In the south when the weather begins to cool and the mornings are brisk turning into warm afternoons, biking becomes addictive. So it was the morning we set out for the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails in the Alabama Gulf State Park in Orange Beach, AL.

Seven trails of various lengths make up the system. We decided to take four days to enjoy the trails and what they had to offer. We bike for enjoyment, not for how fast or long we can go at any one time.

The first day we biked Catman Road Trail, a total of approximately 4.5 miles. Not knowing the trails or what they offered, we chose to bike a short trip and get the lay of the land or trails. The trail begins off Highway 161 which connects the gulf to the back bay. Although the highway is a busy thoroughfare, once on the trail the noise and congestion disappears and nature takes over. As our ride progressed it was easy to forget we were on the gulf. The trail meandered through stands of pine trees and numerous patches of wild flowers.

Vibrant Colors

Tree along the trail

As we approached the end of the trail, it was interesting to note that the trail turned into a paved street in the state park campground. Near the end of the trail was a small park area with a swing and benches looking out over Little Lake and then on to the gulf. As we sat swinging it would have been easy for us to be lulled into sleep – quiet nap on a beautiful fall afternoon.

A nap would be nice

Little Lake

That was not to be, we had to saddle up and bike back to the trailhead and our vehicle for the return trip home.

An interesting note we learned while visiting the Indian and Sea Museum in Orange Beach a few days later, was how Catman Road got its name. The road which we learned was part of the campground road began as a farm to market road. In the late 50s this road was a hangout for the dating crowd. One night a group of guys decided to scare their dates; the guys had a friend dress up like a cat and he was to jump out and scare the girls in the car. All was set, catman was in waiting, the time was almost right. Car lights coming down the road, catman ready to pounce. Out of the dark he comes, only to realize he is scaring the wrong car in fact he had no idea who was in the car. Next day the high school was all a buzz about the catman on the farm to market road. Hence the name stuck and the trail continues the legend. This story was told to us by the sister of one of the organizers, so it must be true.

Tomorrow another trail and maybe another legend.

The sun is shining

The color red

Field of dead trees

Orange Beach on Dwellable