Orange Beach, Alabama, on the gulf shore, provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for both visitors and locals. The area is home to many animals found few other places, including migratory birds, sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. Many of the hiking trails, canoe paths and other recreational activities provide visitors the opportunity to see such wildlife and enjoy Alabama's natural wonders.
Nature Walks and Hiking
State parks in Alabama provide ample opportunity for nature walks and hiking trails. One unique area, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, provides both. The trail system offers anything from 1-mile-long walks to hikes of 4 miles or longer. The refuge allows visitors to explore a variety of habitats including dunes, wetlands, forests and scrub. Other local parks provide walking and hiking options. However, most of the trails in the area are 5 miles or shorter. Trails within the refuge do not allow pets.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity locally, with both freshwater and saltwater sites available. Alabama does require a fishing license for all fishing---fresh or salt, resident or nonresident. Licenses are available online. In addition to natural shores, Alabama's marine resources division constructed 14 inshore fishing reefs in the Mobile Bay and nearby waters. These reefs, made of fully recycled materials, provide enhanced fishing opportunities for anglers. Some of the best catches in the area include the elusive blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and red snapper.
Golf
The gulf area offers a wide variety of golfing sites, including the Perdido Bay Golf Club, which is a former site of the PGA Tour. With more than a dozen unique courses and hundreds of holes, the area accommodates golfers of all skill levels. Courses range from the traditional greens to beachside venues and many have been designed by the "greats"---individuals like Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin and Jerry Pate. Most of the courses offer rate information online and many allow you to book tee times in advance.
Swimming
More than a dozen local beaches provide visitors with access to the water. Some beaches are easily accessible and located in high-volume areas, such as the Cotton Bayou beach. According to the GulfShores website, other beaches offer greater privacy, such as the "uncrowded, natural" Gulf State Park. All of the beaches provide opportunities for swimming in the warm gulf waters and many provide on-site facilities such as restrooms and outdoor showers. A few, such as the Lake Shelby Recreation Area at Gulf State Park, provide room for water skiing and boating.
Canoeing
The canoe trail in Orange Beach provides 10 entry/exit points along with several rules to ensure user and wildlife safety. Individuals can enter the canoe trail at multiple points between Gulf Bay Road and Cotton Bayou in order to enjoy the waters of Walk Bay, Arnica Bay, Cotton Bayou and others. Canoeing is only allowed during daylight hours. All visitors are reminded not to litter, not to disturb the wildlife in any way and to stay on the clearly marked trail. Each visitor must have a personal flotation device and everyone is encouraged to file a "trip plan" with a friend detailing the intended put-in and take-out points. Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Member Comments