The Dothan Forever Wild Trails is part of the ongoing Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, creating mountain biking and hiking trails throughout the state. The Leisure Services Department was heavily involved in spearheading the efforts to make the vision of the Trails a reality. It began with 40 acres of city-owned land inside the city limits near the old Beaver Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The land would have been an ideal location for green space or a passive park, but when Wells Fargo Bank added 60 nearby acres to the 40 already owned by the city, the vision to do something even bigger began to form. Eventually, about 400 acres were secured and submitted to Alabama ’s Forever Wild program, which identifies land to be protected forever as a natural preserve.

Features of the Dothan Forever Wild Trails

Boasting nearly 400 total acres, the Dothan Forever Wild Trails are located between Flowers Chapel Road and Fortner Street. When fully completed, which is anticipated to be by October 1, 2016, the Dothan Forever Wild Trails will feature a 10 mile trail system consisting of six separate trail loops linked together by connectors/bridges, including a small looped 1-mile family trail off of Flowers Chapel Road called Beaver Tail Flats. The Trails site features 3 parking lots, one off of Flowers Chapel Road and two off of Fortner Street.

An additional feature of the Forever Wild Trails is the construction of a “pump track." The dirt track has bumps, turns and hills and is built in such a way that it can be navigated without the biker having to pedal if the biker maneuvers (or pumps) his or her bicycle correctly around the track. Many thanks to the Circle City BMX Club for their construction of the pump track for the public's enjoyment.

Which Trails are Currently Open?

At 3636 Fortner Street (across from the Crestwood Village subdivision) the following two trails are open: Zion Cemetery Ridge and Big Levee. At 384 Narcisse Drive, the Beaver Tail Flats trail is open. Please see the official map for more information.  The connectors and the second Fortner St location are not open. The trails will typically be open from 6:30 am until dark unless they are undergoing maintenance. Look for a grand opening of ALL trails on October 1, 2016!


Thank You to Our Local and State Partners 

The Dothan Forever Wild Trails would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of state and local partners. The Southeast Alabama Mountainbikers (SAM) Club has played an integral part in the planning and building process, and their continuous participation will help ensure the future success and maintenance of the Trails. 

       Our Partners Include: 

• The Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust
• Wiregrass Foundation for providing almost $1.4 million to cover the cost of bridges
• Eagle Eye Outfitters for obtaining more than $20,000 in grants from outdoor industry companies 
• The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for $100,000 in grant funds
• Michelin for providing a total of 4 Bicycle Repair and Air Stations
• The International Mountain Bikers Association, Dothan BMX Club, and SAM for the many hours of hard work provided in the planning and building process
• Thank you to all of the Fortner Street property owners who saw the vision for this project

Rules of the Dothan Forever Wild Trails

Conduct Rules for Lands Under State Lands Division Jurisdiction

On Saturday, October 1, 2016 the City of Dothan and the Southeast Alabama Mountainbikers (SAM) will host the Grand Opening Celebration for the Dothan Forever Wild Trails! Click the following link to view the official program: Forever Wild Trails Grand Opening Program