Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locals and visitors alike have an affinity for biking. The Alabama Gulf Coast offers a great many trails to explore.
Whether riding the beach is your bag or trekking through a State Park appeals to you more, you’ll find it here. Let’s unpack 5 Best Biking Trails in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, Alabama.
#1 Alabama’s Coastal Connection
Alabama’s Coastal Connection is an easy-rated biking trail comprised of four miles of paths along white sandy beaches and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Bikers can pick up the trail at either the pier or the Rosemary Dunes Trailhead. If you choose the latter, bike rentals are available right there at the trailhead, so you won’t need your own.
#2 Fort Morgan Road Trail
If a longer, more difficult biking trail is your aim, Fort Morgan Road Trail may be just right. Fort Morgan Road Trail is a 10.8-mile-long trail, round trip.
The trail starts at AL Highway 180 by Mobile Bay near Rouses Market and Highway 59, runs 5.4 miles, and ends at Bon Secour Bay. Start your ride off right by sitting for a coffee and pastries at Café Beignets, located at the trail’s entrance.
#3 Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers riders 28 miles of trail options. Difficulty can range from, easy to moderate, depending on how much of the trail you want to take in.
There are eight multi-use trails that take riders through nine different ecosystems of longleaf pine forests, shimmering freshwater lakes, coastal wetlands, and marshes. The wildlife on these trails may offer riders a chance to glimpse white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and even alligators.
#4 Graham Creek Nature Preserve
If you want a more offroad, unpaved rise – you’ll enjoy Graham Creek Nature Preserve. It’s considered the best off-road mountain biking trail in the area. With ten miles of unpaved trails, Graham Creek offers unique challenges for riders.
Stream crossings sometimes fill after rain, making them difficult to cross but also providing an opportunity for mud-running. So, There will be some mud and water crossings depending on the weather conditions.
#5 Lake Shelby Loop
If a more relaxed, paved ride is more your style then the Lake Shelby Loop is sure to satisfy. This path loops through Gulf State Park and utilizes bike lanes along Highway 135, State Park Road 2, and Highway 182 making its way around Lake Shelby.
This trail presents riders with beautiful lake and wetland views. You’ll also want to look out for various types of wildlife that fill the area.
If you need to rent a bike while visiting – we’ve got you covered. Check out the 5 Best Places to Rent a Bike in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
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