Posted: Thursday, April 2, 2015 9:41 am | Updated: 9:46 am, Thu Apr 2, 2015.
Historic Opelika is blooming, and local residents are encouraged to enjoy its beauty.
Opelika’s Azalea and Dogwood Trail officially opens this Monday morning. The five-mile trail, which is presented by Keep Opelika Beautiful and the Opelika Jaycees, meanders through much of historic Opelika, along with some newer neighborhoods.
The trail’s scheduled opening is always arbitrary, depending on when the azaleas and dogwoods begin to bloom.
“We don’t have a definite day when it opens. We let Mother Nature determine that,” said Tipi Miller, Keep Opelika Beautiful executive director. “A lot of other (plants) are blooming. It’s not just azaleas and dogwoods.”
The trail can be enjoyed by car, on foot or even a bicycle. This year, a biking tour organized by the city’s bicycle advisory committee will be held on Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m.
While the trail is a favorite of local residents, Miller said she receives calls about the trail from throughout the state. Church and senior citizen groups also visit the trail each year.
The trail started approximately 20 years ago, but was redesigned in 2012 to include different areas, such as Northside Intermediate School. Miller said the bridge work on Oakbowery Road does not affect the trail.
A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the trail opening takes place at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street. City and community leaders will take part in the event.
Visitors may follow the green arrows 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.
For more information, call Miller at 749-4970.
A reflection of springtime azaleas appear in a vehicle's outside mirror driving along Opelika's Azalea and Dogwood Trail in this file photo.
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