Hiking, Birding, and Beaches at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama

 

Gulf State Park offers natural gem after natural gem along the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama. The preserve's 28 miles of hiking trails welcome wanderers to a wealth of ecosystems enhancing a day or more of nature exploration. During my visit to Gulf Shores in Alabama, I benefitted from several days of adventures within Gulf State Park.

Hiking the captivated wooded paths of Gulf State Park.

Hiking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System

The trail network weaving throughout Gulf State Park introduces hikers to nine different ecosystems opening up so many grand possibilities for discovery. Known as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System, arteries of the network allow hikers to craft unique hikes every visit. Trails in general are easy, paved trails with a few natural ones spindling off. A wealth of signage helps keep track of which trail you are on. Plus, additional signage provides further insight into the environment you are experiencing.

A moss covered oak tree creates nature magic at Gulf State Park.

One trail that should be on your list is the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail. This trail sports wonderful tree cover including oaks covered with draping moss. Hiking along the tree covered trail, I identified the calls of a number of birds. I also enjoyed a peaceful repose sitting on a bench along this trail.

A boardwalk trail entices discovery at Gulf State Park.

Hiking on the boardwalk trails provide for another experience. Here, you will want to look for alligators in the wetlands. I did not see any during my visit. The Gopher Tortoise Trail is recommended for spotting alligators. Be sure to take some of the thinner, natural connector trails as well for more discovery.

**Note: Do not feed the alligators as they will lose their fear of humans.

Dazzled by Lake Shelby

At 592-acres, Lake Shelby is the largest of three lakes within Gulf State Park. Lake Shelby dazzles with stunning views. Cabins along Lake Shelby invite adventurers to a peaceful getaway. A variety of trails within Gulf State Park offer fabulous views of this picturesque lake.

Trees framing Lake Shelby under the golden hue of a setting sun.

Gulf State Park Nature Center

The Nature Center offers an in depth look into the wildlife that calls Gulf Shores its home. A number of resident animals at the center bring guests up close to local wildlife. Other specimens and research materials present further mechanisms for learning about the region's flora and fauna.

A turtle swimming by at the Nature Center.

Inside the center, I enjoyed watching the turtles swim in tanks. Additionally, baby alligators acquainted me to this intriguing yet sometimes frightening local resident.

Baby alligators swimming in the Nature Center at Gulf State Park.

Perusing through a variety of media and specimens, I learned more about the ecosystems experienced at Gulf State Park. Of particular interest is information about the sea turtles of Gulf State Park! From May through October, endangered sea turtles and hatch on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Endangered sea turtles nest on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Nature Center offers a variety of educational programs, so be sure to check out what is happening during your visit.

Birding at Gulf State Park

The range of ecosystems presented in Gulf State Park unfolds birding opportunities to birders of all levels. During my hikes and wanders, I encountered quite a number of birds including an osprey, catbirds. pelicans, killdeer, a great blue heron, wood ducks, cardinals, willets, Eastern phoebes, and more. While I did not see bald eagles during my adventure, there is an active nest within the preserve.

A great blue heron perched in the wetlands.

Pedestrian bridge connecting the beach and The Lodge to the trails at Gulf State Park.

Savoring Gulf of Mexico Views

Walking along the Gulf of Mexico within Gulf State Park dazzles with gorgeous views and incredible nature experiences. Every time I walked along the coast, I noted new wildlife and beautiful Alabama shells.

Alabama coast shells with interesting sand tails created as the tide went out.

Living in the Chicago area, seeing the variety of shorebirds thriving along the Gulf of Mexico was certainly refreshing. Brown pelicans, willets, sandpipers, terns, killdeer, willets and more delighted me during my walks along the beach.

Cloudy sunset on the coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

A willet lands in the waves at the shore of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park

I stayed at The Lodge which is a Hilton hotel within the park. In order to hit the trails, I crossed a pedestrian bridge and started my adventure. The Lodge also provides a shuttle to certain points within the park.

Other Recreation at Gulf State Park

• Fishing
• Camping
• Biking
• Kayaking
• Parasailing
• Picnicking