Description
In 2010 this trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail and extends from the Battleship Causeway, across Mobile Bay and along the course of US 98 to Mullet Point south to the city of Fairhope, AL.
Before setting out from USS Alabama Memorial Park on the Battleship Parkway/US 90/98, you can tour the WWII battleship (fee), for which the park is named, as well as several aircraft. You can also stop to swim, fish, picnic or enjoy nature trails along the way. At the Gator Alley boardwalk, an underpass for I10, observe alligators, turtles and seabirds.
The trail passes through the towns of Daphne, Montrose and Fairhope and links with the Fairhope South Beach Trail. The Marriott Grand Hotel south of Fairhope offers an elegant respite 6 miles before trail's end.
The trail is mostly concrete or asphalt, but because of the wide variation in grade, you will encounter elevated boardwalks and high-rise bridges, both wood and metal.
Parking and Trail Access
Parking is available at numerous places along the 36-mile route.
USS Alabama Memorial Park: From Mobile, AL, take US 90/98 east (tunnel under the water) toward Mobile Bay and look for signs to the park. The road is also known as State 42/Old Spanish Trail/Battleship Parkway. You can also take I10 through an underwater tunnel and exit onto Old Spanish Trail/US98/Rt. 42/Battleship Parkway.
Mullet Point: From the city of Fairhope, head south on US98 Alt E/Mobile Ave (Mobile Bay on your right) to Magnolia Ave/Co. 1 (where US98 Alt breaks away to the east) to Mullet Point Park.
Probably one of the best locations to start is in Fairhope where you can go both north and south about the same distance.
Big trail changes!
By
edobbs87
in
April, 2013
Just want to let trail users know that we are taking all feedback regarding our trail seriously! We strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable trail experience for everyone. We are working full force to address the concerns listed below by updating our website ...
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Not really a trail - Ride at your own risk
By
rjkfsm
in
October, 2012
I started at the North end by Battleship Park and rode about half the trail. The park charges $2 for parking, but there is free parking right across the road in several lots by the boat ramps & bait shops. The first 6.5 miles are not a trail, those miles ...
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Do NOT start at North End
By
Robert Eddy
in
May, 2010
The website is www.thetrailblazers but you'll not find a useful map there. It's really a patchwork of sidewalks and shoulder riding. We managed to get lost within five miles of starting at Meaher State Park. ($2.00 fee) The signage is very poor and local ...
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