Advertisement

Alaska Abandoned|Hiking|Nature

Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Alaska

By Carey Seward | Published August 30, 2018

This abandoned railroad trail is a short drive from Alaska’s largest city into the pastoral Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Get out of the city for a full day of wilderness fun. This trail is fairly easy and most people will enjoy the stroll along the river and through the picturesque forest. Arrange a shuttle and hike just one way, or turn around and hike out and back for a longer challenge. Before the snow falls, head out for a fabulous day hiking this abandoned railroad trail in Alaska.

The trail begins at the intersection of Eagle Avenue and Denali Street in Palmer and winds through a railroad bed that is no longer in use. This hike follows the Matanuska River and has beautiful views of the Chugach Mountains.

You can park in a dedicated space along Eagle Avenue and begin the hike in the heart of downtown Palmer.

Advertisement

The trail is 6.1 miles one way and gains 1,700 feet of elevation. It isn't terribly challenging, just a long beautiful stroll through the woods.

Advertisement

You can use this all-weather trail any time of year. From the Palmer side, the trail is fairly easy for the first few miles as you stroll through stands of cottonwood, paper birch, and Alaskan spruce.

This abandoned railroad trail is non-motorized and runners and walkers frequently use it. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking and dogs on a leash are all permitted.

Occasionally, erosion and rain cause rockslides to cover the trail after the first few miles. At these points, you can either scramble over the rocky sections or simply turn back and enjoy the stable section of the trail.

Follow an old railroad bed for the last few miles. You will continue along Moose Creek for a short distance, then cross the highway to the Moose Creek State Recreation Wayside. Leave a car here or turn around and hike back.

This enchanting hike along an abandoned railroad trail is a wonderful way to spend the day enjoying the great outdoors in Alaska.

Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail

Start: Eagle Avenue and Valley Way (Palmer)
End: Glenn Highway/SR 1 at Moose Creek (6 miles north of Palmer)

More information on the Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail here.

Make a full day of your visit to the Mat-Su Valley and check out The Gorgeous U-Pick Farm In The Alaskan Countryside You Have To Visit At Least Once. You can also stop for supper and you’ll agree that This Countryside Restaurant In Alaska Has The Most Stunning View.

Have you hiked this abandoned railroad trail? Tell us about it in the comments below.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Alaska