Rail-Trail
State: AK Length: 13 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Bird to Gird Pathway parallels State Route 1 along the Turnagain Arm of an inlet off the Gulf of Alaska. The paved path runs for 13 miles between shore and glacier-covered mountains. You're likely to see wildlife along the way, including beluga whales and other sea mammals in the inlet and big game on dry land, such as Dall sheep. Dramatic views of the water and mountains led to the designation of the Seward Scenic Highway; part of the trail uses the old road, which was rerouted, and part of the trail occupies an old rail bed. Along the trail you'll find interpretive signs of the interesting geologic features, and the path leads to other local trails in Girdwood, Bird and Indian. There's a campground in Bird and covered rest areas with picnic tables along the route.
State: AK Length: 7.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
The Campbell Creek Greenbelt meanders along Campbell Creek making its way through urban Anchorage among neighborhoods and beautiful city parks. The runs for 7.5 miles between the lake on the university campus north of Tudor Road and the intersection of Diamond Boulevard and Victor Road. There is one broken link in the trail where it meets the Seward Highway (Route 1). You're likely to see wildlife along the way, including moose, beaver and possibly salmon making their way up the creek in autumn to spawn. There's a viewing platform near Piper Street, which overlooks the confluence of the north and south forks of Campbell Creek.
State: AK Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
The scenic Goose Lake Trail loops around the lake of the same name on the campus of the University of Alaska. The trail is paved and other non-paved trails nearby circle the Alaska Pacific University campus. The park land was originally under U.S. Army jurisdiction until 1956 when it was given to the city for recreation purposes. Park amenities include a lake with swimming beach (ice skating in winter), ball courts and fields, picnic shelters, restrooms (May–September), parking and playground equipment accessible to children with disabilities. In winter, the nearby non-paved trails (not mapped on TrailLink) are ideal for cross-country skiing. The Goose Lake Trail system links with the Lanier Fleischer Chester Creek Trail.
State: AK Length: 3.90 miles Surface: Asphalt, Dirt
The Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail follows the course of Chester Creek between Westchester Lagoon and Goose Lake Park in Anchorage. The trail is lit for night use and, although mostly flat, has some grade to it; moving east to west will be easier on the lungs and legs. Nearly the entire length of the trail passes through the city's various scenic parks. Watch for wildlife and be mindful of large animals that sometimes make their way here to browse for food. At Goose Lake, link up with the Goose Lake Park Trails.
State: AK Length: 11 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail follows the coastline of Anchorage along Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. Many rest areas provide scenic views of Anchorage, the surrounding mountain ranges, Cook Inlet and Knik Arm. You're also likely to encounter wildlife along the way. The Alaska Railroad tracks parallel the trail for about 1 mile, just past the northern trailhead, and passenger and freight trains are a common site. The entire trail is paved and suitable for biking, running, walking and skiing. As you reach Point Campbell in the last 0.5 mile, you'll be presented with a most formidable grade. The approaches to Earthquake Park (between milepost 2 & 2.5) and Point Woronzof (between mileposts 3 & 4) also present considerable grades. The trail is marked by mileposts every 0.5 mile with the exception of the first 1+ miles. The Tony Knowles Trail intersects the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail at Westchester Lagoon, a little over 1 mile from the former's northern trailhead. Wildlife viewing is most abundant along the southern half of the trail, where the trail departs the more populated areas. The trail skirts Anchorage Airport between mileposts 3.5 and 7.5, and encounters with low-flying jets are common.