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Cotton Bayou Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Running trail in Orange Beach, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cotton Bayou Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cotton Bayou Trail
“It’s flat, well-maintained, and shaded enough to stay comfortable even on a sunny day.”
“Cotton Bayou Trail is an absolute gem for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful, scenic walk or bike ride in Orange Beach.”
I needed a place to stretch my legs and this fit the bill. Paved bike path that wanders through lots of vegetation. Very pretty
Cotton Bayou Trail is an absolute gem for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful, scenic walk or bike ride in Orange Beach. The trail winds through beautiful coastal forest with tall pines, oaks, and palmettos lining the way. It’s flat, well-maintained, and shaded enough to stay comfortable even on a sunny day.
Took time out for my vacation to do the nature walk early in the morning surprisingly no mosquitoes out, but it was a great day for a walk seeing a lot of egrets and other wildlife
A hidden gem, this trail connects to the vast network of bike and walking trails through the Alabama Gulf state Park, parking is limited .
Trail conditions & character
“Cotton Bayou Trail is an absolute gem for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful, scenic walk or bike ride in Orange Beach.”
“A hidden gem, this trail connects to the vast network of bike and walking trails through the Alabama Gulf state Park, parking is limited .”
“Clean, well-maintained, paved trail connecting to miles of trail system.”
“Well kept, had restrooms and water fountains every so often.”
“Well kept, had restrooms and water fountains every so often.”
Plan your run at Cotton Bayou Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Phone+1 251-981-6979
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Orange Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Backcountry Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 135 reviews
Complex of 7 paved trails through marshes, dunes & parks, with beach access & a butterfly garden.
Sportsplex Trailhead
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Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Rosemary Dunes Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 380 reviews
Start point for a walking & biking route through pines, coastal sands & wetland alligator habitats.
Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead West
4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Hiking and bike trails traverse oak and magnolia forests where alligators, armadillos, and birds can be spotted.
