SPANISH FORT, Ala. — 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and the Alabama Hiking Trail Society have announced a series of free workshops designed to teach the art of hiking and backpacking and the beautiful destinations that Alabama’s footpaths can take you to.

According to AHTS vice president of publicity and author of the book “Hiking Alabama” (Falcon Books), Joe Cuhaj, there will be something for all hikers.   

“These workshops were designed to provide information for beginners who always wanted to try hiking or backpacking and didn’t know where to start or go but will still have plenty of information for veteran backpackers,” he said.   

The first workshop will be held Aug. 23 at 1p.m. and is titled, “Hiking Alabama: Amazing Destinations Just Down the Road.” Cuhaj, who is also the author of the book, “Hiking Alabama” (published by Falcon Books), will lead the presentation.

“Alabama is an amazing hiking destination,” Cuhaj said “The state is the home of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi, the last mountains in the Appalachian mountain range, cypress swamps, breathtaking wetlands and pristine white beaches.”

The workshop is from 1 to 2 p.m. and is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. Other workshops include Day Hiking Essentials (Sept. 13), Backpacking 101 (Oct. 11), Backpack Cooking (Nov. 11), Hiking with the Family (Jan. 12), and Trail Safety (Feb. 9).       

The Alabama Hiking Trail Society is the state’s hiking and trail organization. Made up of members from across the state and nation, AHTS partners with many federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations to build and maintain safe hiking trails. The organization also provides speakers and workshops on various topics to help educate the public about the environment, hiking, and the health benefits of hiking. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is located on the Causeway in Spanish Fort and is the gateway to the second largest river delta in the country, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The facility has many activities for visitors to learn about the delta and to explore its bayous first-hand, including pontoon boat excursions and canoe and kayak rentals.

For more information about any of the workshops, contact Cuhaj at 251-533-1812 or visit AHTS online at www.hikealabama.org.

For more info on the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, visit www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/ or call 251-625-0814.