We finally made it back to the bicycle paths in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama after 15 years between rides. This would be our first ride of any significance on our newest e-bikes. The last time we rode these trails was about 15 years ago, see Gulf Coast Back Country Trail, and we had a very different dog then, Ebby the Chihuahua.

Ebby rode in a basket on the front of Deborah’s bike. Edgar rides in a bucket on the back of Scott’s bike. The other difference is that we were younger and able to ride analog bikes back then. We love our e-bikes now and the experience was so different and just as enjoyable.

Collectively, the trails in this area are known as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System. There are many “trails” in this system that join together seamlessly from Gulf Shores State Park (which you can ride through at no charge) to Orange Beach, and beyond.

The area is stunningly beautiful with bridges, boardwalks, hidden ponds, wildlife, and resting spots galore! The main trails are asphalt paved and the offshoot trails (used more for hiking) are crushed stone, or sand. If you visit this park trail system, be aware that you are cycling right next to the Gulf of America, so the occasional sand pile is a possibility. Just watch where you are going and you will be fine. The trails have very little elevation change, except for the nifty boardwalk crossway that goes up and over the main highway and takes you to a parking lot where you can step right out onto the beach and enjoy the beautiful gulf waves and breeze.

Depending on when you go, you can have the trails to yourself, or be constatnly dodging tourists. We always try to visit these types of parks and trails during the work week and in off peak season. Also, if you go in March, you are likely to see pairs of Osprey sitting on their nests along the route, as well as other birds, and even an occasional alligator. Always a treat!

We spent most of this ride testing the capabilities of our newest bikes and troubleshooting a squeaking that Deborah was having every time she pedaled. It turned out to be a loose crank that squeaked every time pressure was applied to the pedal. It almost drove us crazy by the time we got back to the truck. That was eventually fixed by the Trek dealer when we got back home.

After the ride, we grabbed Scott’s favorite take-out in the area and headed back to Auburn. If you haven’t tried it, Dock’s Seafood is a “hole in the wall” landmark in Orange Beach and probably, has the most authentic gulf seafood experience you will ever have. They have franchised, so make sure to visit the original in Orange Beach, AL for the real deal.

Ride with GPS Route

Below is the embed for our actual Ride with GPS profile ride from this trip, you can click on the title for more details.