New Baldwin County Trail Extension Pushes Toward Magnolia Springs

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31 October 2026

The Baldwin County Commission announced on Wednesday that construction was officially underway on a new segment of the Eastern Shore Trail along U.S. Highway 98, an 8-foot-wide asphalt path approximately 2 miles long. This new extension starting at Fish River is part of Baldwin County's growing trail network, which the county plans to further develop into a system connecting to Magnolia Springs and Foley.

The new trail segment is an important part of Baldwin County's trail network goals. County officials envision the trail extending about 25 miles from Spencer Park in Daphne to Foley. The nearly 2-mile section serves as a key connector between the bridge trail system in Daphne and the existing network around Fish River.

Project Timeline Updates

The project's anticipated completion has been updated this year. In February, a press release from the Baldwin County Commission targeted a summer 2026 completion date, noting that additional extensions would continue developing the trail network. However, construction crews recently reported the new trail extension is about 80% complete and on track for a November finish - moving Baldwin County closer to its goal of a coastal trail network.

The new extension links existing trails to key coastal areas. The Eastern Shore Trail currently runs from North Daphne to South Fairhope, ending at Weeks Bay. County planners aim to create a comprehensive coastal network, with this extension serving as one crucial segment. Officially described as running from I-10 to Weeks Bay, TrailLink lists the Eastern Shore portion at about 23 miles, passing through Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope, Battles Wharf, and Point Clear.

These local trails connect to broader national initiatives. The Eastern Shore Trail earned designation as a National Recreation Trail in 2010 along with 60 other trails across Alabama and Mississippi. With this latest extension, Baldwin County continues expanding its network toward the regional coastal vision. While no timeline exists yet for connecting all segments, the new sections will make trails more accessible to eastern Baldwin County communities.