Richard Martin Trail:
Alabama
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Description:
The Richard Martin Trail (a.k.a., Limestone Rail-Trail) is best accessed mid-route from a trailhead in the town of Elkmont, where you'll find parking, good signage, a historic depot (used for community activities), a refurbished railcar, a place to eat and antiques to buy. You'll likely encounter horses along the trail, which is a favorite among equestrians. If you intend to bike the route, take a mountain bike or hybrid, as the rough terrain will give you—and your tires—a workout. Also be sure to bring food and drink, as Elkmont is the only place to purchase refreshments along the trail.

From town the trail heads both north and south. The 4.5 miles to the north boasts cotton fields, historic homesteads and several bridges. Over the first mile, the trail merges with local roads before establishing its independence. The trail, a National Recreation Trail, ends at the Alabama-Tennessee border.

The 6.1 miles of trail to the south offer different terrain, views and history. As you pass through pristine wetlands, you'll soon reach a slight incline, 1 mile south of Elkmont, where a trestle once spanned Sulphur Creek, the site of Alabama's bloodiest Civil War conflict. A plaque commemorates the 1864 Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle, during which a Tennessee & Alabama Central Railroad supply train moving Union Army troops and goods from Nashville to Atlanta came under attack. More than 200 soldiers were killed during the ensuing firefight.

Until it was abandoned in 1986, the line brought in mail and supplies to area communities and brought out cotton, a mainstay of the local economy. The trail is named for local advocate Richard Martin, who continues to rally for the improvement and extension of the trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
From I-65 take Exit 361 and head west 4 miles on Sandlin Road/SR 100 toward Elkmont. The trailhead is on the left, marked by a restored depot and railcar. You can also park at one midway section along Upper Fort Hampton Road (CR 49), near the Elkmont-Mayers Post Office, and at two other locations near the south end: along (Hays Mill Road/CR 80 near where Hays Mill and Carey roads converge) and off Huber Road (CR 82).

Contact:
Limestone County Parks & Recreation
310 West Washington Street
Athens, AL 35611
256-216-3425

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Reviews: [6 trail ratings]
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Used Trail To Run...
By runs4fun66 in August, 2011
This was my first time running this trail and I wanted to get at least 7 miles in so I chose south. It was very shaded and was nice to not be so hot. Like the other person, I did encounter the pack of dogs after I crossed the road. Only one was aggressive and nipped at me. The owner finally came and got it. I would probably turn around next time where you have to cross the road.

Funny what the person said about up hill both ways. I run a lot and don't get that feeling very much. I was sure the run back would be easier because it seemed I was running uphill the whole time. Once I turned around it seem the same. LOL I will try north next.
jclark
By jimmy clark in August, 2011
Biked the entire trail from Elkmont to the starting point at Piney Chapel Road (0.0) and then backtracked on the trail to the northern terminus at Veto (10.2) with the return south on the trail to Elkmont. There are two nice restroom buildings at both ends. The trail appears to be travelled more from Piney Chapel Road (0.0) to Elkmont (about 5.5 mile point). Parking in Elkmont is to be preferred as there are local businesses that can handle most supply needs though one can park at either terminus. The trail appears to be better maintained from Elkmont south as it is from Elkmont north. There are two main attractive points on the trail: the sight of the Civil War battle at Sulphur Creek (4.0) and the covered bridge north of Elkmont (8.0). The trail surface is firmer, oddly enough, on the west side tire rut the entire way. The east side tire mark in the gravel has several wash out areas, especially north of Elkmont to the bridge (8.0). There is a church building located in the middle of the trail at the northern terminus with the 10.2 marker sign just north of the building. The building was locked so there was no looking inside. There is a blue caboose outside an rv park around 9.0 which is available for a look. There is a red caboose next to the depot in Elkmont for the same purpose. All in all, it was a pleasant ride. I would not recommend doing the 20.4 distance without some prior distance conditioning on a trail bike.
Nice bike trail
By mikevan in February, 2011
It was the first time for me and my best friend to ride the trail we went south to see the trussel and the site of the battle i have to say i had a nice time over all im sure we will ride it again we had encounters with a pack of dogs,3 horses and several piles of poo.. and its the first time i have seen a trail go up hill both ways i guess my dad wasnt lying about a road that does that....lol
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