The more than 400 miles of multi-use trails in Anchorage provide excellent opportunities to hike, bike, walk, run, in-line skate, ATV, ride horse, view wildlife and pick berries – and that’s just summer activities! Here are some of the most popular parks and trails within Anchorage:
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
This scenic 11-mile, multiuse trail begins in downtown Anchorage on Second Avenue and passes several major points of interest, including the Oscar Anderson House at Elderberry Park, Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof before terminating at Kincaid Park Outdoor Center. The trail affords incredible views of Cook Inlet and six different mountain ranges. The last four miles of the trail pass through a beautiful boreal forest that is well populated with moose. Bicycle rentals are available at several locations in downtown Anchorage.
Kincaid Park
This large park was once a military missile installation that was eventually turned over to the Municipality and converted into one of the city’s most popular year-round recreation areas and one of the world’s top competitive venues for Nordic skiing. Remnants of post, Cold War bunkers, are evident there today. Located in West Anchorage on the coast of Cook Inlet, it is also the terminus of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at Mile 11, and offers 31 miles of looped trails within the park. With whoop-de-do roller-coaster routes, incredible scenic overlooks and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities (especially moose), Kincaid Park possesses plenty of excitement.
Hillside Park
Located in the Chugach foothills within Far North Bicentennial Park, Hillside Park gives all levels of adventure seekers an opportunity for a really good time. The park features 7.5 miles of multiuse trails, some with special designation for mountain biking or horseback riding.
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is nothing short of spectacular. The half-million acres promise plenty of room for excellent adventure with nearly 30 trails suitable for short hikes, weeklong backpacking and mountain biking. It’s easy to find this park. Just look to the east from any point in the Anchorage. Find Chugach State Park trails.
Grab Your Planks
Olympians Kikkan Randall, Holly Brooks & James Southam can be spotted training for their next big event on Anchorage’s world-class Nordic ski trail system. More than 100 miles (175 km) of groomed tracks include 24 miles (40 km) of lighted trail. Cross-country skiers will find warming hut facilities at Kincaid Park, Hilltop Ski Area and Russian Jack Park.
Hillside/far North Bicentennial parks, Campbell Creek Greenbelt and Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Greenbelt, Spencer Loop and Albert Loop Trail also are among local cross-country ski trail favorites.
Visit www.muni.org for details.
