With hundreds of miles of trails, dozens of accessible trailheads, and spectacular views in every direction, Anchorage is a haven for hikers and cyclists. Whether riding the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or enjoying a family hike to the base of a beautiful waterfall, there’s a trail for every preference. Explore these six Anchorage neighborhood areas for a fun introduction to hiking and biking in Anchorage.

1. Chugiak/Eagle River: Zoom along the singletrack trails at Mirror Lake, enjoy a serene stroll along trails at the Eagle River Nature Center, or pedal the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. From Chugach State Park ascents to level trails ideal for all ages, the Chugiak and Eagle River areas are ripe with opportunities to ride bikes and roam mountain paths. Visit Thunder Bird Falls or the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead for a few more favorite local trails.

2. Hillside: Sprawling across the Chugach State Park foothills on the south side of Anchorage, the Hillside neighborhood is ideal for accessing the Chugach Mountains as well as the wilds of Far North Bicentennial Park. Bring a bike to ride miles of tree-lined trails, or lace up your hiking boots for a trek along one of the many alpine routes branching off from the Hillside neighborhood’s numerous Chugach trailheads. 

3. Girdwood: A scenic drive south of the city, Girdwood opens the door to endless outdoor grandeur. Ride the Bird to Gird bike trail to soak up the Turnagain Arm scenery, then find a local hiking trail to wander even further into the Chugach. The Historic Iditarod Trail, Virgin Creek Falls, and the Winner Creek Trail provide low-impact options for hikers of all ability levels, while longer and steeper paths (like the North Face Trail or the Crow Pass Trail) provide outdoor opportunities for experienced adventurers.

4. Sand Lake: Connect to a cross-town bike route or incredible coastal walking paths: Anchorage’s Sand Lake neighborhood offers a scenic springboard into some of Anchorage’s most unique hiking and biking trails. Find the bulk of them in Kincaid Park. This vast waterfront greenspace features singletrack trails, walking paths with beach access, and more – plus, it’s located at the western end of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which makes for a convenient connection to the rest of the city’s paved network of bike trails. 

5. Spenard/Turnagain: Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail from Downtown or Kincaid Park and you’ll eventually reach Spenard and Turnagain, two adjacent neighborhoods filled with bike trails and footpaths. New streetside bike lanes provide easy access to businesses along Spenard Road between Hillcrest Drive and Benson Boulevard, and the recently upgraded Fish Creek Trail creates a quaint neighborhood corridor connecting Fish Creek Park with the nearby Barbara Street Playground. Stay on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to see the neighborhoods from a different angle.

6. Midtown: Bisected by the winding Campbell Creek Trail, Anchorage’s Midtown neighborhoods create a convenient connection to the cross-city bike route known as the Moose Loop. Connect via Taku Lake, Bancroft Park, or Campbell Park: Make Midtown your starting point for the 32-mile loop around Anchorage, or just enjoy a stroll along the creek. The level paths in this part of town make it an ideal destination for trail users of all ages and ability levels.

These neighborhoods are a few local favorites – they’re also just the beginning. Searching for a fun way to explore more Anchorage trails, parks, bike paths, and green spaces? Sign up for the Anchorage Neighborhood Challenge and win prizes along the way.