The route was created by the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in 1852. The 30-mile stretch from Citronelle to Mobile was the first section of the railroad to be open for service.[1] The railroad was a major contributor to the growth of the town, as the railroads promoted it as a health resort because of its mineral springs and altitude.[2] Though the route underwent many transfers of ownership, it was eventually abandoned. It was then converted into a paved trail. It received grants from the Recreational Trails Program to develop the trail and to install gas lights along the trail.[3] The trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail on June 2, 2011.[4]
The trail begins in Newberry Crossing, in the center of Citronelle. It heads south from there and ends just before reaching a connection between U.S. Route 45 and Celeste Road. Along the way, the trail passes through the Citronelle Railroad Historic District. This includes a restored train depot, which was built in 1903 and currently serves as a museum.[5] Also within the district is the Hygeia Cottage, a part of the town's Hygeia Hotel. The cottage is the only remnant of the hotels built during the town's tourism boom due to its marketing as a health resort.[3]
.jpg){kind=link}
