Nestled in the Talladega National Forest, just a short drive from Talladega Superspeedway, the eight-mile crest of Rebecca Mountain has been a high conservation priority for the US Forest Service. These spectacular forests are home to deer, turkey, gopher tortoise, flattened musk turtles and the rare red-cockaded woodpecker. The 1,100 acre property was also one of the largest privately-owned tracts in the national forest and is completely surrounded by public land.
Ryan Newman and Bobby Allison, an Alabama native and NASCAR legend, have joined together to complete protection of the Rebecca Mountain ridge. Preservation of this tract will secure the land for recreational activities, including hiking and camping. It also allows the U.S. Forest Service to complete a section of the Pinhoti Trail, connecting Rebecca Mountain to the popular Appalachian Trail in Georgia.
The Talladega project will serve as a model for other projects around the country that link racing venues to nearby outdoor areas, creating new hiking and camping opportunities for race fans and others.