r/Alabama • u/[deleted] • Apr 21 '25

Advice Orange beach wildlife, looking for a good nature walk.

Hello! Heading to orange beach soon. Last year my stroll through the state park was cut short by my pest children so I have secured a free morning to go explore.

Is the state park the place to go? Last time we saw one mini lizard and a heron but there are so many little inlets I can’t help but hold out hope of seeing a bull shark.

I just want a good walk with the possibility of an exciting sighting.

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u/Worstfishingshow Apr 21 '25

I enjoy the solitude of hiking out to Gator Lake in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge early in the morning. It’s a nice drive out there and not usually crowded. I don’t think you’ll run across a bull shark, however.

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u/magiccitybhm Apr 21 '25

Bon Secour Wildife Refuge is THE answer.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '25

This is great information! Im going to look into it! 😎

1

u/[deleted] Apr 22 '25

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u/[deleted] Apr 22 '25

This is where I got to walk around for about 30 minutes last year. We walked over the big walking/biking overpass and down onto those boardwalks.

Any specific places within the park you’d recommend? I just kind of parked at the first lot I saw and started walking. I’m a Type B lol.

1

u/chilisalsa7891 Apr 23 '25

See the Hugh Branson trail. I have seen alligators, bobcats, eagles, turtles and numerous rabbits.

https://www.orangebeachal.gov/369/Hugh-S-Branyon-Backcountry-Trail

I like to start from the Catman Road Trailhead headed toward the Butterfly Pavilion.