Gulf State Park — Another win for the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail! (Outdoor Alabama)

The votes are in and USA Today readers have once again picked the Hugh S. Brayon Backcountry Trail in Baldwin County as The Top Recreational Trail in the U.S. Keep reading for all the details on the honor – and some other Alabama landmarks up for awards, too.

“Spoiled for choice”

Backcountry Trail Alabama'S Beaches, Gulf Shores, Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail, Orange Beach — The trail runs through all of Alabama’s beachfront: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach + Gulf State Park. (Gulf State Park)

USA Today says you are “spoiled for choice” when embarking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail—and we couldn’t agree more! It’s a combined 29 miles of trail, winding through 9 unique ecosystems and marrying the beachfront of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park + Orange Beach.

While this is technically one trail, there are 27 different landmarks along the trail—like Gopher Tortoise Trail, where you can spot Gopher Tortoises and alligators. Some stretches are paved and others are not. The trail is mixed-use; so you can hike, ride a bike or just enjoy a stroll through nature.

Planning a visit to explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail? Here’s a few other stories that can help:

More 10 Best nominations in Alabama

Owa 2 Alabama'S Beaches, Gulf Shores, Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail, Orange Beach — Tropic Falls at OWA indoor waterpark is also up for an award. (VisitOWA.com)

Gulf Shores recently ranked #4 on USA Today’s “10 Best Coastal Towns in the U.S.” list, and Railroad Park in Birmingham made #7 on the “10 Best City Parks” list.

Voting is still open for some categories, like “10 Best Indoor Waterparks” (of which Tropic Falls at OWA is nominated) and Alabama’s Beaches are up for “10 Best Summer Travel Destinations.” You can find the full list of all remaining 10 Best categories + previous winners here.

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