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Alabama
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State of Alabama Parks

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USA Parks
Alabama
Gulf Coast Region
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
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BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
12295 AL-180
Gulf Shores, Alabama   36542
(lat:30.2409 lon:-87.8245) map location

Phone: (251) 540-7720
Email: park email button icon
The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists. The refuge is small, compared to most national wildlife refuges, and is comprised of five separate units in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama. The full-time staff consists of three, but the refuge has numerous committed volunteers throughout the year. The refuge hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually.

The Refuge is home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, which is associated with the sand dunes and sea oats. Refuge beaches serve as nesting sites for loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Habitats include beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, fresh water swamps, and uplands.

More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present.
History of the Area
The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning "safe harbor," very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes


Location
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located near Fairhope, Foley and Gulf Shores

Trails
The trail system at Bon Secour NWR offers a variety of viewing opportunities for visitors. From short 1 mile hikes to 4+ mile expansions, the trails are all unique and give an opportunity to discover different habitats of the refuge: dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats.

All of the established trails are on the Perdue Unit. There are no pets allowed on the refuge, please leave your pets at home to protect the many wildlife species that make the refuge their home.

Refuge beaches and trails are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only.

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Area Campgrounds
Sun Outdoors Orange Beach
22800 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL
844-707-4343
Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway Campground
10723 Magnolia Springs Highway
Foley, AL
251-965-6777
Bay Village Mobile Home & RV
5975 Easy Street
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-5613
Gulf Breeze RV Resort
19800 Oak Road West
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-8884
Island Retreat RV Park
18201 Alabama 180
Gulf Shores, AL
251-967-1666
Doc's RV Park
17595 Alabama 180
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-4511
Sugar Sands RV Resort
5343 Roscoe Road
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-2223
Gulf Shores RV Resort
18717 Barefoot Way
Gulf Shores, AL
251-244-1015
Luxury RV Resort
590 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL
251-948-5444
Anchors Aweigh RV Resort LLC
19814 County Road 20 South
Foley, AL
251-971-6644
Magnolia Farms RV Park
13381 Lipscomb Road
Foley, AL
251-928-7335
Fort Morgan RV Park
10397 - 2nd Street
Gulf Shores, AL
Southport Campground
108 Waterway West Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL
251-968-6220
Sun Runners RV Park
19480 County Road 8
Gulf Shores, AL
251-955-5257
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in southern Alabama. You can reach the refuge by riding the ferry from the west side of Mobile Bay or drive through Mobile and down to Gulf Shores.

From Highway 59 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, turn west on Highway 180 and continue for approximately:

6 miles to the Jeff Friend Trail

7.5 miles to the Refuge Office

9 miles to the Pine Beach Trail

Several signs are also posted on Highway 180 that will direct you to the refuge office and nature trails.

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Alabama
11

State of Alabama Parks

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