Blazing new trails
the healthy way to connect
people and places

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.

two women power walking together on a recreational trail

recreational trails throughout Montgomery

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.

board of directors

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

Trails

Shady Street Trailhead and Park

Shady Street Trailhead and Park is a new urban park developed by the City of Montgomery north of downtown to serve as a unique environmental experience as well as the northern trailhead of the Riverfront Greenway. Located in what is now an industrial setting, the park provides a spark of revitalization via new green space

Old Cloverdale Urban Trail

The Old Cloverdale Urban Trail is a 2 mile loop route consisting of shared use lanes marked on College Street and Cloverdale Road that are connected on the north and south by sidewalks along Fairview Avenue and Felder Avenue. Originally created by River Region Trails in 2021 as “pop-up trail”, this project will become permanent

Young Meadows Park Trail

The Young Meadows Parks Trail is a new section of trail recently completed by the City of Montgomery Department of Public Works in partnership with River Region Trails. This route consists of new sidewalk along Bell Road, bike lanes added alongside the sidewalks on Young Meadows Road, and a new section of multi-use path along

Riverfront Greenway

Once completed, The Riverfront Greenway will form a continuous multi-use trail connection from Maxwell Air Force Base to the west all the way to the Shady Street Park to the northeast, with Montgomery Whitewater, Wright Brothers Park, EAT South, Riverfront Park, and Riverwalk Stadium along the way. Major sections of this 2.5 mile greenway already

greenway along a residential neighborhood

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.

woman riding a bike on a greenway trail through a city

Economic Development

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

handlebars of a bike riding through a trail in a park

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.

man and woman walking together on a greenway trail in nature

Economic Spark

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

man riding his bike to work on a trail through a city

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.

man and woman hiking on a nature trail with walking sticks

Tourism and Recruitment

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

family running together on a trail in nature

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is River Region Trails?

River Region Trails, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to developing a network of pedestrian greenways, trails, parks and outdoor resources in Montgomery and surrounding counties.

Where will the Trails start?

There will be multiple trailheads throughout the City. Our efforts will begin with trails in the beautiful Cypress Nature Park and connecting those to existing Riverfront Greenway.

Where will the Trails go next?

Eventually, we plan to connect points many areas throughout the city, for a continuous, safe network of trails to walk, hike and bike. Our plan includes trails stretching from west Montgomery, through downtown, and all the way to Pike Road, as well as segments in south and central Montgomery. The network will reach almost every neighborhood in the City.

Will there be any amenities besides the trails themselves?

Yes. We plan to build a dedicated nature center and boardwalk that will provide opportunities for schoolchildren and other visitors to learn about the park and its inhabitants.

Who are the trails designed for?

Everyone in Montgomery is invited to enjoy the trails, especially residents who need safe ways to get out and about to enjoy nature. The trails are designed to encourage recreation and safe transportation for all citizens. Visitors from across the region will be welcome too. The planned nature center will welcome those from all walks of life and interests—photographers, bird watchers, hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.

How can I help?

Glad you asked! You can help the Trails along by donating today, volunteering your time, becoming a sponsor, signing up for news updates, and spreading the word about the project.

Blazing new trails the healthy way to connect people and places