Alaska
"North to the Future."
There are over 750 known hiking trails in Alaska. This number includes trails in state parks, national forests, and other public lands. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so there is a trail for everyone in Alaska.
Most popular trails:
Flattop Mountain Trail: This is a moderate 4.6-mile trail with stunning views of the city of Anchorage and the surrounding mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Exit Glacier Trail, which leads to a massive glacier.
Denali National Park and Preserve: This park is home to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, and offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Savage River Loop Trail.
Best trails for certain activities:
Backpacking: The Chilkoot Trail is a challenging 33-mile trail that is perfect for backpacking.
Bird watching: The Alaska Peninsula is a great place to see birds, including puffins and eagles.
Camping: There are many campgrounds in Alaska that offer hiking trails nearby.
Fishing: The Kenai River is a great place to fish for salmon.
Photography: The Glacier Bay National Park is a popular spot for photographers because of its stunning scenery.
Most challenging trails:
The Chilkoot Trail: This trail is 33 miles long and crosses some of the most rugged terrain in Alaska.
The Denali Park Road: This road is closed to private vehicles in the winter, but it is a popular hiking destination in the summer.
The Harding Icefield Trail: This trail leads to a massive icefield and is considered to be one of the most challenging hikes in Alaska.
Most scenic trails:
The Glacier Bay National Park: This park is home to stunning glaciers and mountains.
The Kenai Fjords National Park: This park offers stunning views of the fjords and glaciers.
The Denali National Park and Preserve: This park is home to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Most family-friendly trails:
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This trail is a paved trail that runs along the coast of Anchorage and is perfect for families with young children.
The Kincaid Park Trail System: This park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, including a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible.
The Flattop Mountain Trail: This trail is a moderate trail with stunning views of the city of Anchorage and the surrounding mountains.
Most family-friendly trails:
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This trail is a paved trail that runs along the coast of Anchorage and is wheelchair accessible.
The Kincaid Park Trail System: This park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, including a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible.
The Campbell Creek Greenbelt: This trail is a paved trail that runs through Anchorage and is perfect for people with mobility issues.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in Alaska. You can get permits at the park office or online.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the permits for trails in Alaska. You can find the permit application form and more information on the DNR website: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/permit/index.htm
