Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Gulf Oak Ridge Trail

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Birdwatching
Fishing
Hiking
Road Biking
Walking
Wheelchair Accessible
Stroller Friendly
Restrooms
Primitive Tent Camping
Picnic Tables
Education Center
Drinking Water
Dogs Allowed
RV Camping
Tent Camping
Cabins
Benches

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Encounter the magnificent canopies of ancient mossy oaks atop the Islands highest bluff, 34 feet above sea level, while twisting and turning along the mystical trail of the Gulf Oak Ridge. The Gulf Oak Ridge Trail offers hikers a chance to embrace nature’s element of surprise peaking around the bend when you approach the Overlook. Be sure to pause for a moment of silence and soak in the majestic view of the picturesque valley below.

As one of the last remaining maritime forest communities along coastal Alabama, this treasure is a preserve for many of the area’s native wildlife and serves as a lifeline for millions of migratory birds, providing essential food and shelter.

Designated as a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail registry, the park is considered excellent for bird watching and is especially spectacular during the spring and fall migration.

About the Trail System

The Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail system was developed cooperatively by the City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park (Alabama State Parks Division) to provide non-consumptive recreational opportunities through one of the last remaining intact maritime forests along coastal Alabama. In addition to being a preserve for many of the area’s native wildlife, this remnant natural area serves as a lifeline for millions of migratory birds each spring and fall by providing essential food and shelter resources, thereby making the birding potential excellent on any given visit. Over 13.5 miles of paved trails provide access from six entry points to a diversity of coastal habitats representative of the maritime forest including sandy oak hammocks, Longleaf sand ridge, freshwater marsh, pine flatwoods, relict dune swales, seepage swamps and a pitcher plant bog. Interpretive signs placed along each trail identify many of the natural features of the maritime forest.


Water
Snacks/Food
Trail Map
Driving Direction/GPS
Insect Repellent
Hiking Shoes
Rain Gear
Compass
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
First Aid Kit
Emergency Contact Info
Driving Directions/GPS
Flashlight

learn more

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Gulf Oak Ridge Trail | Trail length: 2.8 miles | Latitude: 30.271672 | Longitude: -87.654779 | 251-948-7275 Nearest Cities: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach


Activities Available: Birding | Fishing | Hiking | Road Biking | Walking
Amenities Available: Benches | Cabins | Camping | Camping (RV) | Dogs Allowed | Drinking Water | Education Center | Picnic Tables | Primitive Camping | Restrooms | Stroller Friendly | Wheelchair Accessible

View a Trail Map

Visit the trail website