Richard Martin Rail-Trail, Elkmont Trailhead - Elkmont, AL
Posted by: 
Dulcimoore
N 34° 55.752 W 086° 58.399
16S E 502436 N 3865191
This 10.2 mile trail starts at the AL/TN border town of Veto, and heads south to just outside of Athens, AL. Elkmont AL is the midway point, and the site of the old L&N Depot and a static railcar display. A Civil War battle site is one mile south.
Waymark Code: WMBGX7
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 05/21/2011
Views: 1
The trail is named after Richard Martin, who led a 25-year effort with volunteers and various community organizations to establish the continuous 10.2 mile, rails-to-trails bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian trail in Limestone County, Alabama.
"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 [railroad] 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."
Directions and facilities:
The other trailheads are located on Piney Chapel Road just north of Athens and Veto, Alabama at the Tennessee state line. Newly constructed at the Piney Chapel trailhead, is a pavilion with restrooms, parking lot for vehicles/horse trailers, and hitching posts. Also at the Veto trailhead, is the restoration of a 1800’s community church and new restroom facilities. The trail hours are daylight to sunset.
Trailhead/trail website: [Web Link]
Trail allowances or restrictions:
No motorized vehicles.
Trail type: gravel/stone
Parking: Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:
To claim a log for this waymark, some proof of a visit is required. This proof could be a simple photo of their GPS at the trailhead, a photo of the person at the trailhead, or a photo of a signature item that a person uses for photographs, at the trailhead.
In order to help other waymarkers who are looking for a nice hike/walk outdoors, you are encouraged to provide good feedback about the quality of the hike/trail.
Recent Visits/Logs:
| There are no logs for this waymark yet. |
|
|
|