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Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Rosemary Dunes Trailhead

Explore the natural beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast on this award-winning, multi-use trail system perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

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Escape to nature on the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead, part of the extensive Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach, Alabama. This scenic trail offers a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of Gulf State Park, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting along its paved paths [3, 9].

A brief summary to Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Rosemary Dunes Trailhead

  • 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561, US
  • +1251-981-1063

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, especially to try and catch a glimpse of the eagles nesting.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during the warmer months.
  • Visit the Butterfly Garden and Nature Pavilion for a tranquil break and a chance to see local butterflies.
  • Consider renting a bike to explore more of the 28+ miles of trails.
  • Check out the park map to plan your route and identify points of interest along the trail [9].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead parking area, the trail is directly accessible. Simply follow the paved path into the Rosemary Dunes Trail [4]. The trailhead is located at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. The immediate area around the trailhead is easily walkable, with access to the beach and nearby shops and restaurants.

  • Public Transport

    The Baldwin Regional Area Transportation System (BRATS) provides public transportation in Orange Beach [6]. Check the BRATS website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules to reach the general vicinity of the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead [6]. From the nearest BRATS stop, you may need to walk or use a ride-sharing service to reach the trailhead at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd. A single fare on BRATS is typically around $1.25 [6].

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Orange Beach [6, 15]. Request a ride to the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Expect a short trip from popular nearby locations like The Wharf to cost approximately $10-15, depending on demand and time of day [15].

  • Parking

    Ample parking is available directly at the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead, located at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 [3]. Parking is free. However, during peak season and weekends, the lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

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Discover more about Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Rosemary Dunes Trailhead

The Rosemary Dunes Trailhead provides access to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a multi-use trail system that winds through Gulf State Park and connects the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach [3, 10]. Named in honor of Hugh Branyon, a former Gulf State Park Superintendent, the trail system showcases the natural beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast [3, 5]. The Rosemary Dunes Trail itself is a 1.6-mile path that meanders through a relict dune scrub ecosystem [4]. Keep an eye out for the endangered Alabama beach mouse and gopher tortoise, as well as an eagle's nest high in the trees [4]. The paved trails are suitable for walking, running, and biking, and are ADA-accessible [3, 9]. The entire Backcountry Trail system consists of over 28 miles of trails, encompassing nine distinct ecosystems, including longleaf sand ridges, coastal dunes, and freshwater marshes [3, 12]. Visitors can explore the Butterfly Garden and Nature Pavilion, located at the hub of the trail system [3]. The trail also provides access to various points of interest within the park, including Lake Shelby, the Gulf State Park Pier, and the Gulf State Park Nature Center [4]. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been recognized as a top recreational trail in the USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for three years running [3, 7, 9].

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