Connecting with nature seems to be a good theme for 2021. Fresh air, coastal scenery and a little exercise are good ways to shake off the winter doldrums. Traveling Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway provides not only a beautiful drive, but you’ll discover a multitude of places to get off the beaten path to enjoy a walk and maybe see some wildlife as well.
The trails of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge are an excellent choice for exploring some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. The four trails offer varying habitats within the refuge and different experiences from easy to strenuous. Pack a lunch or snack and a bottle of water and enjoy the beauty of the natural coastal environment.
- Jeff Friend Trail is a universally accessible one-mile loop that takes you through a maritime forest, wetlands and Little Lagoon. The rating is easy to moderate.
- Pine Beach Trail is the longest of the four trails in the preserve. This out–and–back trail measures four miles round trip. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the maritime forest and scrub and dune habitats. At the one-mile mark, climb the observation tower for an amazing view of Gator Lake. A secluded white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico welcomes you at the end of the trail.
- Gator Lake Trail takes you along a dune ridge for an out-and-back distance of two miles round trip. You may encounter many species of birds and plants typical of a transitional habitat between the maritime forest and frontal dunes. Gator Lake Trail ends at an intersection with Pine Beach Trail. The rating is moderate due to sandy terrain.
- Centennial Trail connects Jeff Friend Trail and Pine Beach Trail. The two-mile (one way) trail shifts from a maritime forest to dune swales, with varied species of plants and wildlife along the way. The rating is moderate with some areas possibly including wet ground.
Download the Trail System Map for additional details.