TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Springtime is the perfect occasion to kickstart a healthy lifestyle by going outdoors, and the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge kicking off this month encourages all Alabamians to do just that.
“We challenge everyone to walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll 100 miles each year,” said Brian Rushing, director of economic development for The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, which manages the program. “And Alabama has no shortage of beautiful places to explore.”
The challenge officially starts April 27 with multiple events taking place across the state that all Alabamians are invited to attend.
Challenge participants can sign up online for this free program and connect to their wearable devices or mobile phone app through Strava to track miles.
Explore the State as You Work Your Way to 100
While your own backyard or neighborhood is a great place to start your 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, the state features countless spots to discover while racking up your miles, easily found on the Alabama Recreation Trails website.
Whether you are a novice looking to try more outdoor activities or an avid outdoor lover looking for a new adventure, here are just a few ways to work toward your 100 Alabama miles this year.
Jog through The University of Alabama Arboretum
Nestled just east of Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama Arboretum features three miles of trails winding through 60 acres of native woodlands. A community garden, tree canopy platform, display gardens, children’s garden and more are also featured at this space sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama.
Paddle Autauga Creek Blueway
Bring or rent a canoe to travel the scenic Autauga Creek to enjoy the best of the great outdoors and downtown Prattville. The Creekwalk at City Hall to Canoe Trail Park is about four miles long and takes two to three hours to paddle. With cool waters and a shady tree canopy, the creek is a great adventure for hot days.
Mountain Bike on Coldwater Mountain
Coldwater Mountain, located between Oxford and Anniston, offers more than 35 miles of trails for novice to expert mountain biking in a backcountry setting. Hiking and wildlife watching are also options.
Walk Along the Sunset Drive Trail
Take in views of beautiful Lake Guntersville along with the historic homes along Sunset Drive on this paved 3.6-mile trail, which is also a prime path for birding enthusiasts.
Hike the Alabama Coastal Terrain
Located less than 20 minutes from Gulf Shores, the Pine Beach Trail guides trekkers between two lakes and offers breathtaking views from an observation tower. The unpaved, sandy path is moderate to strenuous and is a four-mile round-trip hike.
Find more trails based on location or interest on the Alabama Recreation Trails website.
UACED’s partners in developing and sustaining the 100 Alabama Miles program include the Alabama Trails Commission, Alabama Trails Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Lakeshore Foundation, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, AARP, Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Obesity Task Force. These partners have designed the 100 Alabama Miles program to support public health and to enhance economic development through recreational tourism.
Founded in 1987, The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development serves as a gateway to technical assistance resources at The University of Alabama. Through the utilization of professional staff and customized project teams, UACED assists communities, agencies and organizations in taking an “asset-based” planning approach to economic development opportunities. One of UACED’s goals is to address the economic development needs of rural and urban communities throughout Alabama.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.