Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
City, Town, or County
Backcountry Trail
- Length
28 miles
- Elevation Gain
--
- Route Type
Loop
- Length
28 miles - Elevation Gain
-- - Route Type
Loop
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a multi-use, handicapped accessible asphalt and boardwalk trail that winds through the pristine coastal forests within the City of Orange Beach and Alabama's Gulf State Park.
Photo by Rob Grant.
Twin bridges. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Gopher Tortoise Trail. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Overlook at campground. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Campground trail. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Campground trail. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Bridge on Trail. Photo by Rhonda Taulbee.
Location: Orange Beach, AL and Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL, Trail system joins Gulf State Park to coastal forests from State Route 161 west to Hwy. 59 and south to Hwy 182.
- States: Alabama
- Counties: Baldwin
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a multi-use, handicapped accessible asphalt and boardwalk trail that winds through the pristine coastal forests within the City of Orange Beach and Alabama's Gulf State Park.
Nestled along freshwater lakes and streams less than a mile north of the Gulf of Mexico, the trail supports numerous uses, including walking, running, biking, rollerblading, nature walks, and bird watching.
The trail is named after the director of Gulf State Park, Hugh S. Branyon, in honor of his vision to improve public access to the diverse spectrum of nature in the unspoiled coastal lowland area of Alabama's Gulf Coast.
The City of Orange Beach and Alabama State Parks forged a partnership in 2003 to open the first 1.75-mile leg along the historic Catman Road. The trail has expanded to 7.5 miles of paved walkways with three trailheads, full-service restrooms, a screened, covered picnic pavilion, and a butterfly garden. A volunteer citizens' advisory committee provides input and resources for the development and preservation of the trail.
As part of the Gulf State Park enhancement project, the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail has been expanded and now features 28 miles of trails. The trail enhancements allow the curious visitor to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Alabama Gulf Coast by offering more amenities and greater access throughout the park. Guests can move comfortably throughout the park on trails that create several loops through unique habitats.
Discover the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, majestic Bald Eagle and Osprey nests, the mystical Freshwater Marshes, and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on Twin Bridges or a White-Tailed Deer on Sawgrass Trail. View an Alligator basking in the sun and be sure to bring your camera to capture the adventure! With terrain suitable for walking, running, or biking; you are sure to enjoy the stunning natural scenery only found on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
The park is now offering a bike share program where bikes can be borrowed for your adventure. Download the Bloom App and enjoy an adventure at Gulf State Park.
Accessibility Information
No text provided.
Allowed Uses:
Dogs, on leashPublic Contact
Phillip WestCity of Orange Beach
4101 Orange Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
[email protected] • www.orangebeachal.gov/departments/parks-recreation/abou
Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.
More Details
- Elevation (low): 5
- Elevation (high): 34
- Elevation (cumulative): --
- Part of a Trail System? No
- State Designations: Part of the Alabama Coastal Birding<break>Trail
- Surface (primary): Paved
- Surfaces (additional): Boardwalk
- Tread Width (average): 120"
- Tread Width (minimum): --
- Running length (minimum): --
- Tread Grade (average, percent): 2
- Tread Grade (maximum): 7
- Running length (maximum): --
- Cross-slope (average, percent): --
- Cross-slope (maximum): --
- Running length (maximum): --
- Certified as an NRT
May 25, 2009