Backcountry Trail

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

October 13, 2025

Only minutes from Alabama's stunning beaches is an outstanding system of trails that seems far removed from the rest of the world. Nestled in Gulf State Park, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail allows visitors to leave the world behind and explore the 6,150 acres of the park. USA Today named this spectacular trail as the best recreational trail in the country in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Its accessible trailheads, vibrant plant and wildlife, and exceptional views make the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail so special and beloved by residents and visitors.

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Discover all the cool things along the 28 miles of paved paths along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.

Visiting the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Paved hiking and biking trails in Gulf State Park

History of Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The area in which the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail lies was once inhabited by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Their early hunting paths later became logging roads for European settlers in the 1700s, and centuries later, some of those roads, including Catman Road, were "rediscovered" and converted into the paths of the Backcountry Trail. The first trail section was completed in 2003 and named for the former Gulf State Park Superintendent Hugh S. Branyon, who had a burning passion for the outdoors and served in his position from 1970 until his retirement in 2009.

Family walking along a boardwalk trail inside Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores

The Trail Today

From that simple beginning, the trail began to grow outward with multiple expansions over the years. Through the efforts of Orange Beach Coastal Resource Manager Philip West, the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and Gulf State Park, the trail system has become a major Gulf Coast destination and now links both towns. In 2010, it was designated a National Recreational Trail, the first in a state park and the state's multi-use recreational trail. It was also added to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trails' list thanks the migratory and native birds found inside.

The "trail" itself is not a single path but a series of multi-use trails, more than 28 miles of them — that interconnect with one another. Multi-use means just that—the paths are suitable for walkers and cyclists and are fully ADA accessible. No motorized vehicles are allowed. In 2024, the trail welcomed over 770,000 visitors.

Flora & Fauna of Gulf State Park

Along the 28 miles of multi-use paved trails, you'll discover nine distinct ecosystems, including longleaf sand ridges, coastal dunes, live oak maritime forests, pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and coastal hardwood swamps. Grab a bike and meander down lanes lined with towering pines, scrub oak, palmetto, and thick, green deer moss. You'll cruise past shimmering freshwater lakes, coastal swamps, and wetlands where cattails sway in the breeze.

Waiting for their next meal (usually an unsuspecting fly), beautiful, white-topped pitcher plants with long, conical stems can be seen near the marshes. Florida rosemary bushes grace almost every trail. While not used for cooking, the plant still has that familiar rosemary fragrance. Not sure what you're seeing? The trails have been outfitted with interpretive signs to help you identify plants and wildlife.

While on the trails, be on the lookout for local wildlife, as you may spot whitetail deer, bobcats, coyotes, and even alligators. Keep your eyes peeled above for osprey, bald eagles, heron, and dozens of other bird species.

Person climbing at AL's Parkour Challenge inside Gulf State Park

Experiencing the Backcountry Trail

The Backcountry Trail has several trailheads with ample parking and direct access to the trail. Several restrooms and water fountains are located on the trail or not far from it.

One of the trail's highlights can be found at the hub of the trail system, where four paths meet. Here you'll find the Butterfly Garden and Nature Pavilion, where butterfly-attracting plants shower the trail with color from spring to fall. You can watch those butterflies and birds from a porch swing, catch an informative show about local nature and the environment, or bring a picnic lunch to laze around on the thick, green lawn.

The kids will love rock climbing at the Bouldering Park next to the Pavilion, and not far from the Butterfly Garden is Al’s Parkour Challenge on the Twin Bridges Trail. They can test their skills as they jump, climb, and balance through this fun agility course.

If you venture further down the Rosemary Dune Trail, you’ll find a great lookout spot equipped with shaded seating and a slide.

kids riding bikes along the paved trails inside Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores

Getting Around the Trail

You can walk, bike, run, or skate the trail. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty surrounding you, including coastal hardwood swamps along the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail or the waters of Little Lake on the Catman Road Trail. Biking the trail allows you to cover more ground and see more of the trail in less time. Bring your own, rent one from one of the nearby outfitters like Infinity Bicycles or Beach Bike Rentals, or take advantage of the park’s free bike-sharing program.

Remember, the paved trail works like a highway—whether walking or biking, always keep to the right. If you want to know more about the area's plants, wildlife, and history, book a guided tour with Coastal Segway Adventures. The tours last about two hours and start with a short course on Segway operation.

Gulf State Park naturalist showing kids native gulf coast animals at the Nature Center

Stops Along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

While meandering through the park, you'll encounter several noteworthy spots. Kickstart your adventure at the Eco-Center for hands-on learning opportunities and nature-focused adventures. Sitting next to the Eco-Center is the Learning Campus, an educational hub within the park that offers free programs all year long. Then, head to the Nature Center which is a free living museum filled with wildlife and plants native to the Gulf Coast.

You can relax and enjoy a bite to eat in the shaded picnic area at Lake Shelby across from The Lodge. There are two playgrounds and a dog park for our furry friends to play in the water. If you get hungry stop by Woodside Restaurant for a delicious parkside meal under the oaks and enjoy the yard games and relaxing vibes.

Couple camping at The Outpost primitive camp sites in Gulf State Park

Primitive Camping in Gulf State Park

There aren't many trails where you can camp, but you can on this one. The Backcountry trail offers a fantastic camping area under the tall pines with white sand footing and scrub oak called The Outpost.

The Outpost has primitive campsites you must walk or bike to. Each site includes a canvas tent erected on a slightly elevated rustic floor, nylon cots, fire pits, and firewood provided by the park. A nearby pump sink is available for washing up. Even though you must walk or bike in, you're close enough to the Gulf State Park Campground camp store if you need anything. Remember, there are only a handful of campsites, and they book fast. Reserve yours in plenty of time for your trip.