The 7 Beautiful Coastal Hikes In Alabama Are Short And Sweet

Alabama is filled with such a variety of hiking trails, including some pretty amazing ones on the Gulf Coast. Listed below are seven of Alabama's best coastal trails. Because each of these trails has an easy rating, everyone should be able to hike them.

1. Pine Beach Trail - Gulf Shores

Alabama's Pine Beach Trail, which is located within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, is approximately 3.5 miles out and back. It offers lots of beautiful scenery and is a popular trail to hike year-round. Click here to view trail map.

2. Weeks Bay Reserve Trail - Foley

Weeks Bay Reserve Trail is located near Foley, Alabama. This 0.7-mile out-and-back trail features beautiful wildflowers and is a popular hiking spot year-round, especially during spring. Click here to view trail map.

3. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Orange Beach

Even though Alabama's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a bit lengthy with a distance of 12.2 miles, it's still worth the hike. Most people know this loop trail for its biking opportunities. However, it still attracts numerous hikers throughout the year. Keep in mind, you don't have to hike this entire trail to experience its natural scenic beauty. Whenever you get tired, it's easy to turn around and head back. Benches are also located along the trail. Click here to view trail map.

4. Gator Lake Trail - Gulf Shores

Alabama's Gator Lake Trail is located within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and is accessible year-round. This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail's primary feature is of course a lake. Click here to view trail map.

5. Village Point Park Trail - Daphne

Village Point Park Trail, which is located within Alabama's Village Point Park Preserve, is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that features beautiful wildflowers and offers a variety of activities year-round. Click here to view trail map.

6. Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary Trail - Dauphin Island

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary Trail features a lake and is a popular spot for birdwatching. In fact, this 1.9-mile loop trail attracts hikers from all across the nation for its incredible birdwatching opportunities. Click here to view trail map.

7. Jeff Friend Loop Trail - Gulf Shores

Alabama's Jeff Friend Loop Trail is a 0.9-mile trail that's located within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Its primary feature is a lake, and in addition to hiking, it's also a popular trail for nature trips and birdwatching. Click here to view trail map.

Have you ever hiked any of these seven coastal trails in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

For more information about Village Point Park Preserve, the home of Village Point Park Trail, be sure to take a look at the following article: Village Point Park Preserve Is One Of Alabama’s Best-Kept Secrets.