Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores offers 25 miles of scenic trails perfect for biking and hiking. Top trails include Gulf Oak Ridge for ancient oak forests, Rattlesnake Ridge for wildlife spotting, and Beach Mouse Bypass for boardwalk views. Explore wetlands on Alligator Marsh or enjoy lake vistas on Lakeview Overlook Trail. With Brett/Robinson, you’re just steps away from this outdoor paradise!
Gulf State Park is well worth the trip as one of Alabama's premier public spaces. With over 6,000 acres, 25 miles of trails, and several amenities, you don’t have to be a hardcore outdoor enthusiast to appreciate its beauty. Here are a few things to know before you go:
Although there are 26 total trails, we’ll highlight our top ten with their distance in miles (alphabetically) and let you discover the rest!
Traversing the trails at Gulf State Park is the perfect way to complement your Gulf Shores getaway, offering a refreshing change of pace from the beach while immersing you in the area’s fantastic natural beauty. Whether wandering through ancient oak forests or catching glimpses of wildlife along the wetlands, these trails provide endless opportunities to connect with nature. As the fall temps settle in, there's no better time to lace up your shoes, grab a
With 6,000+ acres and roughly 25 miles of scenic trails, Gulf State Park blends ancient oaks, dunes, marshes, lakes, and boardwalks—perfect for casual strolls, family bike rides, and nature photography just minutes from the beach.
Gulf Oak Ridge (3.0 mi) for ancient oak forests; Rattlesnake Ridge (1.6 mi) for wildlife spotting; Beach Mouse Bypass (1.1 mi) for elevated boardwalk views; Alligator Marsh (0.4 mi) for wetlands; Lakeview Overlook (2.2 mi) for Lake Shelby vistas. Also consider: Catman (2.7 mi), Cotton Bayou (1.1 mi), Canal (1.0 mi), Armadillo (0.7 mi), and Coyote Crossing (2.1 mi) for easy park access from town.
No motorized vehicles; no fires or smoking; keep right and pass on the left; bikes under 10 mph; trails are open during daylight hours only; no fishing from trail bridges; and always respect wildlife and signage.
Yes—if you give animals space. You may see alligators, snakes, gopher tortoises, armadillos, and shorebirds. Observe from a distance, stay on trails, keep pets leashed, and never feed wildlife.
Mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temps, softer light, and active wildlife. Fall and spring are especially pleasant, but the paved paths make year-round exploration possible (daylight hours only).
Popular access points include areas near Lake Shelby, the Beach Pavilion (for Beach Mouse Bypass), and connections from town like Coyote Crossing. Look for wayfinding signs and posted maps at major trailheads and pavilions.
Water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. For bikes: helmets, lights if you’ll be near dusk (trails close at dark), and a repair kit. Binoculars and a camera are great for birding and lake overlooks.
Brett/Robinson condos and vacation rentals put you just steps or minutes from the park’s entrances—ideal for sunrise rides, mid-day lake views, and sunset boardwalk strolls.