Washington D.C. – In a move aimed at expanding Alabama’s public lands and strengthening outdoor recreation, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Mike Rogers have introduced the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act. The legislation proposes to expand the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest by up to 50,000 acres across Clay, Coosa, and Talladega counties.
If passed, the bill would authorize the U.S. Forest Service to purchase land from willing sellers, with a particular focus on improving the Pinhoti Trail—Alabama’s longest hiking trail. The expansion seeks to address the current interruptions in the trail, known as “road walks,” where hikers must travel along roadways instead of dedicated forest paths.
Representative Mike Rogers expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres. The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.”
Supporters of the bill emphasize the potential safety improvements and enhanced hiking experience that could result from connecting fragmented parts of the trail. The proposed expansion would also support economic development in East Alabama by attracting more visitors to the region’s outdoor amenities.
The legislation has gained endorsements from several local entities, including the Talladega County Commission, Clay County Commission, Coosa County Commission, and the Alabama Trails Foundation. Paul DeMarco, president of the Alabama Trails Foundation, has highlighted the measure as an important step toward bolstering Alabama’s outdoor recreation economy and protecting natural resources.
As interest in outdoor recreation continues to grow nationwide, the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act represents an effort to strengthen Alabama’s appeal as a destination for hiking, camping, and conservation-based tourism. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, where its future impact on both the environment and the economy of East Alabama is being closely followed.
