ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — With the opening of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Orange Beach is taking the steps to tap in to the nature tourism industry.

“Nature-based tourism is the fastest growing segment of the industry,” coastal resources manager Phillip West said. “What we have is the ability to explore relatively new and, we believe, fertile ground in the nature tourism segment.”

While West said the plan of the trail was never to capitalize on eco-tourism, the venture is demanding exploration.

“We’re going to be behind the curve of our competitors that realize that if we don’t start taking advantage of opportunities like promoting the Backcountry Trail,” West said.

To kick off promotions, the idea of eco-tours have developed into the newest project.

A two-hour guided trip of the trail is in the works, and the city is hoping it will debut at the end of February.

Larry Ellis, natural resources manager, said surveys left by trail visitors are asking for deeper information of the trail.

“We can’t go out on the trail without people stopping us to ask questions,” Ellis said. “I think there’s a need to give a little information to people.”

Ellis, who will be conducting the tours, said he will give in depth facts about animals encountered, history of the trail, city and island and the legend of Catman.

The interesting and eccentric natural identity of southern Alabama makes the island an obvious eco-tourism destination.

“Alabama, as a state, is known to be one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country, if not the world,” West said.

“In species it’s fourth in the United States. So we’re fortunate to have this resource, and we would be foolish not to try and tap in to some potential programs.”

The trail, which is based around old County Road 2, is a constant work in progress, West said, but it has already developed to a full nature attraction.

“It’s a pretty special project,” West said. “There’s not a lot of trails that fit the multiuse standard in a completely natural area for that length.”

With eight and a half miles of paved trail and one and a half miles of rocked trail, with other trails to follow with state approval, the attraction is becoming a big drawing force for visitors.

“It’s not a business venture as much as it is promotional,” West said. “We’re filling a need or service the community may want, and we feel the private sector is going to benefit.”

Ellis said people are already calling to reserve a spot on a tour. To book a tour contact the city of Orange Beach at 981-2610.