The Duck River Reservoir Project is best known as the $100 million construction of an additional water source for the rapidly growing Cullman region; however, there is another, more aesthetic, side to the project.

While the Duck River Reservoir is still under construction, the Cullman Economic Development Agency believes there is still beauty to behold at the site.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Duck River Recreation Trail, the public can have its first glimpse at that beauty.

Three and a half miles of trail are now open to the public, as the first of many planned recreational uses of the Duck River Reservoir.

“This is just phase one of this project,” Assistant Director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency Dale Greer said.

The completed trail, which begins right off County Road 1640, will wrap around the entire length of the reservoir, which is nearly 21 miles.

“Part of the mitigation of the project was to provide some sort of recreation — fishing, hiking, biking, walking, etc.,” Greer said. “St. John’s engineering has been instrumental to the creation of this trail, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has been a helpful friend as well.”

St. Johns & Associates Inc. drafted the Duck River Reservoir Recreation Plan in March 2013 in order to be in compliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit, which requires that property near the reservoir be used for public recreation.

A $100,000 grant from the Cullman Utilities Board made the walking trail a possibility.

“The reservoir will allow industry and residential growth,” Cullman Utilities Board Chairman Wayne Fuller said. “Lake Catoma has served us well, but we’re planning for the future. Cullman is also big in recreation, and this trail is a part of that. The reservoir will be beautiful to view.”

The project has also received grants from the City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission.

While the reservoir-based discussion in economic circles may focus on industrial and residential growth, the chairman of the Cullman Parks and Recreation board had individual growth on his mind.

“The trail is going to be a great opportunity for people to get out and exercise and help their physical well-being,” chairman Rusty Turner said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for Cullman and the entire region. Study after study has shown that getting outdoors and exercising is better for you than indoor exercises.”

Turner, however, was privy to the economic benefits.

“Once it’s established, the trail will also be a great place for tournaments.”

Cullman Regional Airport manager Ben Harrison has had the chance to ride his mountain bike on the newly opened trail.

“I’ve ridden this trail 20 or 25 times,” he said. “It’s going to be a great destination trail, and it’s good for beginners.”

Harrison worked as a product manager for a cycling company before becoming the assistant manager at the airport. He believes people will travel across the Southeast to the trail now that it’s completed.

“The elevation doesn’t change a lot, and that’s great for beginners,” he said. “But experts will find that they can reach a high speed here, so it will attract them, too.”

Harrison and Turner both hit on something that ADECA employee Crystal Davis also emphasized — tourism.

“It’s going to be very beautiful,” Davis said. “Hopefully, it will bring a lot of tourism to this area. I look forward to working with the city and utilities board.”