Find yourself in a whole different state of discovery.userfiles/Nature Brochure.pdf · Find...
Transcript of Find yourself in a whole different state of discovery.userfiles/Nature Brochure.pdf · Find...
Explore the natural wonders of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and discover what it means to be transformed.
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com
Find yourself in a whole different state of discovery.
Gulf Shores & Orange BeachN a t u r e O p p O r t u N i t i e s
The Gulf breeze whispering across a freshwater marsh
A blue heron rising majestically over the turquoise water
The early spring blossoming
of the rare pitcher plant
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com
Welcome to the unspoiled natural
beauty, diverse landscapes and habitats
of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. You’ll find
yourself in a whole different state of
awe and wonder as you experience
the flora, fauna and amazing views
found only here. From sugar-white
beaches, coastal dunes and back bays
to maritime forests, pine flatwoods and
freshwater marshes, the combination of
so many distinct ecosystems in one area
is unique. And because these natural
environments are continuously evolving,
each season brings its own special
sights, sounds and experiences. All
waiting for you to explore.
Be trAnsFormed. The moment you
first detect a trace of saltwater in the air
through an open car window, the change
has begun. By the time you cross the
Intracoastal Waterway and glimpse the
sparkling Gulf, you are well on your way to
a different state. You feel a welcome lift in
mood; a sense of relaxation takes hold.
There’s no better place to discover nature’s
transformative power than here in
one of our country’s most beautiful
natural environments.
Immersing yourself in our
unspoiled coastal environment
means slowing down to reconnect
with nature, family, friends and
yourself. Spending time outdoors
away from your daily routine creates
memorable moments like quietly
guiding a kayak through the marsh or
watching bottlenose dolphins at play.
the Alabama Coastal Birding trail provides an
interpretive viewing and learning experience as it
winds through more than 50 unique birding sites
in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Loops are based
close enough to each other for easy driving.
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guidebook is
available at alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com.
the Hugh s. Branyon Backcountry trail is a
nationally-designated recreational trail
featuring 12 miles of paved, multi-use
bikeable paths that are home to six distinct
ecosystems. Once used by the area’s
indigenous people and early settlers, this
historic trail between Orange Beach and
Gulf State Park offers an up-close and
personal wildlife experience with a wide
diversity of habitats, a butterfly garden
and native and rare species. From the
American alligator, bobcat and wild boar
to the gopher tortoise and carnivorous
white-topped pitcher plant, you never know
what you might encounter. Pets are allowed on
a leash. The trail is open during daylight hours.
the Islands of Perdido marine Park, located
near Perdido Pass, offers a protected and
secluded sanctuary of sugar-white sand
islands for nesting birds, aquatic creatures and
respectful visitors.
the orange Beach Canoe trail provides an
easy introduction to the unique ecosystems
of the back bays through various public
access points in Orange Beach. Stops are
paced for short or long trips and put-in sites
offer public parking.
each year from may to october, Alabama’s beaches are the
nesting grounds for three species of endangered sea turtles.
to learn how you can help ensure turtles hatch and make it
safely back to the Gulf, visit Alabamaseaturtles.com
spring and fall migrations are magnificent on
Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The phenonmenon is
celebrated each fall during the annual BirdFest.
To learn more, please visit AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com.
Gulf of Mexico
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Bon Secour
Bay
PerdidoBay
WeeksBay
OysterBay
Little Lagoon
LakeShelby
AL/FL State Line
WolfBay
Intracoastal Waterway
Gulf StatePier
Gulf State Park
Bon SecourNational Wildlife
Refuge
Fort Morgan State Park
Bon SecourNational WildlifeRefuge
Bon SecourNational WildlifeRefuge
BonSecour
Josephine
BearPoint
Ono Island
Foley
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ORANGE BEACH
HUGH S. BRANYON
BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL
Perdido Key
Elberta Lillan
to Pensacola
Graham CreekNature Preserve
The LuLu
Dauphin Island(To Sites: 3, 4, 14)
Five Rivers Alabama’s Delta Resource Center(To Sites: 7,11,13,16)
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to Fairhope181
Mobile Bay
Magnolia Springs
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Weeks Bay Reserve
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RECREATION
Beach Access
Canoe Trail
AL Coastal Birding Trail
Trail
Bike Route
Natural Area
VISITOR RESOURCES
City Hall/Municipal Center
Welcome Center/Information
EMERGENCY LOCATIONS
Hospital
Medical Center
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1. Gulf Bay Road
2. Cypress Ave
3. Waterfront Park
4. Palmetto Extension
5. Harrison Park
6. Mississippi Ave
7. Look Rook Rd
8. Wilson Blvd
9. Boggy Point
10. Cotton Bayou
CANOE TRAIL SITES
1 AlABAmA Gulf COASt ZOO1204 Gulf shores Parkway, Gulf shores251-968-5732 | alabamagulfcoastzoo.orgGet ready for a wild ride at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo where you can get up close and personal with more than 500 animals including Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves, Primates and much more. Experience seasonal hands on animal encounters and daily animal shows during the summer. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from Alligators to Tigers, plus a Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Concessions, and shaded picnic area.
2 AlliGAtOr Alley*19950 County road 71, summerdale251-946-2483 | gatoralleyfarm.comSee over 200 alligators in their natural environment with an opportunity to feed them! Meet Captain Crunch, the world record holder for bite strength-he’s over 13 feet long! Seasonal feeding times: 11:00 a.m. /1:00 p.m. /4:00 p.m.
3 AuduBOn Bird SAnCtuAry*109 Bienville Blvd., dauphin Island251-861-3607 | dauphinisland.org/bird.htmThe sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, swamp and beach. Multiple walking trails, some handicapped accessible, allow the avid birder miles of habitat for spotting neo-tropical migrants.
4 BellinGrAth GArdenS And hOme*12401 Bellingrath Gardens rd., theodore251-973-2217 | bellingrath.orgLocated on tranquil Fowl River, enjoy 65 acres of landscaped beauty, the Bellingrath Museum Home and a cruise aboard the Southern Belle; Kingfisher River Cruisers. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
5 BOn SeCOur nAtiOnAl Wildlife refuGe12295 state Hwy.180 W., Gulf shores251-540-7720 | fws.gov/bonsecourEnjoy more than six miles of hiking trails and beach access. Open from sunrise to sunset. Office hours: 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday.
6 ClAude Peteet mArICulture Center/ mArIne resourCes dIvIsIon
21055 Waterway east, Gulf shores | 251-968-7576outdooralabama.com/research-mgmt/mariculture-center.cfmThe center conducts studies and research that enhance our understanding of the life history of red snapper, various finfish and shrimp.
7 five riverS AlABAmA‘S deltA reSOurCe Center*30945 Five rivers Blvd., spanish Fort251-625-0814 | alabama5rivers.comWith its exhibit hall, theater, trails, boat tours, banquet facilities, and kayak rentals, 5 Rivers is Alabama’s gateway to the 250,000 acre Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Open 7 days. Free Admission.
8 GrAhAm Creek nAture PreServe23460 Wolf Bay dr., Foley251-971-1471The Preserve boasts 484 acres of natural habitats, including pitcher plant bogs and mixed forests. It offers a canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails and bird watching and disc golf. Picnic area and pavilion.
9 Gulf StAte PArk20115 state Hwy 135, Gulf shores251-948-7275 | alapark.com/gulfstate/This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,500 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach, three fresh water lakes, a nationally recognized scenic nature trail, a beach pavilion, picnic area, RV campground, cabins and cottages.
10 Gulf StAte PArk Pier20800 east Beach Blvd., Gulf shores251-967-3474 | alapark.com/gulfstate/Gulf State Park Pier/The second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public pier on the Gulf await you at 1,540 feet long, 20 feet wide, and boasting 2,448 feet of fishing space. Rates for fishing on Gulf State Pier:Adults/Children 12-older $8.00/dayChildren 11-under: $4.00/day or free with paying adultSightseeing $3.00/ all day. $2.00/ one trip
11 hiStOriC BlAkeley StAte PArk*34745 state Hwy 225, spanish Fort251-626-0798 | blakeleypark.comVisit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10-1/2 miles of hiking and bike trails, RV and primitive camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River.
12 huGh S. BrAnyOn BACk COuntry trAil4009 orange Beach Blvd., orange Beach251-981-1063 | backcountrytrail.comThe Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trail winds through the rich flora and fauna of Orange Beach all the way to the pristine beach of Gulf State Park. The network of trails traverses six distinct ecosystems and covers 12 miles, allowing for wildlife viewing and exercising at the same time.
13 meAher StAte PArk*5200 Battleship Parkway us 98, spanish Fort251-626-5529 | alapark.com/meaher/CampingSituated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area.
14 the eStuArium At the dAuPhin iSlAnd SeA lAB*101 Bienville Blvd., dauphin Island251-861-7500 | sealabestuarium.orgOpen daily. Admission charged and group rates available. Handicapped accessible. Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile’s estuary system. All ages welcome.
15 the lulu29* 59.520’ / 87* 33.037’alabamagulfcoastreef.comLess than 20 miles offshore from Orange Beach, The LuLu is a 271-foot intact freighter sunk in 2013. With the wheelhouse starting at 60 feet and a bottom depth of approximately 115 feet, there’s plenty of structure to explore, offering an exciting wreck diving opportunity to everyone from novice to experienced diver.
16 uSS AlABAmA BAttleShiP memOriAl PArk*
2703 Battleship Parkway, mobile251-433-2703 | ussalabama.comFeatures the Battleship USS ALABAMA, Submarine USS DRUM, over 25 rare and historic aircraft, as well as various military tanks and equipment. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail loops through Battleship Memorial Park, located on Mobile Bay, where the open lawns can be excellent for viewing shorebirds and also includes a paved walkway leading to a nature observatory.
17 WAde WArd nAture PArk500 Gulf shores Parkway, Gulf shores251-968-1420This 12 acre park is located in the heart of Gulf Shores featuring a pavilion, benches and scenic boardwalks overlooking coastal salt marshes.
18 WeekS BAy nAt’l eStuArine reSeArCh reServe11300 us Hwy 98, Fairhope251-928-9792 | weeksbayreserve.comThis public research and education facility includes an interpretive center with indoor displays, live animals, and forested boardwalk trails within 6,600 acres of protected estuarine habitats.
*Attraction not shown on the above map
NATURE ATTRACTIONS
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com
The numerous opportunities for connecting with nature, outdoor exploration and adventure
along Alabama’s Gulf Coast include:
Visit us online for more information and a listing of local adventure businesses and outfitters.
Please check our online Calendar of Events for seasonal events, lectures, nature walks and
programs that match your interests.
on lAndBikingBirdingHiking
Wildlife WatchingZip Lining
on WAterCanoeing
Dolphin Cruises Kayaking
sailing scuba Divingsnorkeling