Baldwin County Trail Wins USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award

For the second year in a row, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Baldwin County has been chosen as the top recreational trail in the country in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reports. The trail took first place over nine others located throughout the U.S. Established in 2003 as a multi-use recreational trail connecting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, it is a system of paved and unpaved paths and boardwalks providing trail users with access to several distinct ecosystems and outdoor recreational opportunities. Named in honor of Hugh Branyon, who served as superintendent of Gulf State Park for more than 30 years, the system features 29 miles of trails and continues to be expanded. Recreational opportunities include biking, hiking, wildlife watching, playgrounds, fishing and camping.