Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail voted best in the nation
USA Today announced that readers have voted the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail as the best recreational trail in the country. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is at Gulf State Park in Baldwin County. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said on Twitter Tuesday. “Congratulations to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for being voted the best recreational trail in the nation! From our rolling hills to our sandy shores, Alabama’s natural beauty holds a multitude of recreational opportunities for Alabamians and our visitors near and far.” Innovate Alabama tweeted, “We are excited to see Alabama’s very own Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail voted as the #1 recreational trail in the country by @USATODAY’s 10Best. We want the world to know about the natural beauty and recreational opportunities they can find in Alabama.” The trail was voted as the top recreational trail in the country in the 2023 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The south Alabama trail took first place over nine other trails located throughout the U.S., including Missouri’s 240-mile Katy Bike Trail – one of the longest Rails-to-Trails projects in the country – and the Great Allegheny Passage that connects Cumberland, Maryland, to downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The awards were announced on Friday. Greg Lein, Director of the Alabama State Parks, stated, “We are excited for the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to receive this award,” said Director Lein. “We’ve worked together with our partners in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to offer access to some of the most unique habitats and recreational opportunities along the Gulf Coast. Thank you to everyone who voted for the Backcountry Trail as the best recreational trail in the country.” The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was established in 2003 as a multi-use recreational trail connecting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Gulf State Park. The trail is a system of paved and unpaved paths and boardwalks providing trail users with access to several distinct ecosystems and outdoor recreational opportunities. The trail was named in honor of Hugh Branyon, who served as superintendent of Gulf State Park for more than 30 years. The Backcountry Trail system features 29 miles of trails that are located within the park. Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), stated, “This recognition from USA Today puts a spotlight on just how important recreational trails are to our communities. Trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail help connect cities and residents with the natural environment and provide recreational opportunities that are important to our well-being and economy.” Bobcats, alligators, sea turtles, ospreys, and dozens of species of birds are just some of the wildlife trail users might see along the trail. An estimated 44 million people use hiking trails each year in the U.S. each year. For more information about the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park, visit The Alabama State Parks website. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
