If you thought you heard the call of the wild, you may be right. Bring the call to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to experience a whole new state of nature’s bounty. These two sister cities offer more than white-sand beaches and clear Gulf waters. The Backcountry Trail and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge are free attractions that nature lovers should include on their list of must-do’s during their beach vacation.
Whether you rent a bike from a nearby shop or take the trails on foot, the Backcountry Trail offers 11 miles of winding paths, including six different trails and with distinct ecosystems. There’s a butterfly garden, freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps. The trails are also part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, so be sure to bring your binoculars. There’s even a handy app you can download that features interactive maps of the area.
If you want to escape to an even quieter paradise, meander through the natural trails at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 300 species of birds. While guided tours are available, you can also choose between paths ranging from one to four miles and take your own tour of these Gulf Shores nature trails.
Bring your camera and capture a glimpse of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s natural beauty along the trails and pathways of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.