Updated. April 28, 2025
A Guide to the Best Hiking and Biking Trails in Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a coastal gem that offers more than just pristine beaches. For the adventure-seeker and casual explorer alike, it’s a paradise of scenic hiking and biking trails. With a diverse array of terrains and ecosystems, Gulf Shores is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Get ready to explore the top hiking trails Gulf Shores has to offer, showcasing its natural beauty. From serene maritime forests to vibrant coastal dunes, these trails reveal the region’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re after a peaceful nature escape or an exhilarating outdoor challenge, Gulf Shores has it all. Gear up and dive into the hidden gems and breathtaking scenery of this beautiful coastal destination!
Discover the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail continues to set the standard for outdoor recreation, recently clinching the title of the nation’s best recreational trail in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.
Spanning over 29 miles, this trail system winds through Gulf State Park, connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It offers a diverse array of ecosystems, including coastal dunes, freshwater marshes, and maritime forests. The trail is well-paved and maintained, making it suitable for both cyclists and hikers. Along the way, you’ll find restrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, and interpretive signs that highlight the area’s natural history and wildlife
Getting There: The trail is located within the Gulf State Park. To reach the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, you can enter the park from several access points. One of the most popular entrances is the trailhead at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, located at 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
Parking: Yes, there is ample parking available at various trailheads like the Gulf Oak Ridge, Rosemary Dunes, and Catman Road Trailheads. Other popular parking spots are the Orange Beach Sportsplex, the Gulf State Park Pavilion, and the Gulf State Park Nature Center. These parking areas provide easy access to the trail and are well-marked for visitors.
Trail Conditions: The trail is paved and well-maintained, making it suitable for both biking and hiking. The paths are generally flat, providing an easy and enjoyable ride or walk. Along the trail, you’ll find several restrooms, picnic areas, and water fountains, ensuring a comfortable experience. Additionally, there are interpretive signs and educational exhibits that highlight the area’s natural history and wildlife. You can customize your trail experience based on your preferences- it can be an easy Sunday stroll or a challenging workout.
Eastern Shore Trail
Experience the thrill of captivating bay views and lush oak-canopied paths along theEastern Shore Trail– the perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts, joggers, and ultimate nature lovers. This trail is well-suited for both hiking and biking, though it is particularly popular among cyclists. The Eastern Shore Trail extends nearly 23 miles, showcasing the region’s diverse and panoramic views.
Getting There: To access the Eastern Shore Trail, you can start at several points along its nearly 23-mile stretch. One popular entry point is the American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, located at 700 S Mobile St, Fairhope, AL 36532. From there, you can head north or south along the trail, enjoying the scenic views and diverse path conditions.
Parking:There is ample parking available at various points along the trail. In Fairhope, you can find parking near the Fairhope Pier or in the downtown area, which also offers convenient access to the trail. Additionally, parking is available at numerous parks and recreational areas along the route.
Trail Conditions: The Eastern Shore Trail features a mix of sidewalks, asphalt paths, elevated boardwalks, low bridges, and marked crosswalks. These diverse conditions make it suitable for both biking and hiking, accommodating all levels of skill. The trail is well-maintained and provides a smooth and enjoyable experience, with plenty of opportunities to stop, shop, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings.
Fort Morgan Road Trail
Hop on and explore the Fort Morgan Road Trail, where you can immerse yourself in the coastal charm and natural beauty of Gulf Shores! This scenic 5-mile paved path starts near Gulf State Park and takes you through charming neighborhoods, with beautiful views of tree-lined streets and vintage homes. The Fort Morgan Road Trail is more commonly used for biking, but it is also suitable for hiking. After finishing the trail, take a break and revitalize your mind and body by enjoying some refreshments at the Peninsula Golf Club.
Getting There: To access the Fort Morgan Road Trail, you can start near the entrance of Gulf State Park. A convenient starting point is the intersection of Highway 59 and Fort Morgan Road (State Highway 180). This location provides easy access to the trail and nearby amenities.
Parking: There is ample parking available near the trailhead at Gulf State Park. Additionally, you can find parking at various points along Fort Morgan Road, including public lots and designated parking areas near residential neighborhoods. Parking at the Peninsula Golf Club is also available for those looking to relax and refresh after their trail adventure.
Trail Conditions: The Fort Morgan Road Trail is a well-maintained, 5-mile paved path that offers a smooth and relatively flat terrain, making it an excellent choice for cyclists, including beginners and families. While the eastern end of the trail has a few small hills, the overall terrain is gentle and accommodating. The path is surrounded by natural beauty, offering scenic views of tree-lined streets and charming vintage homes. Along the way, you’ll find rest areas and signage to guide your journey.
Hiking Trails in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning natural sanctuary located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Established to protect migratory birds and other wildlife, the refuge spans over 7,000 acres of diverse habitats, including beaches, dunes, scrub forests, wetlands, and maritime forests. It’s a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area’s pristine beauty.
Getting There: The refuge is located approximately 10 miles west of Gulf Shores on State Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road). The main entrance to the refuge is well-marked and easy to find.
Parking: There are several designated parking areas at the refuge, providing easy access to the different trailheads. The main parking lot is located near the Jeff Friend Trail, and additional parking can be found near the Pine Beach Trail and the Gator Lake Trail trailheads. Parking is free of charge.
Trail Conditions: The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge trails are more popular for hiking than biking. The trails are primarily designed for foot traffic, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and observe the rich biodiversity of the area. Biking is not allowed on the refuge trails to minimize disturbance to wildlife and preserve the natural habitat.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers several trails. The Jeff Friend Loop Trail is an easy, 1-mile wheelchair-accessible loop with gravel and boardwalk paths, providing scenic views of Little Lagoon and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The Pine Beach Trail is a moderate, 4-mile round trip on a natural surface, taking you through diverse habitats, including maritime forests and saltwater lagoons, and ending at the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gator Lake Trail, a moderate 2-mile round trip, features natural terrain with occasional muddy areas and offers views of Gator Lake with opportunities to spot alligators and wading birds.
Book Your Gulf Shores Rentals Today
Whether you prefer hiking, biking, or both, Gulf Shores offers a plethora of scenic trails to explore. From the lush paths of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the captivating bay views of the Eastern Shore Trail to the charming neighborhoods along the Fort Morgan Road Trail, you’ll find the perfect route to suit your skill level and interests. Discover the best hiking trails Gulf Shores has to offer, or pedal your way through the picturesque bike trails Gulf Shores is famous for.
Book your stay at one of our Gulf Shores vacation rentals, strap on your hiking boots or grab your bike, and hit the trails! Adventure and natural beauty await you in this coastal paradise.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hiking and Biking in the Gulf Shores
Yes! The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Fort Morgan Road Trail are both great options for beginners. These trails are mostly flat and have well-maintained paths that are easy to navigate.
Gulf Shores has several bike rental shops, including Orange Beach Bike Rentals, Gulf Shores Bike Rentals, and Gulf State Park Boats and Bikes. You can rent bikes for the day or for your entire stay.
Biking is not allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores, but there are several nearby trails that offer stunning views of the coast and beach area. As for hiking, it’s important to stay on the designated trails to protect the fragile dune ecosystem, but you can still enjoy some gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico from the trails.
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