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.
All trails are paved with a nice restroom building, butterfly pavillion, swings, and seats for resting. Not real long but enjoyable trails. The fire damage is gone and many improvements have been made. This area has many trail options. Bicycles can get 20 miles when you ride all of the connected trails. There are at least five trailheads and 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, shorebirds, turtles, birds of prey (bald eagles and osprey), rabbits, and possum. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved asphalt, smooth, and typically at least six feet wide. The grade is gentle (all estimated under 3%) so most wheelchair and stroller users will likely be able to traverse this trail.
There are four trail heads. 1. On Park Rd 2. (Twin Bridges) It also has a pathway they are paving at this time to connect with Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores. 2. Off of 161 in Orange Beach, nice parking and maps (Catman Road). 3. At the Fire Dept in Orange Beach (Rattlesnake Ridge). 4. Off of Perdido Beach Blvd (Rosemary Dunes). 5. At the Orange Beach Sports Complex, all the way in the far corner a little hard to find (Also Twin Bridges )
December 12, 2020
December 4, 2020November 25, 2020Gulf State Park never lets me down! #Riderad
September 10, 2020Early morning 10K. Great trail and very well kept. Also enjoyed the boardwalks throughout the loops. This is an asphalt trial, so consider your running preference.
August 20, 2020Very diverse habitats. Marsh, prairie, beach, salt and fresh water.
June 19, 2020May 25, 2020What an awesome trail...worth the visit. We biked 10 miles of it but will go back again to explore some more. Has an air station (for bikes), restrooms, rest benches. Great for all skill levels and ages as well as walkers, runners, etc.
May 24, 2020I just don't like asphalt trails. Sure bikers love it.
February 9, 2020Nice easy ride. A little wind by the lake but otherwise very enjoyable.
January 5, 2020I absolutely loved this trail network. There seems to be something for everyone. Please see my video review here: https://youtu.be/h3s8MGt7Ya8
May 31, 2019Enjoyed it very much! Fun to have something different to do instead of beaching. Great trail!
May 14, 2019Always an awesome hike, but it does lack in shade so come prepared.
May 13, 2019Rode this trail saturday, saw two alligators, four eagles, one very long snake, one rabbit, and a nice coke machine. Really needed a drink since I left my water in the truck. Great Trail!!
May 9, 2019beautiful scenery
February 28, 2019beautiful and well maintained trail.
February 23, 2019Great biking trail that connects with many other trails. Saw great birds, turtles, and more. Overcast foggy day but great on the trail. No charge for parking in the State Park. Bathrooms and air station along the trail.
February 7, 2019Great biking and hiking trail. A little along the shoulder of a highway... but mostly not. Rode through an alligator habitat and past a bald eagle's nest!
January 24, 2019easy trail to walk, bike or hike. several acess points with good parking areas. well marked, lots of benches, several restrooms with drinking water.
January 18, 2019Great trail. Easy hiking
January 15, 2019Nice set of trails. Very easy walk. Great for seniors.
October 19, 2018Great for hiking and biking. Beautiful trails and scenery!
August 17, 2018This trail isn’t for me, but my 3-year-old loved it.
August 7, 2018Hiked a large part of this trail in mid-July after a rainstorm. The heat and humidity had subsided so it wasn't bad. The trails are very well maintained, options of paved asphalt, raised wooden trails, or primitive dirt trails. Little elevation change, restrooms, and water all along the way. There are some beautiful scenic spots and amazing ecosystems along the way. The reason this gets a 5 star over a four is the wildlife. Saw several snakes, frogs, turtles, and birds. Even saw a bobcat on the wooden trail. Did not see alligators or armadillos but according to campers there are plenty around the area so be cautious and aware at all times. Definite must for any outdoorsy person in the Gulf Shores area.
August 1, 2018Great place for casual ride.
August 1, 2018Did Alligator Marsh Trail to Bear Creek Trail. Short unpaved out and back Trail.
July 27, 2018Excellent trail system for walking, running or biking. Now that the boardwalks are complete you can easily walk or bike to the beach or fishing pier. Lots of wildlife viewing opportunities.
June 28, 2018Very easy trails. 4.7 miles in the heat. All paved or boardwalk
May 4, 2018Fun easy for all ages
March 27, 2018Excellent
February 3, 2018Very nice set of trails. All paved and boardwalks. My wife and I walked with our black lab and enjoyed it. It was very heavy traffic even for February so I imagine once tourist season gets in full swing there will be little solitude. Great park!
