- Target:
- Baldwin County residents
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- thetrailahead.org
For generations, the L&N Railroad stitched our communities together. When service was discontinued in 1971, that corridor went quiet — but it never disappeared. Today, a national movement has transformed more than 26,000 miles of abandoned rail lines into beloved public trails, and Baldwin County has the opportunity to be part of that legacy.
The Trail Ahead would create a multi-use trail connecting communities, neighborhoods, and generations across our county — serving cyclists, walkers, families, and visitors alike. The trail would begin in Foley, running north through Summerdale, Robertsdale, and Loxley, with the prospect of one day extending all the way to Bay Minette.
We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and supporters of Baldwin County, Alabama, respectfully urge our elected officials, county planners, and community leaders to support the development of a rails-to-trails corridor along the historic Louisville & Nashville Railroad right-of-way — from Foley to Loxley, spanning approximately 16 miles through the heart of Baldwin County.
Why This Matters
For generations, the L&N Railroad stitched our communities together. When service was discontinued in 1971, that corridor went quiet — but it never disappeared. Today, a national movement has transformed more than 26,000 miles of abandoned rail lines into beloved public trails, and Baldwin County has the opportunity to be part of that legacy.
The Trail Ahead would create a multi-use trail connecting communities, neighborhoods, and generations across our county — serving cyclists, walkers, families, and visitors alike.
The Benefits Are Clear
A completed rail-trail would provide our community with accessible outdoor recreation for residents of all ages and abilities, economic benefits for local businesses and tourism, safer non-motorized transportation options between communities, and a meaningful way to honor and preserve our county's railroad heritage.
We Call On Our Leaders To:
1. Formally recognize and protect the historic L&N rail corridor for public trail use.
2. Allocate resources and pursue funding — including federal and state trail grants — to advance the Trail Ahead project.
Baldwin County is ready for the Trail Ahead. Our history built these rails. Let's build the trail that honors it.
This petition is supported by the 2026 Class of Leadership Baldwin County.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Build the Trail Ahead: Support the Baldwin County Rail-Trail petition to Baldwin County residents was written by Catherine Dorrough and is in the category City & Town Planning at GoPetition.