Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is an award-winning multi-use trail in Gulf State Park in between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama. with more than 28 miles of paved trails to explore and multiple eco-systems.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

• Trail Length: More than 28 miles of paved trails
• Trail Hours: Open 365 days a year, Daylight hours only 
• Cost: Free to use the trails

If you are looking for a fun outdoor adventure in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, you will love exploring the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.

One of the best things about the Backcountry Trail is you get to decide the type of adventure you want to have. Pick a short trail and get out and stretch your legs, bring your bikes or rent a bike from a local shop to explore the entire trail, wander a short distance and enjoy the great birdwatching..it is completely up to you!

Keep an eye out for amazing birds, bobcats, alligators including the famous Lefty the Alligator, and other wildlife.

Trailheads

• Catman Road Trailhead - 3801 Orange Beach Blvd, Orange Beach
• Cotton Bayou Trailhead - 3400 Orange Beach Blvd, Orange Beach
• Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead - 4060 Orange Beach Blvd, Orange Beach
• Rosemary Dunes Trailhead - 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach
• Sportsplex Trailhead - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach

Trails

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a network of 18 connected trails. These six connect to the trailheads above, so they are the easiest places to start.

Catman Trail: 2.8 miles, paved, medium shade. Look for gators, snakes, birds, and rabbits. It passes the screened pavilion and Butterfly Garden.

Rosemary Dunes Trail: 2.1 miles, paved, minimal shade. Look for gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and maybe Lefty the alligator. This trail has restrooms, a bicycle repair station, water fountains, a picnic pavilion, and a tortoise and eagle lookout with a slide.

Gulf Oak Ridge Trail: 1.6 miles, paved hills, full shade. Look for deer, armadillos, and rabbits. It winds through mossy oaks along the island's highest bluff, 34 feet above sea level, and has restrooms, a water fountain, and a wooden bridge.

Rattlesnake Ridge Trail: 1.6 miles, paved, minimal shade. Look for gopher tortoises and deer. The base of this trail is crushed concrete from the former Gulf State Park Lodge, which was condemned after Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Twin Bridges Trail: 0.9 miles, paved with wooden bridges, medium shade. Look for deer and bobcats. It links the Catman Road, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Cotton Bayou trails to Gulf Oak Ridge, and passes Al's Parkour Park and a stage.

Hidden Lake Trail: 0.7 miles, crushed and compacted stone, partial shade. Look for gators, birds, and snakes. It loops around a lake over three bridges and has a pavilion, benches, a swing, and a hammock park.

Gulf Shores Eco Center Bike Hub

The Gulf Coast Eco Center has a bike hub with a bike stand, pumps, and repair tools if you need them while exploring the backcountry trail.

Bike Rentals

There is no rental shop on the trail itself, but several businesses in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores rent bikes.

Amberjack E-bike Rentals in Gulf Shores has e-bikes, trikes, and free delivery, and you can reach the trails from their office. Use code GULFJOURNEY to save on rentals.

Gulf State Park also has a free bike-sharing program, with up to three hours of free rental on one of 50 complimentary bikes in the park. If you want to guarantee a bike is available, you can rent one in the park.

Coastal Segway Adventures offers guided tours of about two hours that start with a short lesson on operating the Segway.

Stops along the trail

• The Butterfly Garden and Nature Pavilion sit at the hub of the trail system where four paths meet. Butterfly-attracting plants add color from spring to fall, and you can watch from a porch swing or bring a picnic.
• The Bouldering Park is next to the pavilion and Al's Parkour Challenge is on the Twin Bridges Trail, both fun for kids.
• The Gulf State Park Nature Center is a free living museum of wildlife and plants native to the Gulf Coast.
• The Learning Campus next to the Eco Center offers free programs year round.
• Lake Shelby has a shaded picnic area, two playgrounds, and a dog park where dogs can play in the water.
• Woodside Restaurant serves parkside meals under the oaks, with yard games.

Primitive camping at the Outpost

You can camp on this trail. The Outpost has primitive campsites under tall pines that you must walk or bike to. Each site has a canvas tent on a slightly elevated rustic floor, nylon cots, a fire pit, and firewood provided by the park, with a pump sink nearby. There are only a handful of sites and they book fast. Reserve by calling 251-948-7275.

Timberline Glamping Tents are located just off the trail if you want an upscale camping experience. They have bathrooms and showers inside the tents!

Backcountry Trail Rules

• Non-motorized vehicle use 
• Golf carts and class 3 e-bikes and scooters are prohibited
• 10 mph speed limit, no "road training" allowed on the trail
• No smoking, or use of fire due to wildfire danger!
• All pets must remain on a leash
• Please dispose of litter in the provided bins
• Do not feed, handle, or harass wildlife
• No camping allowed except for in designated areas  

Why you will love the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

• Miles of paved trail through nine ecosystems, from coastal dunes to freshwater marshes
• A good chance to see deer, bobcats, alligators, osprey, and bald eagles
• Kid-friendly stops like the Butterfly Garden, Bouldering Park, and Al's Parkour Challenge
• Free to use, with no parking fees
• Easy to ride, with bike rentals, free park bikes, and e-bikes with delivery nearby
• One of the few trails where you can camp, at the Outpost

Things to know when planning a visit

Address - Eight trailhead accesses to the backcountry trail. The Catman Road Trailhead at 3801 Orange Beach Blvd is the best known.

Hours - The Trail is open during daylight hours, 365 days a year.

Accessibility - The paved multi-use trail is ADA Accessible. The Hidden Lake Trail near the Sportsplex Trailhead is unpaved.

Plus Size Seating - There are benches randomly spread throughout the trail

Dress Code/Suggestions - Weather-dependent! Be prepared for the Alabama Gulf Coast weather and how quickly it can change.

Pets - Leashed dogs are welcome on the Trail. 

Parking  - Parking is available in Gulf State Park and at multiple trailheads.

Golf Carts - Golf Carts are not allowed on the Hugh S Branyon Trail

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Amberjack E-bike Rentals - E-bikes, trikes, and free delivery, with trail access right from the office.

Gulf Coast Eco Center - Hands-on workshops, a 28-foot high ropes course, and the trailside Bike Hub.

Gulf State Park Nature Center - A free living museum filled with wildlife and plants native to the Gulf Coast.

Woodside Restaurant - A family-friendly restaurant inside Gulf State Park with outdoor dining and live music.

Wade Ward Nature Park - A free elevated boardwalk over wetlands, great for spotting alligators and birds.

Gulf State Park Pier - Fishing, wildlife viewing, and beach access on a pier stretching into the Gulf.

Gulf State Park - 6,150 acres of trails, lakes, and white sand beach.

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