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 )
Very diverse habitats. Marsh, prairie, beach, salt and fresh water.
Nice easy ride. A little wind by the lake but otherwise very enjoyable.
Always an awesome hike, but it does lack in shade so come prepared.
Great 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!
Hiked 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.