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The Backcountry Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 135 Google reviews · Running trail in Orange Beach, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 28 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Backcountry 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.
Complex of 7 paved trails through marshes, dunes & parks, with beach access & a butterfly garden.
What runners say about The Backcountry Trail
“Well-maintained, good signage, bathroom facilities, benches with unique memorials, camping and picnic grounds.”
“Miles of beautiful scenery along paved bike trails.”
“Well-maintained, good signage, bathroom facilities, benches with unique memorials, camping and picnic grounds.”
For bikers, joggers and walkers.Miles of well-marked trails, each different. From main entrance native trees and plants are identified. Rest facilities, butterfly garden, camping, and lots of benches to stop and rest. You feel like you're in a remote country trail but the beaches are just a short hop away.
the backcountry bicycle trail is the number one attraction in Gulf Shores for my family over 20 mi of new paved trails through the State Park to Orange Beach this is an exceptional experience
This collection of trails is awesome. Mostly paved, you can ride all kinds of bikes or walk. There is a speed limit on the trail so no road training. There are bathrooms, water sources and even one bike repair stand with tools. The miles of elevated boardwalks are top notch and fun to ride on.
Great walking or cycling trails. Well maintained. Walking can be a little challenging due to bike traffic. Plenty of shade Many different trail options. Miles of different trails. Numerous parking options
Trail conditions & character
“20+ Mike's of asphalt and boardwalk bike and walking trails in the Gulf State Park.”
“Miles of beautiful scenery along paved bike trails.”
“Well-maintained, good signage, bathroom facilities, benches with unique memorials, camping and picnic grounds.”
“Limited parking but there is more than one parking location option which helps.”
“20+ Mike's of asphalt and boardwalk bike and walking trails in the Gulf State Park.”
Plan your run at The Backcountry Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance28 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteorangebeachal.gov
- Phone+1 251-981-1063
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7:45 pm |
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.
Sportsplex Trailhead
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Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Rosemary Dunes Trailhead
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Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead West
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Hiking and bike trails traverse oak and magnolia forests where alligators, armadillos, and birds can be spotted.
Graham Creek Kayak Launch
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Relaxed bayside park featuring hiking trails, kayak launches and frisbee golf.