Home › Alabama › Daphne › Gator Boardwalk
Gator Boardwalk
4.2 ★★★★☆ 842 Google reviews · Running trail in Daphne, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Gator Boardwalk'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.
Park with a boardwalk featuring views of alligators, plus picnic tables, and kid-friendly hikes.
What runners say about Gator Boardwalk
1st time here! We've been staying on Dauphin Island, Alabama and hadn't seen an alligator yet so I googled places and this place popped up. We didn't seen any on the walk around, but we did see two over by the hotel (Hampton Inn) in their parking lot.
The boardwalk is an easy 5 minutes walk north of the parking lot. It is underneath the highway, and there'll be bird droppings. Walk past the highway, the boardwalk forks out left to a trail on far side of the pond (motel side), and the trail on the right (near) side of the pond continues north.
This is a really nice spot to go for a quick walk. It is part of the Eastern Shore trail that runs down to Fairhope (24 miles total I think). I have been here a handful of times and only saw an alligator once.
I've been visiting for years, usually I'm not lucky enough to spot a gator but this time I was delighted to see one. The boardwalk need a little sprucing up but otherwise it's a nice place for a walk.
Trail conditions & character
“I have visited the Gator Boardwalk in Daphne multiple times and it ended up being one of the coolest nature stops we’ve been to.”
“We didn't seen any on the walk around, but we did see two over by the hotel (Hampton Inn) in their parking lot.”
“Bikes and strollers and wheelchairs could easily traverse the walkway.”
Plan your run at Gator Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedaphneal.com
- Phone+1 251-620-2100
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 Daphne
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Old Slab
4.5 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Park on the river featuring trails, beaches, and a rope swing, plus fishing.
Bayfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 838 reviews
A waterside park & cottage with a dock, available for parties & events of up to 300 people.
Village Point Park Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 566 reviews
Home to Jackson’s Oak, this storied preserve offers beach access, nature trails & picnic areas.
Meaher State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,511 reviews
Tranquil nature area offering camping & picnicking space, a fishing pier & waterfront boardwalk.
The Wetlands Eagle Scout Tree & Birding Trail
3.3 ★★★☆☆ 6 reviews
Belrose Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews
Small beach park featuring picnic tables and a bay view, accessed via steps.