7 Scenic Rail Trails In Alaska That Are Downright Picture Perfect
There are many challenging hiking trails in The Last Frontier to explore, but if you are looking for something a little easier with spectacular scenery, consider taking a jaunt along the rail trails in Alaska. Rail trails are generally flat and have gentle curves as they are placed on top of defunct railroad lines. Often they are paved making the trails ideal not only for pedestrians, but also for bikes, skates, strollers, and wheelchairs — giving access to everyone who wants to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Let’s take a look at seven of these trails that are absolutely stunning.
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The Homer Spit is a long, narrow piece of land protruding out into the Kachemak Bay. The 4.5-mile paved trail provides access to the boat harbor at the end of the spit. Traverse this trail along the water and enjoy the many shorebirds that circle overhead.
This 6.1-mile trail links the city of Palmer with Moose Creek. The trail is gravel and suitable for walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The scenic journey will offer river views with the Chugach Mountains on the skyline to the south. The trail also cuts through some forest which gives ample opportunity to view local birds and wildlife.
The Campbell Creek Greenway runs for 7.5 miles. It meanders alongside the creek and in the fall you might see salmon making their way up the water to spawn. There is a viewing platform along the way, which is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views. The trail is mostly paved with some gravel sections.
This 3.9-mile paved trail follows the path of Chester Creek between Westchester Lagoon and Goose Lake Park in Anchorage. The trail is also lit for night use and passes through several of the city's picturesque parks.
A short trail at only 1.5 miles, Goose Lake Park Trail loops around the lake on the campus of the University of Alaska. The trail is paved making it accessible to bikers, pedestrians, skaters, and wheelchairs. Catch the gorgeous water views as you traverse this trail.
This 13-mile paved path runs parallel to State Route 1 along the Turnagain Arm of an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska. The Bird To Gird Pathway is sandwiched between glacier covered mountains and the shore. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as beluga whales in the water and sheep on land are great. The trail also has signage pointing out some geologic features along the way.
The 14-mile Chase Trail begins near the town of Talkeetna. The first five miles is gravel and runs alongside the railroad tracks, you may even encounter a train along the way. After the gravel stretch, the trail enters a spruce-birch forest that you can wander through on a dirt path. Occasionally moose or brown bears will show up, so stay alert for these visitors.
You can find more information about these rail trails in Alaska and trail maps on the Trail Link website. If you love to go hiking, try one of these majestic trails that are perfect for exploring the Alaskan outdoors during wintertime.
Have you ever biked or walked any of these scenic rail trails in Alaska? Which one was your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
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