Alabama Trails Foundation announces new bridge to enhance hiking experience at Jogloma-Scott Lake in Talladega National Forest
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This drawing depicts the 60-foot steel pedestrian bridge designed by MacNally Land Design and Stick Architecture, fabricated by Pioneer Bridges, to be installed by David Acton Building Corp.
Jogloma-Scott Lake in the Talladega National Forest
Special to the News
The Alabama Trails Foundation (ATF) has begun work at Jogloma-Scott Lake, located near the Porter’s Gap Trailhead in eastern Alabama’s Talladega National Forest.
A bridge, pier and other improvements to the location will enhance the safety and overall experience for hikers exploring this popular natural area along the Pinhoti Trail. The new bridge will provide opportunities that encourage foot traffic, while discouraging off-road vehicular traffic, long illegal in this portion of the national forest, and an ongoing challenge for effective land management.
“We are incredibly proud to begin work on this bridge at Jogloma-Scott Lake,” said Paul DeMarco, president of the Alabama Trails Foundation. “Our mission is to preserve, promote and expand Alabama’s incredible trail systems. This project directly addresses a long-standing need cited in the Pinhoti Master Plan as a priority project, making this beautiful part of the Talladega National Forest more accessible and enjoyable for hikers. Recognizing that this was an important project, the Alabama Power Foundation provided the initial funding to kick-start this project, and Innovate Alabama stepped in as an enthusiastic funder shortly thereafter.”
“We are excited to support the Alabama Trails Foundation as they make improvements to the Pinhoti Trail and to trails across the state. As we invest in projects that make Alabama an inviting home for innovation, we look to partners like ATF to further the ease of access all Alabamian’s enjoy to an outdoor-oriented lifestyle,” said T.C. McLemore, executive director of outdoor recreation programs, Innovate Alabama.
The Jogloma-Scott Lake area is a beloved destination for hikers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering a captivating landscape and a quiet escape. The new bridge is expected to further increase visitation to the area, encouraging more people to connect with Alabama’s rich natural heritage.
“This bridge is more than just a crossing; it’s an invitation,” added Cindy Ragland, ATF executive director. “It invites people to step out, explore and experience the beauty of the Talladega National Forest in a way that is both safe and inspiring. We believe this will be a valued addition for years to come.”
The Alabama Trails Foundation encourages all hikers to visit Jogloma-Scott Lake and experience the enhanced trail system firsthand once the project is completed. Completion is slated for Fall 2025 to meet the higher demand that Alabama’s fall hiking system provides.
Stay tuned for updates on when trail changes may impact the area, though these changes will be of very limited scope and duration, and there will be an alternate marked path that bypasses the construction area.
About the Pinhoti Trail: The Pinhoti Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that runs for over 335 miles through Alabama and Georgia. Portions of the trail are part of the National Recreation Trails system. The trail offers diverse landscapes, rich history and challenging terrain for hikers of all skill levels.
About the Alabama Trails Foundation: The Alabama Trails Foundation works to develop Alabama’s potential as a nationally recognized trails destination. The Foundation partners with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and local governments to catalyze significant destination trails to become premier recreation resources and economic engines for Alabama. Learn more at www.alabamatrailsfoundation.org.
