Gulf Shores State Park path named ‘Best Recreational Trail’ — again

Olivia Wilson
·2 min read

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — A Gulf Shores State Park trail has once again achieved the national title of “Best Recreational Trail.”

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According to a press release, Alabama Beaches’ Backcountry Trail, an over 28-mile trail spanning nine ecosystems through Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park, and Orange Beach, has beat out competitors to achieve the title of “Best Recreational Trail” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“We are excited that, for the second year in a row, USA Today’s readers have chosen the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail inside Gulf State Park as the number one recreational trail in the U.S.,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

He continued, “Alabama is blessed with a diversity of natural landscapes and recreational trails. 2025 has been designated as the ‘Year of Alabama Trails’ by the Alabama Tourism Department, and this recognition is a great way to lead into that theme. We encourage everyone to visit Alabama and enjoy our trails, especially the Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park.”

The top 10 list was determined after online voting on nominations provided by a panel of relevant experts, according to the release.

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The full top 10 list of the Best Recreational Trails category is included below:

  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)

For more information on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, visit the Gulf Shores website or the city of Orange Beach website.

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