectivity.


About the Project
An exciting new project is now underway in the Capital City. River Region Trails is developing a network of recreational trails throughout Montgomery. These trails will join points throughout the city, making safe places to walk, jog and bike.
In phase one, a 30-mile connected loop of pedestrian trail will link downtown to east Montgomery, including many neighborhoods in between. It will follow existing and abandoned rail lines, creek beds, streets and sidewalks with surfaces chosen for the needs of the neighborhoods it touches.
At the same time, we will build a trail system, nature center and boardwalk through the beautiful 260-acre Cypress Nature Preserve near downtown. This will provide opportunities for schoolchildren and other visitors to learn about the park and its inhabitants.
Shapard Ashley – President
John Steiner – Vice President
Sandy Coaker – Treasurer
Rashim McKinney
Jud Blount
Trey Hayes
Jody McInnes
Jonathan Avant
Lora McClendon
Sam Wootten
Coleman Beale
David Hill
Don Rickard
Michael Jenkins

Benefits

Positive Impact on Property Value
Studies show that trails and greenways can typically increase residential urban and suburban property values from 2 to 5 percent.

Improved Health
Montgomerians will have safe, inexpensive and ready access to nature, with its known mental and physical benefits—including regular exercise.

Economic Development
The trails will help attract and retain businesses by providing workers with a premium city amenity.

Community Health and Wellness
Readily accessible green spaces allow Montgomerians to become more physically active outdoors.

Quality of Life
Safe, interconnected trails provide opportunities for recreation and connections with nature, while engaging the community.

Economic Spark
With a trail system that attracts so many visitors, our entire region benefits, including underserved communities.

Alternative Transportation
For the first time, Montgomery will be able to offer a wide infrastructure to enable safe walking and biking options across long distances.

Tourism and Recruitment
River Region Trails creates even more reasons for people to visit—and stay to live and work—in our communities.

Neighborhood Connection
More than simply physically connecting neighborhoods, the new trail system will encourage people to come together as proud citizens.

Environmental Education
The former Cypress Nature Park will host a dedicated nature center and boardwalk, allowing visitors to learn about our local ecosystem.
What’s New Get the Word Out on the Trails

Celebrate Trails Day – April 23
Mark your calendars for Celebrate Trails Day—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s annual springtime celebration of America’s trails—on Saturday, April 23. We’re planning to celebrate by giving tours of the future Cypress Nature Park, which will soon be home to a new educational trail system. The tours will be hosted at 10 AM and 1 PM on Saturday April
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Adapting to the Pandemic: Finding Safe Outdoor Spaces in a Changed World
River Region Trails is working to increase the awareness of trails and trail development here in Central Alabama while also supporting the work of other trail development organizations. The Rails to Trails Conservancy’s mission is to develop a nationwide network of trails and to reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk,
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River Region Trails Releases Impact Report
River Region Trails is excited to release our Economic, Health, Environmental, and Transportation impact study! Over the past year our organization has been working with ALTA Planning + Design on a Master Plan for a connected trail network in the City of Montgomery. Alta Planning + Design is an active transportation company dedicated to creating
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Pop-Up Trail Coming to Cloverdale
A pop-up trail is coming to the Old Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery on October 8th! River Region Trails was awarded AARP’s 2021 Community Challenge Grant to create a pop-up pedestrian trail in Montgomery. The AARP Community Challenge grant program is intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of residents
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Envision 2040
On July 7, the City of Montgomery adopted its first long-range strategic plan in more than 50 years. Called Envision 2040, this plan articulates a shared vision for the community to be realized through a variety of strategic recommendations. We are excited that Envision 2040 boldly calls out the development of a trail network as a distinct need
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Frequently Asked Questions
How You Can Help
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riverregiontrails@gmail.com
P.O. Box 1884
Montgomery, AL 36102
(334) 544-1352
