Hiking in Gulf Shores, AL

Shrouded by mystery and legends of a catman running wild along the shores and backwoods of primitive Pleasure Island, the Catman Road Trail is a fascinating hike for the imagination. On quiet days, any rustling of the trees or movement in the blanket of undergrowth, gets the heart pumping.

Rosemary Dunes is a beautiful sand swale and marshland decorated trail across from Orange Beach. The paved trail sways and descends amid plush piles of white sand and lush green water lilies and cattails.

Coyote Crossing Trail runs adjacent to the Gulf State Park offices making it a perfect starting point for newcomers to Alabama Gulf Coast. For the more adventurous, the Fort Morgan Trail connects to Coyote Crossing Trail.

Explore avian paradise and on the ACBT. Multiple trails and RR facilities offer an enjoyable retreat for birders, photographers, and guests.

The Jeff Friend Trail hiking trail is an excellent introduction to the four trail choices of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The one mile loop provides a preview of Bon Secour’s range of habitats from dense plant species to shoreline views of Little Lagoon.

Don’t let the name intimidate you, Rattlesnake Ridge Trail is a fun trail for anyone. Beginning near the Orange Beach City Hall Complex and the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, there is plenty of parking space.

Short but intense, Gator Lake Trail is packed with an assortment of distinct landscape views and a long list of diverse species native to the Alabama Gulf region.

The Centennial hiking trail provides a scenic transition and connection between the four trails within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The two mile connecting trail begins with maritime forests along a winding boardwalk descending into dune swales and ending with a wetlands habitat.

The trail includes a few challenging dips and inclines. Large trees provide shade with benches and swings. Part of the Alabama Birding Trail, it is home to many different species. Other wildlife include alligators, foxes, coyotes and deer.

The shortest of all the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails, Twin Bridges is a charming one mile hike carefully enveloped by draping oaks of spanish moss. The entrance to Twin Bridges is located in the back of the Orange Beach Sports Complex via the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail.

Unique among most hiking trails, the Pine Beach Trail includes a body of saltwater, Little Lagoon, on one side and a body of freshwater, Gator Lake, on the other.