Tunnel Springs is a small unincorporated community about 13 miles north of Monroeville, Alabama. It's also home to a paved rail trail that displays the beauty of rural southwest Alabama. The Tunnel Springs Rail Trail is a 3-mile out and bike ride on the former railbed of an Alabama Railroad Company line. In 2013, the railroad company filed to abandon 7 miles of this line between Tunnel Springs and Beatrice, and Monroe County immediately recognized the potential for a hiking and biking path there.
In 2018, residents of Tunnel Springs welcomed the opening of the first section of the trail. So far, 1.7 miles are complete - a flat, paved surface that accommodates users of all ages. The trail cuts through cool forests in the swathe that the railroad left, dense ferns crowding at the edge of the path. Rest areas with benches and bike parking are provided along the way. The trail dead-ends at a gate, beyond which is private property.
There is one trailhead, at the southern endpoint near the intersection of Nettles Road and State Route 21. The parking area has space for about a dozen cars. See the map for the exact location of the trail.
This is a fun little trail for the whole family. It’s a great way to see the leaves changing. Very quiet and peaceful. The trail is new and paved. Thank you to anyone involved in this project. It is really nice and enjoyable.
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