Nature
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
About 7,000 acres of protected beaches, dunes, lagoons and maritime forest on the Fort Morgan peninsula, free to explore from sunrise to sunset.
From Cabana Pearl
The refuge’s trailheads are along Highway 180 near Cabana Beach, just minutes from the house.
Fort Morgan guide
Hiking Trails
Pine Beach Trail
The refuge’s signature hike, about 2 miles each way through pine and oak, past fresh and saltwater marsh, to a wild, uncrowded Gulf beach. Expect sandy, moderate-to-strenuous stretches.
Jeff Friend Trail
A wheelchair-accessible one-mile loop through maritime forest to the shore of Little Lagoon.
Gator Lake Trail
A narrow one-mile trail linking Mobile Street to the Pine Beach Trail, good for winter birding.
Fort Morgan guide
Wildlife & Birding
Migratory birds
Established in 1980, the refuge protects some of Alabama’s last undisturbed coastal habitat. Spring and fall migrations bring warblers and other songbirds; look for herons, ospreys and shorebirds year-round.
Protected species
Refuge beaches are nesting areas for sea turtles, the endangered Alabama beach mouse and snowy plovers. Stay on marked trails and observe closed-area signs.
Monarchs
The refuge is an important stop for migrating monarch butterflies in the fall.
Fort Morgan guide
Visiting the Refuge
Hours & cost
Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free.
Visitor contact station
12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores; (251) 540-7720. Stop in for maps and recent bird sightings.
Leave the dog home
Pets are not allowed anywhere in the refuge or on its trails, so this is a good outing for the two-legged members of your group.
Tips
Before You Go
- Go early: mornings are cooler and best for wildlife.
- Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray; there is little shade near the beach.
- Please don’t walk on the dunes or sea oats.
Hours, prices and schedules change. Check the official source before you go: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Bon Secour NWR · Alabama Birding Trails.
Keep exploring
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