By Michael Butler

Tallassee Mayor Joey Wiginton said that the city is planning to begin work on new hiking trails along the Tallapoosa River.

The Riverwalk behind J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium has public access on Graveyard Creek. Wiginton said the nature trail there would tie into a new trail behind the current recreation center winding through Noble Subdivision. There is also a plan to develop a waterfront trail behind AES near the city-owned boat ramp downstream from Thurlow Dam.

“We’re developing with Elmore County, about five to six miles of trails from the “Big Eddy” rapids to Noble. They’ll all tie together,” Wiginton said. “With the permission of the city council, we’re going to start clearing pretty quick.’

For starters, Wiginton said one mile would be developed. A good portion of riverfront property is owned by Alabama Power Company.

“Hopefully, Alabama Power will lease it to us or sell it to us. We’ll tap in all the way to the dam. It’ll go through town. Eventually we’re showing over the bridge to City Hall.”

The City of Tallassee has applied for grant help from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state program that aids in community and economic development projects.

“That’s really going to help us. It’s a dream of mine. Hopefully, we’re going to get started on it pretty soon.’