A Alabama Trail Held Top Ranking as Nation's Finest for Three Successive Years
Southerners can't help but boast about the fantastic outdoor spots their region offers, and it's no wonder why. After all, we proudly call Great Smoky Mountains National Park the nation's most visited, and our state park systems are second to none!
Recently, Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been shining bright, bagging the USA Today's 10Best Award for the best recreational trail for a staggering third year running. This trail complex, winding through Gulf Shores to Orange Beach via the Gulf State Park, boasts an impressive 26 trails spanning nine unique ecosystems [1][2].
According to the 10Best write-up, this trail has it all: "Traverse wildflowers and tall pines on the Rosemary Dunes trail, take in the breathtaking views from the Gulf Oak Ridge trail, and delight in the wealth of amenities, such as the Butterfly Garden and the Pavilion" [1].
But Alabama's not the only southern state with incredible trails. In fact, the 21 Best Things To Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama list included other great Southern options. The Withlacoochee State Trail in Inverness, Florida, and the 7-mile Chessie Trail in Lexington, Kentucky also received recognition among the country's best [1].
The Silver Comet Trail, a well-loved 61-mile bike trail spanning three counties halfway between Atlanta and the Alabama border, came in at No. 9 on the list [1]. congrats to Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail on this impressive accomplishment! With 2025 being officially named the Year of Alabama Trails, you can bet there will be plenty of ways to celebrate and enjoy these stunning trails [1].
Oh, and did we mention the wildlife spotting? From alligators and deer to bobcats, turtles, and a diverse bird population, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in various ecosystems - coastal dunes, wetlands, pine forests, and freshwater marshes [3][5]. The trail's boardwalks and unpaved paths provide exclusive access to secluded habitats [1][2].
So, put on your hiking boots, grab your bike, and hit the trails! Southern-style adventure awaits you! [1][2][3][4][5]
- Southerners are right to be proud of their region's fantastic outdoor spots, as evidenced by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being the country's most visited.
- Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been honored with USA Today's 10Best Award for the best recreational trail for the third consecutive year.
- This trail complex, stretching through Gulf Shores to Orange Beach via the Gulf State Park, features 26 trails spanning nine distinctive ecosystems.
- The trail's Rosemary Dunes trail offers views of wildflowers and tall pines, while the Gulf Oak Ridge trail provides breathtaking views.
- Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is just one example of the exceptional trails found in the South, with the Withlacoochee State Trail in Inverness, Florida, and the Chessie Trail in Lexington, Kentucky, also receiving recognition.
- The Silver Comet Trail, a 61-mile bike trail, was ranked No. 9 on the list of the 21 Best Things To Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
- In celebration of the 2025 Year of Alabama Trails, there will be numerous ways to enjoy and celebrate these stunning trails, offering abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting and outdoor recreation.
