Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a 12.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Orange Beach, Alabama that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
wheelchair friendly
kid friendly
birding
hiking
mountain biking
road biking
trail running
walking
beach
forest
lake
river
wild flowers
wildlife
bugs
old growth
All trails are paved with nice restroom building, butterfly pavillion, swings and seats for resting. Not real long trail but enjoyable trails. The fire damage is gone and many improvements have been made. This trail has many trails combined. Bicycles can get 20 miles when you ride all of the connected trails. There are at least 5 trail heads. Many places to stop and enjoy the scenery. But, the best thing about this trail is the wildlife. You can see deer, foxes, coyotes, many varieties of snakes, alligators, shore birds, turtles, birds of prey ( bald eagles and osprey), rabbits, and possum. The list is endless.
Potential for a 5 with a better map, but a missed turn put me on Perdido Beach Blvd with my 7 & 9 year old boys for about a mile - mile and a half. If you reach Perdido Beach from State Park Rd., go back and turn right onto the next path to access the newly developed boardwalk. There seemed to be some development underway on the trail that will deliver an optimized experience.
Great paved trail. Lots of wildlife and lots of traffic to get to the trail.
Lots of places to rest and a lot to see. You can also camp out here. Definitely will make another trip to it!
There are several paved trails connecting, I added a map in the photos for reference. It looks like they are currently working on adding a few trails as well. We started at the catman trail head but didn't start recording until we got to the powerline connection cut thru. These trails are great for everyone in the family and great for walking, biking and running.
Al S.
These are mostly paved cycling trails, nice leisurely family ride. The new boardwalks are amazing. They are doing a great job managing the park. Very enjoyable ride.
Cut through marsh areas it gives you a close look at animals, lakes, and marshy areas. Trail is all asphalt and wide enough for walkers, runners and bikes. Well marked and lots of benches for resting or viewing nature. Easy area for anyone. Make sure you grab map to determine your path.