Blog Layout

Celebrating National Trails Day and World Bicycle Day on the Backcountry Trail

R. Ken Cooper • June 3, 2024

Celebrate National Trails Day on the Best Recreational Trail in the United States

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is the perfect destination to celebrate National Trails Day (on Saturday) and World Bicycle Day (today).  The Backcountry Trail offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. The trail has been recognized as the best recreational trail in the United States for two consecutive years by USA Today readers, a testament to its unique features and popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.


With over 28 miles of trails winding through nine distinct ecosystems, the Backcountry Trail provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and nature education. The trail's paved paths and boardwalks are suitable for cyclists of all abilities, from families with young children to experienced riders seeking a more challenging route. 


The park's bike share program, accessible through the Bloom App, makes it easy for visitors to "rent" bikes and explore the trail system without bringing their own bicycles.


Whether celebrating National Trails Day with a hike through the Longleaf pine forests and coastal dunes or enjoying a World Bicycle Day ride along the gentle terrain of the paved paths, visitors to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail are sure to find an outdoor experience that suits their interests and abilities. 


The trail's combination of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and accessible amenities make it a great place to celebrate National Trails Day that took place on Saturday and World Bicycle Day happening today.

Share this article w/ Friends...

The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy
By Guy Busby March 29, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley is making progress in bringing back the trees lost nearly five years ago when Hurricane Sally hit the area. City crews have started replanting trees to help restore the urban forest.
Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today
By OBA Staff March 29, 2025
Elberta, Ala. – (OBA) – The Elberta German Sausage Festival kicks off today, March 29th at 8 am and runs until 5 pm. The Festival takes place at Elberta Town Park. This biannual event, held every March and October, celebrates Elberta's German heritage and supports the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department.
Orange Beach Honors Longtime Coach David McLain at During Opening Day Celebrations
By R. Ken Cooper March 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Orange Beach kicked off its 2025 Baseball and Softball Season with a heartfelt tribute to longtime volunteer coach, David McLain. During the opening ceremony, Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council surprised Coach McLain by dedicating Field 5 in his honor. Unaware of the plan, McLain read aloud the plaque's inscription at the center of Field 5, realizing the field now bears his name. He then threw the ceremonial first pitch, marking the official start of the season.
Lake Shelby Park from Google Maps
By OBA Staff March 28, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach community will be celebrating this weekend at the inaugural L.O.L. Festival (Love Our Locals). The Festival kicks off today at the Gulf State Park’s Lake Shelby Picnic Area. This three-day event is dedicated to honoring local artists, musicians, food vendors, and businesses that make the coastal community thrive.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich presents author Colleen Coble with the key to the city.
By Guy Busby March 28, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley recently honored celebrated Christian author Colleen Coble during a special presentation hosted by the Foley Public Library. Coble, along with her co-author Rick Acker, participated in a series of events organized by the library. On Saturday, March 22, the Foley Civic Center hosted a book launch, author talk, and signing to celebrate the release of their latest novel, Ambush, which debuted on March 4.
Velcro Pygmies Inspire Career Exploration in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff March 27, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Velcro Pygmies, known for their dynamic performances, will entertain and engage students in an interactive experience that promotes career exploration. This initiative offers insights into various industries, including music, production, and business, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Announce C.A.K.E. Day
By OBA Staff March 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Mayors from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have declared May 10, 2025, as C.A.K.E. Day. The event supports young entrepreneurs in starting and running their own businesses in the local community. C.A.K.E. stands for "Creating And Keeping Enterprises." The program teaches students how to create and manage a business, including planning, marketing, and customer service skills.
Hot Air Balloons to Fill Foley Skies During Annual Festival
By OBA Staff March 27, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will return to Foley in the first weekend of May, bringing three days of live music, family activities, and hot air balloon displays to the area. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the annual event remains free to the public and continues to draw thousands of visitors from across the region.
City of Foley Extends Midday Melodies into April
By Guy Busby March 27, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's Midday Melodies, a free weekly music series held at Heritage Park, is extending its schedule by two weeks into April due to popular demand. The series, which featured performances each Wednesday in March, attracted large lunchtime crowds. Organizers decided to continue the concerts with two additional performances into April.
Mobile Manatee Network tracks coastal manatee visits
By OBA Staff March 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Today is Manatee Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation and protection of one of the most iconic and gentle marine mammals in our coastal waters — the West Indian manatee. While these slow-moving, plant-eating sea cows are often associated with Florida’s springs and lagoons, they also make their way west during the warmer months, becoming seasonal visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Show More
Share by: