In a state known for fierce competition on the football field, Alabama is proving it's also a national champion in outdoor recreation.

For the third consecutive year, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been named the nation's Best Recreational Trail by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The 29-mile trail system winds through Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, offering access to nine distinct ecosystems and drawing praise from locals and visitors alike.

"This year's win is especially exciting as we celebrate the Year of Alabama Trails," said Matthew Capps, State Parks Director for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (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 Alabama's coast. We thank our partners in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and everyone who voted for the Backcountry Trail again this year."

The 2025 award was announced Wednesday, April 16, and comes as part of a broader national spotlight on Alabama's Gulf Coast. The trail beat out nine others across the country, including Florida's Withlacoochee State Trail and the sprawling 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage stretching from Maryland to Pennsylvania.

"It's fitting that the Backcountry Trail has been recognized as the top recreational trail in the country during Alabama'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."

Established in 2003 and named after longtime Gulf State Park superintendent Hugh Branyon, the trail network includes both paved and unpaved paths and boardwalks. It offers a range of recreational opportunities, including biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing and camping. Plans are in the works to expand the system beyond its current footprint.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon called the "three-peat" win nothing short of "mind-blowing."

"Winning the first time was exceptional. The second time was extraordinary, but now that our own Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park has earned the title of Best Recreational Trail in the nation for the third straight year, it's mind-blowing," Kennon said. "There are a lot of outstanding trails throughout the country and for USA Today readers to pick us again, it is a testament to the treasure that we have in our own backyard. Like I've said for the past two years, the success of the trail would not be possible without the hard work, each and every day, of Orange Beach Coastal Resources and Gulf State Park staff who help keep it clean and safe for millions of visitors each year. Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in this three-peat!"

The accolade is also a nod to the collaborative spirit that made the trail system possible. Phillip West, Coastal Resources director for Orange Beach, pointed to years of investment and cooperation between state and local entities.

"It is with great pride and yet great humility that we acknowledge the recognition of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail as the USA Today's Reader's Choice winner for the nation's Best Recreational Trail for 2025," West said. "This recognition is a living testament to both the efforts invested into this project by cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, as well as Gulf State Park, and to the commitment and investment by multiple partners and parties to create a truly special trail system that rivals any in the country.

"Our Backcountry Trail is such a unique and special resource for our region, serving residents and tourists alike," he added. "The quality-of-life enhancements to this trail system have returned far more value than the financial commitments made to it since its inception in 2003. The Trail has provided a valuable competitive edge for tourism, and we hope other communities will look to this project as a shining example of the potential and value of outdoor recreation projects and meaningful partnerships between multiple cities and state entities."

For Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft, the Backcountry Trail provides a vital balance between development and nature.

"The Backcountry Trail provides the opportunity to experience the way the Gulf Coast was prior to the development of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach," Craft said. "Gulf State Park and the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail system are an amazing buffer to the developed coast that provides a vital balance between the natural environment and our developed communities."

The award adds to a growing list of accolades for Alabama's Beaches in the 2025 10Best awards. Last month, the Orange Beach Festival of Art was named Best Arts Festival. Other top honors include Best Small Town Arts Scene (Orange Beach, No. 4), Best Music Festival (Hangout Music Festival, No. 7) and Best National Wildlife Refuge (Bon Secour, No. 9).

Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, said the win reinforces the region's identity beyond sun and surf.

"Having our trail nominated by the experts and then chosen as the top recreational trail in the United States for a third consecutive year continues to confirm our message that Alabama's Gulf Coast is truly more than just a beach," Gendler said. "It also shows the value of and interest in outdoor recreation activities for both residents and visitors to our area. This award is a testament to the vision and partnerships of our two cities, Gulf State Park, and our state conservation and natural resources team."

The trail's continued recognition also adds to a growing list of national accolades for Alabama's Gulf Coast. The Orange Beach Festival of Art was recently named Best Arts Festival, and the region placed in the Top 10 across several other 2025 USA Today 10Best categories:

Best Small Town Arts Scene – Orange Beach, No. 4

Best Specialty Food Festival – National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, No. 5

Best Music Festival – Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, No. 7

Best National Wildlife Refuge – Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, No. 9

Best Golf Destination – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, No. 6

Best Coastal Small Town – Gulf Shores, No. 6

Best Small Town Food Scene – Orange Beach, No. 7

Best Small Town in the South – Orange Beach, No. 10

Voting remains open in two additional categories:

Best Luxury RV Resort – Luxury RV Resort in Gulf Shores; vote by 10:59 a.m. Monday, May 5 at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/luxury-rv-resort-gulf-shores-alabama/

Best RV Campground – Gulf State Park Campground; vote by 10:59 a.m. Monday, May 5 at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/gulf-state-park-campground-orange-beach-alabama/

As part of the Year of Alabama Trails initiative, ADCNR is promoting the state's vast network of outdoor experiences. From mountain biking at Chewacla State Park in Auburn to paddling along the 630-mile Alabama Scenic River Trail, the state offers options for all skill levels.

State officials also highlighted ongoing trail development efforts across Alabama, including multi-use routes at Forever Wild tracts and horseback riding trails at Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin.

"We are very excited about the many trails projects in the works throughout Alabama," Blankenship said. "Recreational trails are one of the best ways to explore the wide variety of landscapes that our beautiful state has to offer. Alabama 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 Alabama Trails by hiking, biking or paddling one of our state's great recreational trails."

To view the full list of USA Today's 10Best Recreational Trails, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-recreational-trail.

For more on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, visit www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/trails or call (251) 948-7275. Additional trail information is available at https://www.gulfshores.com/blog/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/the-complete-guide-to-the-hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail/.

Explore the Year of Alabama Trails campaign at www.alabama.travel/experience-alabama/outdoor/year-of-trails. Learn more about ADCNR's stewardship efforts at www.outdooralabama.com.