On Saturday, April 2, one of Opelika’s most historic trails opened just in time for those beloved spring strolls.
The trail was started about 20 years ago and has recently been redesigned to include different areas such as Northside Intermediate School.
The trail is about 5 miles long and winds throughout much of historic Opelika and some of the newer neighborhoods. The trail begins one block from downtown Opelika at the intersection of 2nd and 8th Avenues. The Azalea and Dogwood Trail is presented by Keep Opelika Beautiful.
Tipi Miller, executive director of Keep Opelika Beautiful said trail is very convenient.
"We want people to stay in Opelika as long as possible so we made it easy for people who might just be having dinner or lunch in the area to drive one block over and see the trail," Miller said.
The trail’s scheduled opening always changes depending on when the flowers start to bloom.
“We never have a definite day when the trail is open,” Miller said. “The trail includes a lot of other flowers, not just azaleas and dogwoods.”
Although there have not been any known circumstances where marriage proposals have been executed on the trail, Miller says the trail would make for a great proposal location.
"We have a lot of church and senior citizen groups visit the trail every year," Miller said. “I have always been surprised to learn each year no one has thought to propose on this trail. There are some areas that would make for the prettiest pictures, and that would be really cool if someone did.”
Jenna Santi, sophomore in business, said she enjoyed driving the trail last year.
"The blooms are very pretty, but my favorite part of the trail was getting to see some of the historical neighborhoods in Opelika," Santi said. "The history combined with the spring flowers made for a really pretty drive."
Santi said she will drive through the trail again this year.
The trail can be enjoyed by bike, car or on foot. This year, a biking tour organized by the city’s bicycle advisory committee will be held on Sunday, April 10.
“We are very excited to have the bicycle tour,” Miller said. “This trail is a favorite of our local residents, and I get calls from people all over the state asking about it.”
Visitors may follow the green arrow signs or pick up an Azalea and Dogwood Trail directional card at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Signs will be in place until April 20.
The trail route goes as follows:
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