Discover the Alabama Gulf Coast’s scenic trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all levels. Each trail offers a unique ecosystem to explore, from marshes to sand dunes. After a day of adventure, rest assured in the comfort and convenience of your Young’s Suncoast vacation rental. We offer a variety of rentals to cater to different preferences and group sizes, promising a personalized experience for every guest in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Our Top 5 Favorite Nature Trails on the Alabama Gulf Coast
- The Eastern Shore Trail: Discover the stunning Eastern Shore Trail, a 22-mile path connecting North Daphne to South Fairhope. This nature trail is perfect for runners, pedestrians, and casual cyclists as it offers a variety of surfaces, such as concrete sidewalks, asphalt, elevated boardwalks, and low bridges. Whether looking for a scenic workout or a leisurely stroll, the Eastern Shore Trail has something for everyone.
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama spans 7,000 acres of diverse coastal land, featuring undisturbed habitats ranging from beach dunes to pine-oak woodlands. The nature trails provide an opportunity to explore different habitats, and guided walks are available throughout the year.
- Gulf State Park: This park spans 6000 acres on the Alabama Gulf Coast and features beautiful lakes and plenty of nature trails. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a 28+ mile trail system in Gulf State Park. Named the best recreational trail in the USA in 2024 by USA Today, it leads visitors through the vast 6,150-acre park. Hammock Park, a new addition to the park, is located at Hidden Lakes Trails and provides seven hammock spaces for visitors to relax.
- Wade Ward Nature Park: The elevated boardwalk provides breathtaking views of the wetlands connecting Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. The park is also a habitat for various wildlife and is recognized as a site on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it one of the best nearby nature trails for observing both migrating and local birds.
- Wetlands Park: You can find the entrance to the nature trails at the base of the water tower situated at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. The pathway, which is looped and made of gravel, winds around a serene fishing pond that has several benches, gazebos, and a fishing pier. This makes it an ideal place to admire the wetland ecosystem in a peaceful and tranquil environment.
