Imagine this: Your kids are giggling as they pedal ahead on a shady, paved trail—sunlight flickering through the trees—while you stroll hand-in-hand with your partner, coffee in hand. No crowds. No chaos. Just fresh air, family laughs, and a new adventure around every turn.
This year, we did something different: we packed our kids’ bikes and added Orange Beach’s family biking trails to our vacation mix. And honestly? It was the best decision we didn’t know we needed.
If you’re planning your Gulf Shores vacation and craving more than beach towels and sunscreen, this is the family-friendly experience you don’t want to miss.
Discover the Best Family Biking Trails in Orange Beach
Tucked just a short drive from the shoreline, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers 28+ miles of scenic, stroller-friendly, kid-safe pathways winding through coastal forests, marshes, and butterfly gardens. These trails are clean, peaceful, and perfect for families looking for a fun and active way to connect.
And yes—they’re paved and flat, which makes them accessible for riders of all ages (training wheels included).
What Makes These Trails So Family-Friendly?
- Paved, wide paths—safe for bikes, scooters, and even jogging strollers
- Shaded routes—perfect for mid-morning or late afternoon adventures
- Wildlife spotting—we saw turtles, birds, and even a deer!
- Rest stops and picnic areas—ideal for snack breaks
- Clean restrooms + water stations—because we parents plan for everything
Honestly, it felt like the kind of calm every mom hopes for when booking a family vacation. No logistics stress. No traffic. Just time together—moving, laughing, and exploring.
Balance Your Beach Days with Trail Time
Here’s the sweet spot: morning rides through peaceful trails and afternoons on the beach. It’s the best of both worlds—burn off that pre-dinner energy, reconnect as a family, and still get your toes in the sand.
Our kids were worn out in the best way, which made evenings smoother (you know what I mean), and gave us as parents a chance to relax, unplug, and feel like we’d actually had a break too.
What to Pack for Trail Day
- Bikes or scooters (or rent them locally)
- Helmets + bug spray + sunscreen
- Water bottles + snacks
- A backpack with wipes, tissues, and a small first aid kit
- Binoculars for nature-spotting
- A sense of adventure (it really does help)
Planning Your Trail Adventure
Start with the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. You can check maps and trail access points here on the Orange Beach official site. There are multiple easy access points, many within 10 minutes of our vacation rentals.
If you’re staying at one of our Blue Palm Getaways properties, we’re happy to share our favorite trailheads and even recommend family-friendly dining stops nearby.
Looking for the Perfect Stay Near the Trails?
The Blue Palm at Lani Kai is one of our most popular family-friendly condos—just minutes from the trails and steps from the beach. It’s stocked with all the essentials (think beach gear, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and even board games) so you can spend less time packing and more time making memories.
You’ll love:
- Kid-ready amenities (crib, high chair, beach toys)
- A cozy, coastal space designed for family comfort
- Transparent pricing—no hidden fees, ever
- Direct booking perks like early check-in and personal trip planning support
Book direct with Blue Palm Getaways for personalized service, flexible options, and a getaway that’s mom-tested, family-approved.
Check availability now and start planning your family’s next favorite vacation.
Final Thoughts: Build the Memories That Matter
At the end of the day, vacation isn’t just about the destination—it’s about how it feels.
And for us, exploring the family biking trails in Orange Beach was a breath of fresh air. A chance to unplug, move, laugh, and create something real together.
If that sounds like the kind of vacation your family needs this year, we’ve got you. Blue Palm Getaways was built by a mom who gets it – because she’s been there too.
We’d be honored to host your next adventure.