New Multi-use Trail System Opens in Alabama’s Baldwin County

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) State Lands Division has opened a multi-use trail system at the Forever Wild Splinter Hill Bog Complex located in north Baldwin County. The Pitcher Plant Loop Multi-Use Trail System is more than four miles in length and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The trail system is directional with all traffic flowing counter-clockwise and is accessible from both the west and east parking lots of the Splinter Hill Bog Complex.

The Splinter Hill Bog Complex is comprised of pitcher plant bogs, rolling hills, and longleaf pine savannas, and is a great place for adventure seekers of all levels. Located near Rabun, Ala., the Splinter Hill Bog Complex was purchased by the Forever Wild Land Trust in September 2003 as a nature preserve and recreation area to offer outdoor opportunities to the public such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting.

In early spring, visitors can expect to see the beautiful, umbrella-shaped flowers of several pitcher plant species including the hooded, trumpet, white-topped and parrot pitcher plants. Late spring and summer usher in the emergence of more pitcher plants and the blooming of many wildflowers, including several examples from the orchid family. The fall is equally beautiful with the blooming of many species of Aster, which serve as a host for several butterfly species.

Alabama DCNR

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of Alabama's natural resources including state parks, state lands, wildlife and aquatic resources. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. The department promotes wise stewardship and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Supporting those divisions are seven support sections: Accounting, Diversity and Recruiting, Engineering, Information and Education, Information Technology, Legal, and Personnel and Payroll.