bon secour national wildlife refuge

528bjm

We took walks down several of the trails(probably 5 miles)and saw several birds in the water and trees. One trail had a wooden walkway so was very easy to go through it.

sofiaBohio

great walking trail connected to the beach so you can even walk along the beachWe come to Gulf Shores once a year and always hike thru Bon Secour

Saranger

Bring your binoculars when you visit here. I enjoyed the bird watching, especially the waterfowl I don't normally get to see.

paula1326

We hiked the Pines, and Jeff Friend Trails a couple times. Both are wonderful. The forest smells so good and the sands are warm. Easy to walk.

Dnkcarlson

For the nature lover and person who looks for a good place for an afternoon or morning hike, you might give this wildlife refuge some of your time while in the Guld Shores area. Located about 8 miles west of highway 59 on highway 180, there are rwo area that offer trails. Stop by the nearby headquarters building for guilded trip and more information.

BaliPalm

The weather wasn't very hiker-friendly, but we did take two trails, and they were well-marked and beautiful. We stopped in at the ranger station for maps, and the female ranger we spoke with was VERY informative and fun. We plan on taking more trails for our next trip.

PeteE198

We walked the 4 mile pine beach trail and it was lovely.It ends at a fabulous beach.Lots of informative nature boards explaining what the plants are. Nice observation tower

tuscolaman

Good opportunities here to see the coast as it was.....preserved....all the way to the coast and along the river. Trails take you thru the area and the one we were on that bathroom facilities. The markers on the side informed one of the plants along the trail with a guide provided at the entry...return when done to reuse.....but the markers could use some help...there are also markers along the sides that actually tell you about the plants in that area that are quite helpful. I found them interesting since many of these plants are not indigenous to my area.

Chipperhigh2

My wife and I took a ride out to Bon Secour and walked the trails. It was delightful and peaceful. Stopped at the bench by the lagoon and enjoyed the beauty and the peaceful of this beautiful place. We plan to return and walk here again during our stay.

bonniep61

It was too windy for a beach walk so we decided to explore the National Wildlife Refuge. Perfect! We first walked the one-mile loop trail. There was a boardwalk and bench by the Little Lagoon and a easy detour to a sandy beach walk. Later in day we did half of the Pine Beach Trail. There was a observation deck overlooking the Little Gator Lake and the Little Lagoon. There was a port-a-let along the second trail. We plan to find the southern trailhead tomorrow!

tomm711

The ranger described the Refuge to us and we chose to walk the Jeff Friend trail. Good choice for us, a one mile loop. Only wildlife we encountered was a large unidentified bird which flushed out from the ground. But the foliage and Spanish moss vistas were very nice. I'd recommend this trail.

ncpat

This is a serene setting with lovely secluded trails - just what we were looking for! We went to the visitor center where the ranger was very helpful - provided a trail map and some suggestions. We hiked a loop to the beach and just loved it. There were a few other people along the beach when we arrived there. Not much wildlife visible besides shore birds - not the time of year for migratory birds, which we already knew. If you like the outdoors and natural surroundings, this provides both.

Moondancers01

It was a nice trail walk. A lot of foliage and some wildlife. If your used to lots of wildlife you will not like these trails. It is mostly Foliage and a great outdoor walk.

family778811

we were checking this out, but quickly realized this was not for two females at a low season. There was no one else around and this did feel somewhat odd. We did go to the end of the road to the beach access and there was no one else around when we arrived. A few others came along and we saw one of the largest birds I had ever seen and came within 20 feet of it to take a picture. the shells were plentiful and it was very quiet. will go again when in the area.

robertc14

I come to the refuge a lot as I live here. I hiked the Loop Trail today. It is just a mile. The trail is well marked and is a mix of boardwalk and crushed gravel with signage and benches here and there. It is an easy walk to the lagoon and back through oak canopy and slash pine forest. There are lots of native plants, saw palmettos, magnolias and such. The birding opportunities are great. I was hoping some of the migratory birds would be around but I didn't see much today. I did hear a lot of birds though. I have hiked the Centennial Trail, Jeff Friend Trail and the Pine Beach Trail before and usually alternate between the trails. These other trails are longer and some lead to the beach and to Gator Lake. Parts of these trails are sand too so my Birkenstocks aren't the best choice for them. The serenity of the Refuge is the best part. I only saw one couple today and often times see no one. There is no fee for the trails or the kayak launch located near the loop trail. Having never been to the visitor center I can't comment on that.