Background

The Backcountry Trail: Nature Escape in Orange Beach

Explore Alabama's Gulf Coast on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail: a scenic escape for hiking, biking, and nature lovers in Gulf State Park.

4.8

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers a scenic escape into the natural beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast [5]. This paved trail system winds through Gulf State Park and connects the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing [5, 7].

A brief summary to The Backcountry Trail

  • Parking lot, 3801 Orange Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561, US
  • +1251-981-1063
  • Monday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7:45 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7:45 pm

Local tips

  • Bring your binoculars for birdwatching, as the trail is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail [5].
  • Visit the Butterfly Garden and Nature Pavilion at the hub of the trail system to see a variety of butterfly-attracting plants [5].
  • Keep an eye out for Lefty, the famous one-legged alligator, especially near the Rosemary Dunes Trail [3, 8, 9, 11].
  • Remember to stay on the right, whether walking or biking, to allow others to pass safely [5].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the parking lot at 3801 Orange Beach Blvd, the Backcountry Trail is directly accessible. Simply follow the paved path into the trail system. There are no additional costs for accessing the trail.

  • Public Transport

    The City of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are served by local public transportation. From any local stop, disembark at a stop near Orange Beach Blvd and proceed to 3801 Orange Beach Blvd. From there, the Backcountry Trail is directly accessible. Single fares typically cost around $1.25 - $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From anywhere in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, a taxi or ride-share can take you directly to the parking lot at 3801 Orange Beach Blvd, the main access point for the Catman Road Trailhead. A short trip from most locations in Orange Beach will likely cost between $10 and $20. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of The Backcountry Trail

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Backcountry Trail

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a multi-use trail system that provides an immersive experience in the diverse ecosystems of Alabama's Gulf Coast [5, 7]. Named after Hugh S. Branyon, a former Gulf State Park Superintendent, the trail system has been recognized as one of the top recreational trails in the United States [3, 5, 13]. The trail spans over 28 miles and consists of multiple interconnected trails, each offering unique landscapes and attractions [5, 7]. Visitors can explore nine distinct ecosystems, including longleaf sand ridges, coastal dunes, live oak maritime forests, pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and coastal hardwood swamps [5]. The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, bobcats, and various bird species [6]. Keep an eye out for Lefty, a resident alligator known for her missing front leg, often seen basking near the Rosemary Dunes Trail [3, 8, 9, 11]. Originally used by indigenous peoples, explorers, and settlers, the trail has evolved from hunting paths and logging roads into a premier recreational destination [7, 8]. The first section of the trail was established in 2003, and it has steadily expanded to connect Gulf Shores and Orange Beach [4, 5]. Today, the trail offers accessible trailheads, restrooms, water fountains, and rest areas [5].

Popular Experiences near The Backcountry Trail

Popular Hotels near The Backcountry Trail

Select Currency