Premieres Thursday, April 23 at 8 PM

“How do you get to know a place?” From the Gulf Coast to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blaze: The Trails of Alabama journeys across the state’s diverse trail systems to answer that question.

Filmed during the official Year of Alabama Trails, the documentary showcases the rugged backcountry of the Pinhoti Trail, the scenic rail-to-trail experience of the Chief Ladiga, adrenaline-filled mountain bike networks at Coldwater Mountain, serene equestrian routes at Oak Mountain State Park, and the winding blueways that flow through some of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. Blaze: The Trails of Alabama reveals how these trails shape lives, health, tourism, conservation, and adventure.

“This is just an exciting program to watch,” says APT Program Director Mike McKenzie. “Every minute of it makes you want to get out and experience the amazing opportunities we have here in Alabama’s outdoors.”

We explore the economic impact of outdoor recreation, which contributes over $6.6 billion annually to Alabama’s economy and supports more than 65,000 jobs. We hear stories from small towns revitalized by trail tourism. From paddlers gliding through coastal back bays to hikers summiting Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point, this film celebrates a network of trails that is as varied and vibrant as the people who walk, ride, and paddle them.

In a state celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, trails are more than pathways. They are lifelines that connect communities, fuel local economies, and invite exploration.

Blaze: The Trails of Alabama is a production of Longleaf Studios at Jacksonville State University.

Streaming On Demand

Blaze: The Trails of Alabama will be available to stream on demand on April 23 at 8 p.m. via the free PBS App: available on Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, and iOS and Android devices.