Alaska is covered in hiking trails, both officially maintained and the rustic type that the moose carve through the woods. Taking a walk on a trail is a perfect way to appreciate the wild beauty of Alaska for everyone. Some of the best hikes in Alaska will lead you to somewhere special, and these trails take you to fairytale footbridges, dripping with charm and scenic views. There are options all over the state, so no matter what area you are in Alaska, look for a fun hike to try and experience the way Alaskans have summer fun.

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7. Resurrection Creek Foot Bridge

In the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near the Turnagain Arm, you’ll find the Resurrection Creek Footbridge. It’s one of the best kid-friendly trails in Alaska to watch the salmon run upstream in the late summer.

8. The Savage River Loop Trail Foot Bridge, Denali National Park

The simple wooden footbridge lies on this easy path along a river valley in Denali National Park, so bring the whole family out for a day of outdoor adventure. You’ll love this quick leg stretcher while on any road trip or a make a day of it with a picnic in Denali.

 

9. McCarthy Foot Bridge over the Kennicott River

You’ll love this enchanting footbridge that takes you from the parking area toward the town of McCarthy. The rushing Kennicott River below, the circle of mountains and glaciers surrounding, and the breeze make for a moment you’ll never forget.

 

If you love hiking, check out These 7 Hikes in Alaska Are Completely Out Of This World. For some trails that work for everyone, check out 14 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Alaska.

How many of these trails have you hiked? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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More to Explore

best hikes in Alaska

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska?

Taking the youngest of nature lovers out to experience Alaska’s hiking trails is a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to experience our great outdoors. Formerly a dairy farm, Creamers Field is now a bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve with an easy 2-mile boardwalk hike that’s one of the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska, especially for viewing wildlife and wildflowers.

Which hikes in Alaska are short and sweet?

There are plenty of lengthy trails in Alaska that seem to go on forever, and while that’s certainly appealing for the weekend warrior looking to cover a lot of ground while backpacking through the state, sometimes you just want a short and sweet trail in Alaska without being too strenuous. The Perseverance Lake Trail in Ketchikan is one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska, and the 2.3-mile trail will lead you through the forest with waterfront views along the way.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska?

For a quick and easy hike to one of Alaska’s many waterfalls, you can’t go wrong with the Thunder Bird Falls Trail in Chugiak. This easy trail in Alaska is less than a mile long and ends with a beautiful view of the 200-foot waterfall. If you’re near Juneau, be sure to check out Nugget Falls, a 377-foot-tiered waterfall in Alaska that's fed from runoff from the Nugget Glacier. The trail is about two miles long round trip, with very little elevation change, so it’s a great trail for kids to enjoy, too.

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