Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Gulf State Park is home to an award-winning network of trails, including the nationally recognized Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which has been named Alabama’s Attraction of the Year. Building on this success, Alabama State Parks has officially opened a 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail.

The new section extends westward from Plantation Boulevard to a terminus near Fort Morgan Pizza along Alabama Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road), bringing the total length of the Fort Morgan Trail to approximately 10.5 miles. Community leaders, elected officials, and Alabama State Parks staff gathered on Friday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of this new paved, 10-foot-wide route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the project's impact, noting, "This is a great day for South Baldwin County. 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."

The extension includes 12 bridges designed to help preserve critical coastal wetlands along the route. At the new western terminus, trail users will find a bathhouse featuring four private, family-style suites designed for comfort and convenience. The Fort Morgan Trail now connects to the broader Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, providing visitors access to a larger network of approximately 28 miles of paved trails throughout Gulf State Park and extending into Orange Beach.

State Sen. Chris Elliott also highlighted the value of the investment. "Extending the Fort Morgan Trail is a win for residents and visitors alike. Trails like this draw tourists to our coast, support local businesses and give our families a safe, beautiful place to be outside together."

The $5.6 million project was funded through the federal RESTORE Act, which uses civil and administrative penalties assessed under the Clean Water Act against companies responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to restore and protect the Gulf Coast region's environment and economy.

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps noted that the extension reflects ongoing investments across the state. "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. We're continuing to invest in places that give families and visitors opportunities to explore, make memories and experience what makes Alabama special."

Recent projects by Alabama State Parks include a new RV Resort at Gulf State Park, a new access road at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and a total renovation and reopening of Lake Lurleen State Park. A new 32-room bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park is scheduled to open later this year.

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The Alabama State Parks Division manages 21 state parks covering more than 50,000 acres across the state. More information is available at alapark.com.