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For the third year in a row, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been chosen as the top recreational trail in the country in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The 29-mile multi-use trail connects Gulf State Park with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Baldwin County. The awards were announced Wednesday, April 16.

“This year’s win is especially exciting as we celebrate the Year of �������� Trails,” said Matthew Capps, State Parks Director for the �������� (ADCNR). “We are honored that USA Today’s readers chose the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for a third straight year. The trail provides access to some of the most unique habitats and recreational opportunities in Gulf State Park and along ��������’s coast. We thank our partners in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and everyone who voted for the Backcountry Trail again this year.”

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail took first place over nine other trails located throughout the United States, including the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail in Ohio and the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage that connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland.

Established in 2003, the Backcountry Trail 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 Backcountry Trail system features 29 miles of trails that are located within the park. Plans are currently in the works to expand the Backcountry Trail system.

Recreational opportunities along the trail include biking, hiking, wildlife watching, playgrounds, fishing, camping and more.

“It’s fitting that the Backcountry Trail has been recognized as the top recreational trail in the country during ��������’s Year of Trails,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “This honor from USA Today’s readers puts a spotlight on just how important access to outdoor recreation has become nationwide. Trails generate many positive benefits for our communities and our economy by connecting cities and residents with the natural environment and providing access to recreational opportunities that are important to our well-being.”

ADCNR’s State Parks and Forever Wild tracts are home to hundreds of miles of multi-use trails located throughout the state. Trail system highlights include the mountain biking and hiking trails at Chewacla State Park in Auburn and the 18-mile hiking trail at the Forever Wild Perdido River Wildlife Management Area in Baldwin County.

ADCNR also offers a variety of horseback riding and paddling opportunities such as the horseback trails at Wind Creek State Park on the shores of Lake Martin and the State Lands canoe trail system that includes a 19-mile stretch of the Perdido River and the Bartram Canoe Trail on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta which is accessible from Meaher State Park.

Outside of the ADCNR trail system, the state is home to many of the top hiking, biking and paddling destinations in the Southeast including the 630-mile �������� Scenic River Trail, the 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail and the �������� section of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail.

“We are very excited about the many trails projects in the works throughout ��������,” Commissioner Blankenship said. “Recreational trails are one of the best ways to explore the wide variety of landscapes that our beautiful state has to offer. �������� offers trails that are suitable for all skill levels from beginners to the most experienced trail users. We encourage everyone to celebrate the Year of �������� Trails by hiking, biking or paddling one of our state’s great recreational trails.”

To view the results of the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for best recreational trail, visit .

For more information about the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park, visit or call the park at (251) 948-7275.

Visit for more information about the Year of �������� Trails.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of ��������’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at .

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