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Get Outside.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Join Our Mission

Not just another hiking club, Our mission is state-wide.

Trail Work & Planning

Our members clear blowdowns, brush, re-blazing, and more so the public can safely use the trail. With new trails, we identify property owners, plan routes, and obtain required permissions.  The Trails we support include the Pinhoti, the Perdido River, the Coosa River, the Magnolia in Rockford, and trails in the Conecuh National Forest and on Flagg Mountain.

The ECT Connector

Our founding mission in 2001 was to connect the Florida Trail to the Pinhoti Trail via a safe route with ample support and as much footpath as possible.  Today this 200 mile path is blazed and set as part of the Eastern Continental Trial. While most of this path remains on roads, we do utilize the Coosa Trail, which is about 10 miles south of Flagg Mt, and have plans for more trail in the future to replace roads.

 

The Alabama Trail

Very early in our history, AHTS envisioned an intra-state long distance hiking trail extending from the Gulf of Mexico up the Western side of the State to Muscle Shoals, then East to Huntsville, then North terminating at the Walls of Jericho.  Since 2017, we have built the Perdido River Trail and recruited many collaborators with multiple along this route.

Flagg Mountain

in 2017, AHTS signed an Memorandum of Agreement with the Alabama Forestry Commission to help  maintain, caretake, and supprt our State's development and conservation of Flagg Mountain.  Flagg Mountain is nestled in the Weogufka State forest and is the southernmost peak of the Appalachian Mountains over 1000'.  In the summer of 2023, we transitioned the resident caretaker back to the state but continue to help with maintenance, hosting events and promoting Flagg Mountain nationwide.

AHTS Affiliates

Forever Wild
Alabama State Parks
Alabama Forestry Commission
United States Forest Service
Red Beards Outfitter
Mountain High Outfitters
Falcon Guide
Leave No Trace
Hike Inn
Next Step Hostel
Pinhoti Outdoor Center
Wild Alabama
The Conservation Fund
Alabama Outdoors

What we do.

AHTS members take on the task of maintaining current trails in our charge including clearing blowdowns, brush, re-blazing, and more, so that the public can safely use the trail. In addition, we create new trail under the guidance of our partnering government and environmental agencies to continue building the Alabama Trail, Eastern Continental Trail, and Great Eastern Trail. The ATS, ECT, and GET will be major long paths through Alabama and as such requires planning by dedicated individuals to identiry property owners, plan routes, and obtain required permissions.

What kind of hiking group would we be without hikes? Members throughout the state organize day hikes and backpacking trails throughout the year. There is always a hike in the works that will interest every hiker no matter what the age or hiking experience.

The AHTS is committed to educating the public about the benefits of hiking, especially the health benefits, and about the beauty of Alabama and how to protect its fragile environment. AHTS can provide speakers for your club or civic organization on a variety of topics from hiking and backpacking gear and tips to destinations to Leave No Trace practices and more.

Each year, AHTS holds a conference that brings together hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers to hear presentations on a variety of topics including hiking and backpacking, the environment, history, flora and fauna, and more.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself.

AHTS provides me with an opportunity to introduce others to nature and show them how to enjoy our precious natural resources, in a responsible and safe manner.

JOHN H.

Being a part of AHTS means that we are working toward goals that others will enjoy long after we are gone.

EMILY C.