Ghost Crabs

Squeals and shrills fill the air as night sets on the Alabama Coast. You would think that someone had seen a ghost. Well in most cases they have seen ghosts, ghost crabs. They are sometimes called sand crabs and are often seen scurrying along the shoreline between sunset and dawn and are a blast to catch. Zooming at speeds up to 10 miles per hour these crabs know how to make tracks!. So gear up with a flashlight and a bucket and head to the beach after dark for a ghostly fun time. Fits of giggles and screams of delight are typically the result when trying to temporarily capture these ghosts. We do urge you to use a gentle hand when observing these amazing little creatures and to definitely use the catch and release system.

Ghost Crab Quick Facts:
• Two black eyes, with sharp 360° vision, help them capture flying insects.
• Ghost crabs cannot see directly up, so they burrow into the sand to prevent birds from catching them.
• Ghost crabs tunnel down for about four feet at a 45° angle, creating one- to two-inch wide holes.
• At dusk, these crabs sprint into the ocean to obtain oxygen from the water, which washes over their gills.
• Females release their eggs into the ocean around the month of June.
• Ghost crabs hibernate during the winter, "holding their breath" for six months by storing oxygen in sacs near their gills.


Next time you visit our beautiful beaches and would like a thrilling experience take a walk down on the beach at night. The ghost crabs will send chills down your spine and everyone will love watching one of these small wonders on our coast. We look forward to seeing you here real soon.

Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail

One of the many hidden treasures here along the gulf coast is the Back Country Trail. It is a nature lover's paradise, and a fitness enthusiast's dream. Several years ago, the City of Orange Beach teamed up with the Gulf State Park to start a backcountry trail system that goes through the wilderness part of the park. The total distance is 7.8 miles which locals and visitors alike walk, run, and bike. Beautiful oak hammocks, wooden bridges, and flora and fauna will take your breath away. The trails meander along side marshes, secondary sand dunes, swamps, and creeks.
One of my favorite spots on the trail is Gulf Oak Ridge. During trail construction a Native American settlement more than 4000 years old was discovered. An old-growth maritime forest runs along a 38 foot high ridge offering you a scenic view of the gulf. A picnic area and swings make this a great place to take a break from your wilderness hike.
The trail system provides opportunities to explore beyond the fringe of the vast 6,500-acre Gulf State Park. Whether you are searching for blooming plants on a savanna, or tracking animals in the woods, the park has a ideal location for you.
Deer, wild hogs, wolves, coyotes, gopher tortoises, bobcats, snakes, foxes, alligators, armadillos and many other animals are spotted while hiking the trails.
On Saturday I spied a flock of red tanagers and painted buntings migrating back north when I hiked the trail. It looked like the Easter Bunny had thrown Easter eggs up into the trees, and scattered them onto the ground. You just never know what you may see on any given day. It's a new adventure each time I ride or walk the trails. It is a feast for your senses. Nature lovers this is a must see before you leave our beaches. Pack a lunch, binoculars and a camera, there are many picnic tables along the trail and a beautiful screened pavilion next to a butterfly garden. For those exploring with children, those all important restrooms are located along the trail.
A 2 hour guided eco-tour is available and reservations are required. This is not a walking tour, a knowledgeable guide takes you along the trails in a golf cart sharing unique points of interest.
To schedule your tour, call 981-1063 or email lellis@cityoforangebeach.com.

Until next time - Happy Trails to You!