Officials of the recently-opened Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) announce the 631 Prize, including $1,000, which will be awarded to the first canoeist or kayaker to start on or after October 1, 2008, and complete the 631-mile trail, the longest such river trail in a single state. The ASRT begins in the Coosa River at the Georgia state line east of Cedar Bluff, Ala. and ends 631 miles downstream at historic Ft. Morgan where Mobile Bay joins the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the chance of winning the prize, paddlers will enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery from the mountains of northeastern Alabama to the tranquil waters of the Delta, the second largest river delta in the United States.

The Alabama Power Company and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have worked with the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association to create and mark portages around the power company’s six dams on the Coosa River and the Corps’ three dams on the Alabama River.

The basic rules of the competition for the 631 Prize are as follows:

• Paddlers vying for the 631 Prize may not start down the ASRT rail before 9 a.m. October 1, 2008. 
• Each paddler must register with the ASRT in advance of the trip and must comply with any requirements of property owners and legal authorities along the route. 
• To evidence having paddled the route, paddlers will be required to submit evidence of having completed the trip as stated in the 631 Prize rules.

Details regarding the rules, maps, required entry forms and trail guides for the four sections of the ASRT are available by clicking on “Paddle Alabama” at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com. 

The ASRT has been designated as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and was created with the cooperation and support of many different agencies, organizations and individuals, including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.