Gulf State Park is located along Alabama's coast in Gulf Shores. It contains 6,150 acres, including two miles of white sand beaches, a 900 acre lake, and scrub forest.
Gulf State Park is sure to appease anyone looking for some fun in the sun.
Camping/Lodging in Gulf State Park
There are 154 campsites with paved pads, electricity, water and sewer hook-ups. Larger lots accommodate RVs. Beautiful cottages are also available for rent, complete with three porches overlooking Lake Shelby. The park contains picnic areas and group pavilions as well.
Gulf State Park Hiking Trails
The park has a well-maintained backcountry trail system that winds through the parks wilderness areas, traversing a variety of habitats: sand dunes, swamps, marshes, palm scrub, and live oak hammocks draped with Spanish moss. There are 7.8 miles of trails total, including Catman Trail, Gulf Park Oak Ridge Trail, and Rosemary Trail. The trails may be hiked or biked.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
The nature center, open Monday - Saturday from 9 - 4, displays many live animals native to the area, including American alligators, pine snakes and gopher tortoises. They have an impressive display of natural artifacts, and lead hikes and offer nature programs for the public. The nature center also works closely with the Share the Beach program, administered through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to protect the region's nesting sea turtles.
Outdoor Sports and Activities in the State Park
Tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course will appeal to the sports minded. Water skiing is another popular activity. An 825 foot fishing pier caters to salt-water fishermen, or fish right off the beach in the surf. The park offers services including bait and tackle and boat rentals.
Wildlife Watching - Opportunities Abound in Gulf State Park
Many stops along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail are located in the area. Lucky individuals may observe a nesting Loggerhead or Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, or one of their nests hatching later in the summer. The endangered Alabama beach mouse also calls this region home. The Scarlet hibiscus was thought to be extinct in Alabama, but post - Hurricane Ivan, they were rediscovered in the State Park campground!
Wade Ward Nature Park
Nearby to Gulf State Park, on an offshoot of Lake Shelby, is Wade Ward Nature Park, on Highway 59 right in the middle of the hustle of tourist central. This small park, consisting of a very nice boardwalk rising above a salt-marsh, is suprisingly serene despite its surroundings, providing a respite for the local wildlife. A resident alligator is likely to be spotted by visitors, as are common bird species such as Green Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds. The stealthy Clapper Rail may be spotted by the observant.
No matter what your interests, Gulf State Park and the surrounding area is sure to offer something that will please you. Spend a few days and experience all it has to offer.
References:
David Rainer. Updated Facilities Draw Crowd to Gulf State Park. 2008. Outdoor Alabama.
The copyright of the article Gulf State Park Alabama in Alabama Travel is owned by Sara Wittenberg. Permission to republish Gulf State Park Alabama in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Sep 26, 2009
