ANNISTON, AL. — Birders, photographers, families and outdoor enthusiasts will have a new opportunity to explore Calhoun County’s natural environment when the inaugural SkyTrail Festival takes place Oct. 9-10.
Presented by Visit Calhoun County, SkyTrail is the county’s first birding festival and will feature local birdlife, habitats and outdoor recreation opportunities. The event is being held in collaboration with Alabama Audubon, Jacksonville State University and the Alabama Trails Foundation.
Calhoun County is part of the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail, a network highlighting birding destinations across the Southeast. According to festival organizers, more than 188 bird species have been documented in Calhoun County.
“SkyTrail gives us an opportunity to showcase something that has been here all along—the incredible natural resources and wildlife that make Calhoun County special,” said Cher Dulaney, tourism director for the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center. “You don’t have to be an experienced birder to enjoy this festival.”
The festival will begin Friday, Oct. 9, with a welcome event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Anniston Museums & Gardens Longleaf Center. Activities will continue Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8-11 a.m. at Choccolocco Park.
Planned activities include guided birding experiences, educational programs, nature and wildlife activities, arts and crafts and opportunities to learn more about Calhoun County’s outdoor destinations.
Organizers said the festival is intended both to introduce newcomers to birding and to highlight the county as an outdoor tourism destination. Experienced birders, first-time participants, families, photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate.
“SkyTrail is about more than checking birds off a list,” Dulaney said. “It’s about experiencing Calhoun County differently. We want people to come curious, explore our natural spaces and discover a reason to stay a little longer.”
Registration is now open through this link.
