One of the most famous attractions in the Gulf Shores area is gaining national attention. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been named the best recreational trail in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. (Source: USA Today)

The 29-mile trail system, located within Gulf State Park, features paved and unpaved paths that provide access to diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and camping.

"We are extremely proud the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was awarded this honor for a second straight year," said Greg Lein, State Parks Director for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). "Together with our partners in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, we have worked to offer access to some of the most unique habitats and recreational opportunities along Alabama's Gulf Coast."

The trail beat out nine other trails across the United States, including the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia and the Katy Bike Trail in Missouri. Established in 2003, the Backcountry Trail system is named after Hugh Branyon, who served as superintendent of Gulf State Park for over 30 years.

"Recreational trails provide many positive benefits to our communities and our economy," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "Trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail help connect cities and residents with the natural environment and provide recreational opportunities that are important to our well-being."

ADCNR manages hundreds of miles of multi-use trails throughout Alabama, including popular mountain biking and hiking destinations at Oak Mountain State Park and the Coldwater Mountain Nature Preserve. The state is also home to other top hiking, biking, and paddling trails like the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail and the Alabama Scenic River Trail.

Top Ten list of the Best Recreational Trails category, (source): 

1. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala.)
2. Chessie Trail (Lexington, Va.)
3. Katy Trail (Missouri)
4. Great Allegheny Passage (Maryland and Pennsylvania)
5. Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System (Greenville County, S.C.)
6. Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail (Virginia)
7. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Austin, Texas)
8. Greenbrier River Trail (Frankford, W.V.)
9. B-Line Trail (Bloomington, Ind.)
10. Little Miami Scenic Trail (Ohio)