A Wooden Bridge Over A Road — Boardwalk at Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. (Gulf State Park)

After spending three years at the top of the annual readers’ choice awards, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has officially been dethroned as the best recreational trail in the country.

But the coastal Alabama trail was once again recognized among the best in the U.S., coming in at No. 2 in the final rankings from USA Today.

Keep reading to learn more about the trail + see the full 10Best list.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Entrance sign at Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Gulf State Park)

The south Alabama trail was first voted No. 1 in USA Today’s annual 10Best competition back in 2023 then repeated at the top spot in 2024 + 2025.

“You’re spoiled for choice at the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex, which offers 26 trails across nine different ecosystems. You can trek through wildflowers and tall pines on the Rosemary Dunes Trail, take in the views from the overlook on the Gulf Oak Ridge trail, and enjoy the abundance of complex amenities, like the Butterfly Garden and the Pavilion.”USA Today 10Best

Wanting to take a look for yourself? Here’s what you need to know: