Along the coastal region in Gulf Shores is 6,500 acres of protected land that is a Public Recreation Area (since 1939), Gulf State Park. This large park has something for everyone, including 28 miles of (paved) trails, 2.5 miles of beach, 3 fresh water lakes, beach pavilion with marine exhibits, gulf fishing pier (1,540’ long), Nature Center, rental cottages, cabins, large full-service campground (496 sites from RV full hook up to primitive), and lodge.
We began our visit at the Nature Center($2 per vehicle for admission) on Middle Lakeand near the campground.
Exhibits of the wildlife found in the park on are display, some taxidermy pieces and some live ones, too. Here are a few…
An amphitheater is situated next to the Nature Center. And, a lovely lily pond, too.
Docks are available for boaters on the lake. Kayaks, boats, etc., can be rented at the Camping Center here.
A playground (one of several in the park) is near the Nature Center. A swimming pool has also been added to the amenities at Gulf State Park.
Leaving the area to begin a hike on one of the many trails, we drove around Lake Shelby to the parking lot near Gulf Oak Ridge and Gopher Tortoise Trails. The trails are paved and very well marked. Shortly after beginning our hike on Gopher Tortoise Trail, we saw this osprey in the distance.
We saw wetlands along the route and came to an overlook of the area.
Following a spur trail off of Gopher Tortoise, we came to the Lake Shelby Overlook.
It was a beautiful, cool day when we visited.
Lakeside Cabins can be seen in the distance. Alligator Island and some of the high-rise condos in Gulf Shores are also visible from the lake overlook.
Having seen just a fraction of what this amazing park has to offer, we will definitely be back to do more hiking and see other attractions. Gulf State Park is a great destination for a family vacation and has so much to offer…very impressive. For additional information about Gulf State Park, including cabin, cottage or camping reservations, go to www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park.
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