Whether you’re a biking expert or a newbie rider, exploring the scenic beauty of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails on two wheels is a must-do activity in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
If you want to experience everything the trail system has to offer (and you do), you’ll need to cover a sprawling 28 miles. On foot, that can be a challenge. But we have a solution to keep you from getting wheely tired as you explore the Backcountry Trails - do it by bike!
Like the rest of the area, the Gulf State Park has worked hard to make themselves bike-friendly. With broad, paved trails that wind through unmatched scenery and easy-to-read maps to help you explore, riding the Backcountry Trails is a dream from your comfy bike seat. And, to make the park bike-accessible to all, the park has a bike-sharing program that makes it easier than ever to explore its beauty on two wheels.
Read on for everything you need to know about getting your wheels to bike the Backcountry Trails.
Gulf State Park’s Bike Share Program: Bring Your Smartphone!
No, we don’t mean tandem riding (though that’s an option with Beach Bike Rentals, plus child carrier options and children's bikes). The Gulf State Park’s Bike Share program is a unique concept that allows visitors to borrow a bike rather than rent one or bring their own. For up to three hours, riders can use one of 50 complimentary bikes free of charge. If you’re still exploring after that, you can keep your bike for a small charge.
The best part? Anyone with a smartphone can bike share! Simply download the Bloom Bike Share App and scan a code at one of the many bike stations throughout the park. When you’re done riding, just return the bike to the station of your choice. They’re all conveniently located for easy use, allowing you to start and stop wherever you please!
Bike stations can be found at common places like the beach pavilion entrance as well as at major trailheads throughout the park (such as Eagles Loop or Gulf Oak Ridge). We recommended stopping your ride at the Woodside Restaurant bike station - you can refuel with a porch picnic or some delicious outdoor dining while you play fun backyard games!
We’ve been sharing the trails for years - now we can share the wheels, too!
Other Ways to Ride
If you’re a regular rider, feel free to BYOB (bring your own bike) to ride the trails.
If you’re looking to make a longer day of riding the trails, renting a bike for the day may be a good option. There are a few bike rental providers nearby that can hook you up with an all-day ride:
- Beach Bike Rentals is located right off the Rosemary Trailhead in Gulf Shores and offers onsite day parking or will even deliver your bike to your rental.
- Infinity Bicycles is less than .25 miles from the Orange Beach trail entrance and rents a variety of bikes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Coastal Segway Adventures is located near Lake Shelby inside the Gulf State Park and offers bicycle rentals by the day.
- The Camp store inside Gulf State Park campground offers daily bike rentals (plus cool Gulf State Park swag).
We hope this helps you bike the Backcountry trails without getting two-tired (get it?). For even more helpful vacation tips and information, download our 2021 vacation guide!
