The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park has once again been nominated for Best Recreational Trail by USA TODAY. This award recognizes outstanding trails across the country, and the winner is determined by online voting.

The Backcountry Trail is a multi-use trail system spanning roughly 29 miles, winding through Gulf State Park and connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It features both paved and unpaved paths and boardwalks that take visitors through nine different ecosystems, offering opportunities for walking, running, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping and more.

Named in honor of Hugh S. Branyon, a longtime superintendent of Gulf State Park who dedicated nearly five decades to Alabama's state parks, the trail reflects his vision of accessible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Established in 2003, the trail continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

This trail system has a strong track record in the USA TODAY 10Best Awards:

2023: Named Best Recreational Trail in the nation.

2024: Earned the title again.

2025: Won for a third straight year.

Now, fans and supporters are being asked to help secure a fourth consecutive win in 2026.

You can help make Hugh S. Branyon a winner by voting daily at https://tinyurl.com/VoteHughBranyon until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 10:59 a.m. CST.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.