Pine Beach Trail Bon Secour
Discover a hidden gem on the Alabama coast! Pine Beach Trail offers a serene hike through diverse ecosystems to a beautiful, less crowded beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Pine Beach Trail Bon Secour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem on the Alabama coast! Pine Beach Trail offers a serene hike through diverse ecosystems to a beautiful, less crowded beach.
"A nice nature trail that leads to a beautiful gulf beach. "
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Hike before 11 AM to enjoy a less crowded trail and beach experience.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Recommended by visitor center staff, especially for warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pine Beach Trail
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
A 1.7-mile out-and-back trail leading to a stunning, less crowded Gulf beach.
Overlook Tower
Along Pine Beach Trail
A fantastic spot for a break, birdwatching, and spotting jumping fish.
Diverse Ecosystems
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Explore sand dunes, deep forests, and coastal views – a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Beach
Nature's Wonders & Essential Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Hike before 11 AM to enjoy a less crowded trail and beach experience.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Recommended by visitor center staff, especially for warmer months.
📸 Bring Your Camera!
Capture diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
💧 Restroom Access
An outhouse is available halfway, but Visitor Center restrooms are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Solitude
Hike before 11 AM to enjoy a less crowded trail and beach experience.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Recommended by visitor center staff, especially for warmer months.
📸 Bring Your Camera!
Capture diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
💧 Restroom Access
An outhouse is available halfway, but Visitor Center restrooms are recommended.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
The trail is mostly flat, but good footwear is essential for the sandy dunes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pine Beach Trail for its beautiful, less crowded beach and diverse natural scenery. The overlook tower is a popular spot for wildlife viewing. Some note the trail can be a bit challenging over the dunes and recommend bringing bug spray.
"We enjoyed the In Beach Trail. Especially the big wooden lookout is really nice for a short break. Great place to watch birds, jumping fish and other wildlife around it.
The friendly staff at the Visitor's Center recommended us to take insect spray with us, but it was not too bad with the mosquitos during our stay on a hot day in September.
There is a restroom after around 0,75 miles in a small hut. But we recommend to take the restrooms in the Visitor's Center."
Fabian S
"Fun 1.7 mile out and back trail. If you prefer a less crowded hike, go early! We didn't see another person until 11. It's a nice nature trail that leads to a beautiful gulf beach.
It also has an outhouse at the halfway point."
Amanda Monahan
"Great hiking experience and overlook tower! Saw eagles and many wading birds."
Julie Doyle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Beach Trail is located at the end of Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores, Alabama, within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. +1 Many visitors drive to the end of Fort Morgan Road for access to secluded beaches.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the trailhead for Pine Beach Trail.
Yes, Pine Beach Trail is located within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, offering a natural and protected environment for visitors.
Pine Beach Trail is accessible by driving down Fort Morgan Road. It's a popular spot for those exploring the Fort Morgan area.
Follow Fort Morgan Road until you reach the designated parking area for the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Pine Beach Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Pine Beach Trail is typically free, though specific regulations can change. It's always a good idea to check the official refuge website for the most current information.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge generally has daylight hours for access. It's best to confirm specific hours for the refuge and trails before your visit.
While the trail itself is often free, some national wildlife refuges may have entrance fees or require permits for certain activities. Check the official refuge website for details.
As Pine Beach Trail is a natural trail within a wildlife refuge, advance ticket booking is generally not required. Access is typically on a first-come, first-served basis.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, making it an accessible natural destination.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pine Beach Trail is approximately 1.7 miles out and back, making it a moderate hike of about 3.5 miles round trip.
Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including birds (like eagles and wading birds), jumping fish, and potentially stingrays.
Yes, there is an outhouse located about halfway along the 1.7-mile trail. However, using the restrooms at the Visitor's Center before or after your hike is also recommended.
Yes, Pine Beach Trail is considered a pretty hike and is suitable for families, allowing kids to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
The trail offers a diverse landscape, from sand dunes to forests, leading to a beautiful and often less crowded Gulf beach, making it a hidden gem.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers diverse photographic opportunities, from sand dunes and forests to coastal views and wildlife. The overlook tower is also a great vantage point.
Bring a camera that can capture a wide range of scenery and wildlife. A zoom lens can be useful for wildlife, and a wide-angle lens for landscapes.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the beach and wildlife.
Expect to photograph sand dunes, coastal vegetation, the Gulf of Mexico, various bird species, and other coastal wildlife.
Absolutely! The trail's varied geography and abundant wildlife make it a highly rewarding location for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will love spotting wildlife like birds and fish, and the overlook tower offers a fun elevated perspective. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors can expect to see a variety of migratory birds, especially during spring and fall. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, wading birds, and even raptors like bald eagles, which have been observed in the area.
Beyond Pine Beach Trail, the refuge offers other hiking opportunities and educational programs. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of the Gulf Coast. The refuge's commitment to conservation ensures that these natural wonders will be preserved for generations to come.
The Pine Beach Trail Experience
One of the highlights along the trail is the large wooden lookout tower. This structure provides a perfect spot for a brief rest, offering elevated views of the surrounding landscape and a great vantage point for birdwatching.
While the trail is described as a 1.7-mile out-and-back, some find it closer to 3.5 miles round trip. The experience is often described as a 'hidden gem' by those who discover it, offering a more tranquil beach experience compared to more developed areas.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit