Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Recognized as a Shining Star in the Year of Alabama Trails Campaign

In recognition of its status as a premier recreational destination, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was recently honored with new signage from the Alabama Trails Foundation to celebrate the trail's third year in a row as the USA Today's top recreation trail, alongside its significant contribution to Alabama's outdoor recreation landscape.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a multi-use trail system over 29 miles across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, has been named the top recreational trail in the country for three consecutive years in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The trail's success highlights the collaborative efforts of the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Gulf State Park and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

This new signage from the Alabama Trails Foundation, in partnership with the Alabama Tourism Department's Year of Alabama Trails initiative, is a visual marker of the trail's prestige. The trail offers a spectacular journey through nine distinct ecosystems, including coastal dunes, maritime forests and freshwater swamps, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, bird-watching and more.

"Trails generate positive benefits for all Alabama communities and provide a boost to our economy by connecting cities, residents and visitors with the natural world," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "Providing access to recreational opportunities is important to physical and mental health. Recognizing the role that trails play in getting people outside and moving benefits everyone."

"The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a great example of what is possible when communities invest in their natural resources and partner together to create a world-class outdoor experience," said Paul DeMarco, President of the Alabama Trails Foundation. "This new signage recognizes the trail's national acclaim and highlights how important trails are as an economic driver for our state and a valuable asset for all of our communities."

The Alabama Trails Foundation works to develop Alabama's potential as a nationally recognized trails destination by partnering with non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and local governments. Highlighting the success of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail underscores the foundation's mission to support sustainable trails that provide economic, social and health benefits to the state.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was also recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as the Attraction of the Year at the recent Governor's Tourism Awards presented at the Lodge at Gulf State Park on August, 24, 2025.

For more information about the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail's USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award, visit www.10best.usatoday.com/awards/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-gulf-shores-and-orange-beach-alabama/.

About the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a 29-mile paved and unpaved trail system that winds through Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Named for the former Gulf State Park superintendent, the trail offers a diverse landscape of nine ecosystems, with abundant opportunities for recreation and nature appreciation.

About the Alabama State Parks Division
Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. Learn more at www.alapark.com.

About the Alabama Trails Foundation
The Alabama Trails Foundation works to develop Alabama's potential as a nationally recognized trails destination. The Foundation partners with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and local governments to catalyze significant destination trails to become premier recreation resources and economic engines for Alabama.

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