The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (NWF) contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune …
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The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (NWF) contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists.
We're located a 12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Phone 251.540.7720
or visit us on the web at http://www.fws.gov/bonsecour/
The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning "safe harbor," very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.
The refuge is small, compared to most national wildlife refuges, and is comprised of five separate units in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama. The full-time staff consists of three, but the refuge has numerous committed volunteers throughout the year. The refuge hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually.
The NWR is home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, which is associated with the sand dunes and sea oats. Refuge beaches serve as nesting sites for loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Habitats include beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, fresh water swamps, and uplands.
More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present at Bon Secour NWR.
The trail system at Bon Secour NWR offers a variety of viewing opportunities for visitors.
Bon Secour NWR Trail System
From short 1 mile hikes to 4+ mile expansions, the trails are all unique and give an opportunity to discover different habitats of the refuge: dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats.
All of the established trails are on the Perdue Unit. There are no pets allowed on the refuge, please leave your pets at home to protect the many wildlife species that make the refuge their home.
Refuge beaches and trails are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only.
Jeff Friend Trail – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE. Explore the maritime forest and adjacent Little Lagoon. Many species of plants and birds can often be seen along this trail. Meet at Jeff Friend Trailhead.
Rating: Easy to moderate. Time: 1 ½ hours. Distance: 1 mile.
Centennial Trail – Explore the transition from maritime forest to dune swales to a swamp discovering different species of plants and wildlife. Meet at Jeff Friend Trailhead.
Rating: Moderate (ground may be wet in some areas). Time: 2 hours. Distance: 2 miles
Gator Lake Trail – Walk along a dune ridge and see many species of birds and plants that are typical of this transitional habitat between the maritime forest and the frontal dunes. Meet at the Gator Lake Trailhead.
Rating: Moderate (sandy terrain). Time: 2 hours. Distance: 1 mile.
Pine Beach Trail – Explore the plants and wildlife of an intact dune ecosystem that includes maritime forest, scrub and dune habitats. This trail is unique with a saltwater lagoon on one side and a freshwater lake on the other. Many seaside plants are found here and the impact of recent hurricanes will be discussed. Meet at the Pine Beach Trailhead.
Rating: moderate to strenuous (some sandy terrain). Time: 2 hours. Distance: 2 miles.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in southern Alabama. You can reach the refuge by riding the ferry from the west side of Mobile Bay or drive through Mobile and down to Gulf Shores.
From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, turn west on Highway 180 and continue for approximately:
6 miles to the Jeff Friend Trail
7.5 miles to the Refuge Office
9 miles to the Pine Beach Trail
Several signs are also posted on Highway 180 that will direct you to the refuge office and nature trails.
