TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Back Bay Blueway

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Baldwin County

Back Bay

Trail Highlights

Coastal Alabama is home to a variety of waterways that provide nature and watersport lovers an opportunity to explore a plethora of unique ecosystems including back bays, lakes and lagoons.

The  Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway spans the cities of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, as well as Fort Morgan, with 21 launch sites across the destination. With all these great resources there is always something new to explore and a new way to spend time on the water. 

A day spent on the water is a stress reliever, and being in a kayak, canoe or paddle board allows for a calm and smooth ride, making it easier to enjoy some quiet time for yourself while observing nature.

Few activities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley or Fort Morgan will get you as close to nature as kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding.

On the Back Bay Blueway you will paddle through such waterways as Mobile and Bon Secour bays. This section of the trail is the Fort Morgan Trail. History and nature collide along this trail, located on the western most end of the island. On Mobile Bay, paddles can get catch glimpse Fort Morgan Historic Site; and on the Bon Secour Bay, there are many opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and dolphins.  

The Little Lagoon section with its 10-mile stretch of calm open water is also an excellent place to observe wildlife or maybe try your hand at fishing. Located in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the body of water is home to a diversity of saltwater and freshwater fish including trout, flounder and redfish. 

The Gulf State Park section features three launch sites on brackish and freshwater lakes. The park is home is home to seven unique ecosystems including Lake Shelby, Middle Lake and Little Lake, a paddling excursion along this trail will likely include up-close encounters with flora and fauna. 

The Orange Beach/Wolf Bay section has more than 10 launches available, and there is much to be explored along this trail including Graham Creek, Wolf Creek and Bay, Paddle around Robinson and Bird Island for a glimpse of the Gulf of Mexico or around Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove to stop in one of the area’s many waterfront restaurants.