Mile Markers in Motion: Tracking Progress, Creating Change
We’ve been spotting more of the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s signature blue and white mile markers lately, and each one is a sign of safer paddling across the state.
At the Rivers of Alabama Day celebration, the ASRT staff stopped by Senator Josh Carnley’s office, where a Pea River mile marker was proudly displayed, reminding us how far this program has come. Then, on April 24, we spotted another on Hatchet Creek during the Earth Week Paddle, proof that the Mile Marker Program is gaining ground across Alabama’swaterways.
As Sen. Carnley had noted previously during the Pea River celebration, “The Pea River embodies Alabama’s biodiversity, and with the completion of these mile markers, more people will have the opportunity to safely enjoy this great waterway.”
These markers, which function like road mile signs for rivers, offer helpful navigation and a lifeline in emergencies for 911 and emergency responders to locate paddlers quickly. The presence of the signs brings peace of mind to every trip downriver.
The Mile Marker project for the Pea River had some key movers in 2024 who were awarded a “Mile 58” marker for their dedication. Efforts from Tony Johnson and Amanda Johnson of Pea River Outdoors, Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Manning with the Elba Fire Department, and Michael Mullen with the Choctawahatchee Riverkeeper ensured the safety and accessibility of the waterway.
Steve Johnson (with Pea River Outdoors) shared a testimonial on Facebook, explaining how the mile markers helped to guide him on a May 7-8, 2025, trip. Commenters highlighted how the staff of Pea River Outdoors continues to play an active role in guiding paddlers.
“We put in at Hwy 10 between Clio and brundage! (MM107) The Pea gets a little trickier up that way and ‘threw everything at us but the kitchen sink!’“ Johnson wrote.
“This morning, we got up, broke camp, and come on downriver! Less than a mile later, we had one more treat from the Pea! After a few minutes of log jumping and boat dragging, we were on the move again!” Johnson added, “We took out about lunch at hwy 231! If you haven’t seen it, there’s a beautiful old historic bridge there! (MM93)! It was slow going but well worth it to see the remote hidden beauty tucked away in the first 10 miles of this trip!”
Executive Director Andrew Szymanski stated, “It’s inspiring to witness the progress of the program as it helps make our waterways safer and more accessible for everyone.”
Next time you are paddling and see one of those blue and white signs know that it represents a powerful local collaboration and a statewide push for safer outdoor recreation.
