Audubon Bird Sanctuary — Attraction in Dauphin Island

Oh so recommend!!!! They have handicap spaces but they are limited so plan accordingly. The Lake Loop trail is a mixture of boardwalk and nature trail. We took the boardwalk to the lake overview and got lots of great pictures from there, mostly of turtles. We then left the boardwalk and were able to take the nature trail. The trails are compacted enough to where a wheelchair can roll on them. You will have to watch for some really sandy spots and roots, but other than that my husband, in a wheelchair, was able to enjoy the sights of the trail and take some nice pics. When the trail looped towards the beach and we took the boardwalk up and over to the dune trail observation point we saw an Osprey in their nest. Got a great pic of a shrimp boat in the water. Finished the trail around to the boardwalk and got back to the parking area. One thing I enjoyed was that there were benches at random areas around the trail, that for folks like me, can take rest breaks and sit without being in the way and could be in the shade. Definitely...

Awesome park/sanctuary on Dauphin Island. Several hiking/walking trails available. Some have boardwalks much of the way but nearly all of them end at some point. We were able to use a stroller through everything except the little spur out to the beach.

The forest is beautiful. Tall pines that make the area above the underbrush feel open and airy. Mixed in are some oaks and magnolias with interesting branch structure. We were here in early September so it was still hot and not many wild flowers to be seen.

From the dock on Alligator Lake we saw closer to a dozen turtles of varying species swimming around. Some were huge, shell maybe a foot or more wide. Didn't see any gators though, unfortunately.

Maybe was time of day, mid afternoon, or year, but mosquitoes were pretty rough through the swamp and forest. If you kept moving it wasn't too bad, but our 2 year old got hammered with bites.

Parking is somewhat limited. No real amenities, but some people had hiked out to the beach and...

Love, Love, Love this place. I can't say enough. Good for a short or you can even make this an all day hike. It interconnects with the beaches as well. The Sanctuary always boasts a swamp, a lake and a wetlands. It's a self sustaining ecosystem in it's own. Various types of birds inhabit this system hence the name. It's a good getaway if you're just wanting to be alone or with some friends. It's also tucked in on the beautiful Dauphin Island. Millions of birds call this place home. Also the hiking trails aren't too bad as they can lead you out on to the beaches of Dauphin Island. The fact that it is so close to where I live makes it even better as it is just a short drive. The trails aren't too difficult as they all interweave and run together. There is so much to see that a lot of people take their time with the beautiful views. The lake has a pier you can go out on and view Gators, and turtles as well. Just overall a great place to go and forget your troubles and view a...