In Orange Beach, palm trees lend a tropical vibe to local scenery.
Public beach access points are easy to find and use in Orange Beach.
contrasts. It’s amazing that most of the sandy deposits on the beaches originated as grains of quartz rock that trickled all the way down to the Gulf coast from the Appalachian Mountains. From a panoramic perspective, the powdery white sand and emerald-colored waters are a beach lover’s dream come true. Fortunately, it’s easy to reach public shorelines in Orange Beach. Gulf State Park maintains three designated beach access points in the city—two smaller stretches at Romar Beach and Cotton Bayou and a more extensive area with dunes, boardwalks, picnic potential, showers and restrooms at Alabama Point East—just east of the Perdido Pass Bridge. All three state park beaches may be accessed from Perdido Beach Boulevard. Parking is free for everyone. Float Your Boat City boat ramps are convenient ways for residents and visitors alike to access local waters with private or rental vessels. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts can paddle onto Orange Beach’s Canoe Trail at designated entry sites on local bays, bayous, coves, and creeks. Canoe trail signs are posted on the shore at put-in and take- out points. Orange Beach’s fishing charter fleet boasts more than 100
qualified captains who stand ready to guide you through your own back bay or deep sea fishing experience. You might snag a grouper or tuna for dinner or land a trophy marlin. Dolphin cruises are a more focused option for venturing out on Gulf waters—a chance to watch and photograph cavorting bottlenose dolphins . Take a Hike The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Complex encompasses a 27-mile network of paved paths and elevated wooden boardwalks that connect Orange Beach with Gulf Shores, Alabama. The scenic system of trails is located within Gulf State Park, which was named in honor of a former park superintendent and is a National Recreational Trail designee. Paths in the network are well-maintained and wide enough for pedestrian hikers and cyclists to share. They are also fully ADA accessible for wheelchair users. Branyon’s backcountry trails crisscross several distinct ecosystems, from flatwoods and maritime forests to freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps and coastal dunes. Hikers and bikers pass by a wide range of foliage while they walk or pedal. Blossoming bushes and vines, dense clumps of reindeer lichen, delicate wildflowers, floating water lilies, low-lying palmetto palms, scrub
SWEET HOME ALABAMA
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2020
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