Bike Trails in Orange Beach, Alabama

The city of Orange Beach, Alabama and Gulf State Park developed an extensive trail system called the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The multi-use, handicapped accessible trail system provides safe biking and hiking through various natural habitats in the Gulf State Park. Named for Hugh S. Branyon in recognition of his more than 30 years of service and dedication to Gulf State Park, the system comprises over five trails and is being consistently improved with plans for future development.

  1. Catman Road Trail

    • The historic Catman Road Trail is 1.75 miles of paved trail. Starting at the Orange Beach Trail Head on Highway 161, it runs through Maritime forest and ends at the Twin Bridges and Rattlesnake Ridge junction. Local legend from the 1950s has it that a half-man and half-cat creature lurked in the area, giving the old County Road 2 a new name, Catman Road.

    Rosemary Dunes Trail

    • Watch for alligators near the Rosemary Dunes Trail

      Rosemary Dunes Trail is 1.75 miles long, intersecting the Catman Road Trail. At the intersection is a screened-in pavilion, butterfly garden, water fountain and restroom. The trail runs through marshy wetlands and ends near Highway 182, Perdido Beach Road. There is a clearly marked alligator habitat by the trail. Lefty, a local alligator celebrity, resides in the habitat. Trail rules require that one does not feed, handle or harass the wildlife.

    Twin Bridges Trail

    • Twin Bridges Trail, named for its two wooden bridges, is approximately 1 mile long. It connects the Orange Beach Sports Complex to Catman Road and Rattlesnake Ridge Trails. The Sports Complex is host to several local and national youth and adult sports activities.

    Gulf Oak Ridge Trail

    • Gulf Oak Ridge Trail features live oak and magnolia trees.

      Gulf Oak Ridge Trail is approximately 2.75 mile long. Originally a well-used trail for local wildlife and native Indians, it starts at the Orange Beach Sports Complex and finishes at the Trail Head on State Park Road 2. The trail runs through old growth maritime forest with towering live oak and magnolia trees. The Gulf of Mexico can be seen from the highest point on the trail.

    Rattlesnake Ridge Trail

    • Rattlesnake Ridge Trail is approximately 1.75 miles long, beginning at the Twin Bridges and Catman Road Trails junction and ending at the Orange Beach Municipal Complex. The trail was paved in June 2010.