Alabama Catfish Trail unveiled by Alabama Tourism Department

The Alabama Catfish Trail celebrating the commercial and culinary catfish industry was unveiled on June 26 and highlighted the Black Belt's role.

A statement from the Alabama Tourism Department the trail features more than 50 lakes, rivers, restaurants, markets, and activities to educate the public about the catfish industry.

Among these is a number of communities and companies in the Black Belt that contribute regularly.

“Investing in Alabama’s catfish culture strengthens communities, supports family farms, and keeps a vital agricultural tradition thriving,” said Fran Pearce, owner of Pearce Catfish Farms in Dallas County. “For generations, this industry has created jobs and economic opportunity across the Black Belt, and the Catfish Trail helps tell that story while connecting more people directly to Alabama-grown products and the people behind them.”

The statement pointed out that the Black Belt provides the bulk of catfish production, namely from Hale, Dallas and Greene counties. Hale is reportedly the largest catfish-producing county.

Commemorating the trail was the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), and Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)

“Alabama’s catfish culture runs deep,” said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “From the Alabama Civil Rights Trail to the Alabama BBQ Trail, we’ve seen how trails can be powerful engines for tourism, creating tangible experiences around shared interests. Our new Catfish Trail invites visitors to experience our beautiful state through its waterways, recipes and cultural traditions.”

A page for catfish trail sites can be found here. See here for the trail's website.