Overview
The Fort Morgan Road Trail travels more than 5 miles west through the coastal community of Gulf Shores in southwestern Alabama.
About the Route
The paved trail parallels the north side of its namesake roadway (also known as Highway 180) through quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods and ends at the Peninsula Golf Club. The eastern end of the trail has a few gentle climbs, but the rest of the trail is flat.
Connections
At trail’s eastern end, continue the adventure on one of several Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails through Gulf State Park.
The Fort Morgan Road Trail runs between Peninsula Blvd (Gulf Shores) and Gulf Shore Parkway (Gulf Shores).
Parking is available at:
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
While camping in the area we jumped on Fort Morgan Road Trail a few times. First time was just to ride it. The numerous stop signs, if bikers adhere to them, breaks up the potential for 'racing' but there are stretches of the trail where you can just coast and let the wind hit your face. Each trip thereafter on the trial we would be on a journey for geocaching. This trail leads you right into the Gulf State Park trails as well.
The trail was in good shape and I grabbed some of the geocaches along the way. Coming back to town I had a little headwind but wasn’t to bad.
This trail which goes west from Route 59 in Gulf Shores Alabama is a nice approximately 5 mile long trail heading out towards Fort Morgan They have done some work to the trail and it’s a lot better than it was this past fall. We are here in March 2021 and enjoyed the ride immensely. The problem is it stops only about 25% of the way out to Fort Morgan and riding on the road the rest of the way to the tip of the peninsula would be difficult because of the traffic out there. I wish they would continue that trail further west.
The trail appears in process of being repaired. It needs it. I think my gravel bike with larger tires helped out. I parked at Lagoon Park some 1.8 miles west of 59. Rest rooms and great parking with view of little lagoon. So wished the trail would extend farther west.
Pretty 5 miles. More of a town ride. Being fixed and upgraded, Nov 2020. One medium hill.
Okay for walking and Sunday riding. Not good route for training. Too many cross streets. Tree roots pushing up the asphalt.
We rode in the Gulf State Park and decided to add this to our adventure. It did have a few rough places but nothing to make you want avoid the trail. If was a pretty ride and there were several places to make pit stops!
this trail is far superior to what it's online presence indicates. i think it wanders about 12 miles or so west of fifty nine, and traverses and connects with another set of trails behind gulf state park to the east of 59(orange beach, and perdido key). I stayed in a condo on west beach (gulf shores), and was able to bike about thirty or so miles everyday, never looping the same ride. three bike rental shops in the area (the one that isn't local delivers and picks up for free), all of varying qualities and costs. the trails provide a safe atmosphere with very few bad spots.. wildlife is abundant (eagles, osprey, rattlesnakes, and gators; cypress trees with hanging moss.). the secret to getting to the trail from beach blvd is staying on the sidewalk on 59. the sidewalk is only on the west side of 59. follow the sidewalk, until you cross 59 at wal mart supercenter.. or go east for fort morgan trail. it is worth checking out. i am very surprised by the number of negative reviews. this is an awesome bike trail, and i cannot wait to return.
Agree with other reviews. The pavement needs some maintenance, but if you're careful, there is nothing a novice cannot handle. There are lots of intersecting roads and therefore frequent stops that will interrupt your riding flow - but the views are nice. Lots of trees to shade you from the hot sun.
I wish I could this 3.5 stars. Yes...it is rough. I tore loose both front wheels (not all at the same time luckily) from hitting twigs, rubble, and sidewalk cracks. I had to skate to a gas station and beg for an Allen wrench. Lots of rubble and appears to go through a school zone. There may be one portion that stretches a mile without interruptions, otherwise there are many intersections. BUTTT...it connects to a larger network of trails that is absolute bliss (gulf oak ridge, Catman, TwinBridges, Rattlesnake Ridge).
I got on the trail to cycle. The pavement has gotten rough and part of it is so narrow it's difficult for two to pass each other. I finally opted to ride the road shoulder knowing that I would have to eventually anyway. The road was much better just watch for ignorant motorists.
The trail has some rough patches and is narrow. It seems that a lot of clean up work has been going on around on the trail. It would be nice if it extended to the end at Fort Morgan.
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