Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  A new trail extension along the Fort Morgan Peninsula offers residents and visitors more ways to enjoy the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opened a 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail along Highway 180, also known as Fort Morgan Road. The extension connects the existing trail to Gulf State Park, Alabama's second-largest state park. Gulf State Park spans 6,150 acres and features more than two miles of sugar-white beaches.

The ribbon-cutting and ceremonial grand opening recently took place, attended by community leaders, elected officials, Alabama State Parks staff, and the public. Mary Walker, executive director of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, was also present. The extension brings the Fort Morgan Trail to approximately 10.5 miles along Fort Morgan Road.

The new section begins at Plantation Boulevard and extends westward to a new trailhead near Fort Morgan Pizza. The trail is paved, 10 feet wide, and open to pedestrians and cyclists. To protect coastal wetlands along the route, the extension includes 12 bridges that allow users to experience the ecosystem without disturbing it. A new bathhouse at the trailhead offers four private, family-style suites.

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the project as beneficial to the region. "This is another great asset for Baldwin County, our great state and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy our beautiful Gulf Coast," Blankenship said. "Extending the Fort Morgan Trail gives residents and visitors more opportunities to walk, bike and enjoy the beauty of our wonderful coastal environment."

Blankenship added that the project reflects a broader mission. "Projects like this create new ways for people to experience the outdoors, support tourism and enhance the quality of life for the communities all across the state," he said. "I'm proud to support this project and excited to see this important connection completed."

Alabama State Senator Chris Elliott also supported the extension. "Trails like this draw tourists to our coast, support local businesses and give our families a safe, beautiful place to be outside together," Senator Elliott said. "It's always good to offer more outdoor recreational facilities along our scenic Gulf Coast."

The Fort Morgan Trail connects to Gulf State Park's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, providing access to roughly 28 miles of paved trails throughout the park and into Orange Beach. Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said the extension is part of a broader effort to bring more people outdoors.

"We're thrilled to see the Fort Morgan Trail extended because trails like this one allow people to connect to nature and give everyone another reason to spend time on our gorgeous Gulf Coast," Capps said. "We're continuing to invest in places that give families and visitors opportunities to explore and experience what makes Alabama special."

Capps noted that Gulf State Park now has nearly 40 miles of trails. "When you visit Gulf State Park, you have access to all these trails that run from Orange Beach to halfway down the Fort Morgan Peninsula," he said. "We now have almost 40 miles of trails. That's a big story. It's something that strengthens the reason you choose Gulf State Park."

He also highlighted the variety of experiences available. "You never know what you're going to see when you're in the park — all sorts of wildlife, plants and flowers native to the coast," Capps said. "You travel over marshes, bogs and beaches. You get to experience a range of habitats and ecosystems when you hike or bike around Gulf State Park."

Capps noted that the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been named the top recreational trail in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for three consecutive years.

The $5.6 million project was funded through the federal RESTORE Act. That law directs civil and administrative penalties paid under the Clean Water Act by companies responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funding supports projects to restore and protect the Gulf Coast environment and economy.

Commissioner Blankenship said the trail extension is part of more than $350 million in investments in Alabama State Parks under the current administration. Recent projects include a new executive RV Resort at Gulf State Park, a new access road at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and the complete renovation and reopening of Lake Lurleen State Park. Construction of a new 32-room, bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park — Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet — is expected to be completed later this year.

Gulf State Park offers 496 modern campsites, 104 modern executive RV campsites, 35 cabins and cottages, and a 350-room hotel, The Lodge at Gulf State Park. The park also includes a Learning Campus, a nature center, and a 1,540-foot fishing pier. Dining options include Foodcraft, Perch, The Dragonfly Pool Bar and Grill, Barnacle Bill's Pool Bar, Roasted Oak Coffee & Wine Bar, and the Woodside restaurant.

Blankenship also highlighted ongoing Deepwater Horizon restoration work on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, which includes 11 projects totaling more than $88 million. The work includes preserving 99 acres at historic Pilot Town, 836 acres on Oyster Bay, and 487 acres at the Navy Cove and Three Rivers section of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The rebuilding of the Steve McMillan Fort Morgan Pier is also part of the effort.

"I would like to thank Dr. Amy Hunter and the DWH Restoration Section for all their diligent work on these projects," Blankenship said. "In total, more than 1,660 acres of coastal habitat have been protected on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. I am grateful that we all get to enjoy that for generations."