2. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Distance: Over 28 miles of trail options
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (if you do a long trip)
Winding through the "backcountry" of Gulf State Park is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a series of eight paved multi-use trails of varying lengths that travel through nine different ecosystems. This trail provides a fantastic ride through longleaf pine forests, past shimmering freshwater lakes, coastal wetlands, and marshes. And you never know what animals you may see, as white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and even alligators can be spotted on the trail. The paths give you many options for long and short trips and are perfect for families and experienced road bikers. There are a few minor hills to contend with, but nothing severe. The trail has six restrooms and two water fountains either on the trail or just off it. A favorite mid-level trip is a three-mile loop beginning at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on the Twin Bridges Trail to the Power Connector Trail, Rosemary Dunes, Catman Road, and back to the trailhead on the Twin Bridges.