The Lowdown on the MGM Loop

As temps edge ever warmer and days stretch a bit longer, spring is the perfect season to explore the Montgomery’s new Riverfront Loop Trail. Although, it’s not really all new. The route of the two-mile loop trail is actually just the connection of already existing stretches of urban trail that traverse the Alabama Riverfront and riverfront-adjacent areas of downtown.  We asked City of Montgomery Senior Development Manger Lois Cortell to explain why the city created the Loop and some of her favorite spots.

What was the purpose of creating the Riverfront Loop Trail?

Building confidence! It just wasn't fully clear, even to native Montgomerians, that you really CAN go down that tunnel, or up those stairs, or around that corner. We get it is completely human nature that people like to know where they are going, and there was no clear map showing the route, so at the City we're trying to rectify that.  Look for the Riverfront Loop to start appearing on maps, signs and trail apps. Looping back to where you started is meant to simplify the walk.

What’s your favorite section of the Trail?

There are so many! People get really surprised by how close to the water you can get in the newest trail segment that’s north of the Amphitheatre. At the Cypress Creek Inlet and Inlet Bridge, you can often see turtles, fish and birds including white egrets and great blue heron.

I love looking at the art, too: the metal fish, the locks of love at the elevator tower, the tiles of the Capitol building by Tara Sartorius, just to name a few. I also love EAT South's urban farm where you will find bountiful vegetables and herbs, chickens and ducks, bees and bunnies, a windmill and outdoor kitchen. It's a great place to bring children to play outside and learn about growing their own food. With accessible design features it's a wonderful place for people of all ages and abilities.

But you know, I also really love the bridge over the railroad tracks, towards the parking deck. This bridge was actually used in a scene in the movie, “Just Mercy.”  Michael B. Jordan plays the part of local hero Bryan Stevenson, and he was filmed running on the bridge, and then he stops to look back at the Alabama River. It is really quite lovely.

What would you say to encourage residents to get out and use the Trail?

Spring is one of the best times in Montgomery to get outside! The Riverfront Loop is about two miles and can be walked in less than an hour, so it's a perfect mid-day exercise or evening stroll. However, with several cool destinations along the way – the EAT South Farm, a picnic pavilion beside the River and the Harriott II, the Wright Brothers Park airplane and playground -- a visitor could easily enjoy a whole day along Montgomery's unique riverfront. You will see something different every time you take this same route. Run, walk or just saunter part of it with a friend.  Switch up the direction you go to get new views and great exercise on the stair portions. I'd love to encourage everyone to get out and appreciate the awesome assets we have her in Montgomery.  Let’s all love the town we’re in.