| Hike Talkeetna and Denali State Park |
Step out from your private cabin and explore the surrounding wilderness at your leisure or canoe across the lake and make your own trail. Following is an excerpt provided by the Talkeetna Visitors Center. Talkeetna has some nice trails both in town and close by. Talkeetna town trails range from a 20 minute walk along the river bank to a 6 hour trail that climbs above town and then drops down to the river. All trails are easily accessible from town. A trail map is available at some local businesses. It is not very good; sometimes it is just easier to ask at Talkeetna Outdoor Center and have someone draw you a map on a piece of paper or point you in the right direction. Maybe this winter, better maps will be developed. The short river trail starts at the end of Main Street, follows the shore and then cuts into the woods, ending at the end of the Village Airstrip. You can then walk along the airstrip road back to town. If you don't stop for pictures or throwing rocks in the river, this is a nice 20 minute walk with great views of the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley. The Airstrip is active so do not walk down the middle of it. In town, you can access a hike along the river from several points. This trail starts flat and then climbs into the hills. Along the way, there are several places where you can get off the trail, walk a short distance through the woods and be back on the road system back to the start. Once you start to climb, you will have good views of the valley and mountains. This trail is good for mountain biking too. Other hiking and biking trails start and end in the Christiansen Lake area., off the ComSat Road. From either the very end of ComSat Road off the Spur, you can go straight ahead or take the trail to the right. Along the road, you can take Golden Pond for a great walk that loops around and either ends in town or back onto the Christiansen Lake Road which runs into ComSat Road. There are good scenic views along the way. Also along the ComSat Road is the access to Freedom Hills Subdivision. This is a walk along the road but what-a-road! It climbs quite a way, great views, can come down the power line back to ComSat. Another nice town trail is accessed from the Overlook. This is a loop that can be extended from 1K to 3K. It drops sharply at first but then is flat (back up the hill to the start). The trail to Montana Creek Falls is a good day hike, with rough creekside camping. Access this trail off the Talkeetna Spur Road, Mile 3 Yoder Road. Cross the Million Dollar Bridge and the trailhead is on the left with limited parking. It is 6-8 hour hike round trip, about 8 miles. Prepare to get your feet wet. The trail is sometimes maintained but not much used. It goes alone creek and then climbs to above falls. Rocky path down to base of falls. This is a moderate to sort-of-strenuous hike. More Information
DNR Public Info Center
Alaska Public Lands Info |