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Kay Maghan • Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
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GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. 

While neither of Alabama’s two major universities brought home the national championship in basketball this spring, an Alabama recreational trail is once again the national champion of outdoor trails. Alabama’s Beaches announced today that the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has again been voted the “Best Recreational Trail” in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the third consecutive year the 28+ mile trail – spanning nine ecosystems through Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park, and Orange Beach – beat out a strong list of competitors from across the United States.

“Winning the first time was exceptional. The second time was extraordinary, but now that our own Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park has earned the title of Best Recreational Trail in the nation for the third straight year, it’s really mind-blowing,” expressed Mayor Tony Kennon with the City of Orange Beach. “There are a lot of outstanding trails throughout the country and for USA Today readers to pick us again, it’s a testament to the treasure that we have in our own backyard. Like I’ve said for the past two years, the success of the trail would not be possible without the hard work, each and every day, of Orange Beach Coastal Resources and Gulf State Park staff who help keep it clean and safe for millions of visitors each year. Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in this three-peat!”

Phillip West, Coastal Resources Director for Orange Beach, echoed the mayor’s excitement.

"It is with great pride and yet great humility that we acknowledge the recognition of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail as the USA Today's Reader's Choice Award for the nation's Best Recreational Trail for 2025,” said West. “This recognition is a living testament to both the efforts invested into this project by cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, as well as Gulf State Park, and to the commitment and investment by multiple partners and parties to create a truly special trail system that rivals any in the country.

“Our Backcountry Trail is such a unique and special resource for our region, serving residents and tourists alike,” he added. “The quality-of-life enhancements to this trail system have returned far more value than the financial commitments made to it since its inception in 2003. The Trail has also provided a valuable competitive edge for tourism, and we hope other communities will look to this project as a shining example of the potential and value of outdoor recreation projects and meaningful partnerships between multiple cities and state entities.”

For Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft, the Backcountry Trail provides a vital balance between development and nature.

“The Backcountry Trail provides the opportunity to experience the way the Gulf Coast was prior to the development of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach,” said Craft. “Gulf State Park and the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail system are an amazing buffer to the developed coast that provides a vital balance between the natural environment and our developed communities.”

“Having our trail nominated by the experts and then chosen as the top recreational trail in the United States for a third consecutive year continues to confirm our message that Alabama’s Gulf Coast is truly more than just a beach,” added Beth Gendler, President & CEO for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “It also shows the value of and interest in outdoor recreation activities for both residents and visitors to our area. This award is a testament to the vision and partnerships of our two cities, Gulf State Park, and our state conservation and natural resources team.”

By being voted #1, the Orange Beach Festival of Art topped events held in much larger destinations, including Chicago, Ill.; Detroit, Mich.; Columbus, Ohio; Greenville, S.C., and The Woodlands, Texas. To see the full Top 10 list for Best Arts Festival, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-art-festival/.

In addition to the Best Arts Festival award, Alabama’s Beaches has also placed in the Top 10 in the following categories:
•    Best Small Town Arts Scene – Orange Beach, #4
•    Best Specialty Food Festival – National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, #5
•    Best Music Festival – Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, #7

For more information on the Orange Beach Festival of Art – including dates for 2026 – visit https://www.orangebeachal.gov/338/Orange-Beach-Festival-of-Art.

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Photos and official 10Best "Best Recreational Trail" Logo:

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