Find the top rated running trails in Cooper Landing, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This trail connects as an extension of the coastal trail at the chalet in Kincaid Park. Most tourists turnaround at the park so this trail has a lot less use. Much of the trail is near Raspberry Road but traffic noise is not an issue as the street traffic is light. Constant hills, not much is flat. Surface is in good condition, better than coastal trail. A few crossing of residential streets. I gave this trails four stars due to the proximity of the street and residential street crossings.
This is a little used paved trail around Goose Lake. Trail goes through the trees with only a few views of the lake. Surface is rough and deteriorated so be careful. Good turnaround if coming from the coastal trail on the Chester Creek trail. Portable toilet at the beach house. Gave it 3 stars due to short length, poor surface and no water.
Nice trail with some hills around the airport and Kincaid Park . Occasional riders should consider an ebike. Bring a water bottle, no water except at the chalet at Kincaid Park which is only open in the afternoon. A lot of walkers on the first 2 miles from downtown. Some wildlife, I saw 3 moose. I just marked this trail four stars as there is no water and maybe one portable toilet.
I am visiting Anchorage for the week and I am happy to see an abundance of local trails available.
Campbell Creek Trail follows the Campbell Creek through Anchorage. You will feel like you are in nature even though you are running through the heart of the city. Most areas were wooded and/or had a view of the creek. Yet, you feel close enough to civilization that you don't feel like you will be mauled by a bear!
Because it runs along the creek, the course is relatively flat. The course does have a gradual include when going Eastbound (opposite of the rivers flow). My watch shows a gain of 150 feet over 8 miles (4 miles out and back).
I biked the trail last weekend with friends and rode home on an alternate route through Anchorage. The trail is beautiful, winds along the coast, through the forest, and past interesting informational kiosks. There's a short dirt path that leads to the beach near the south end of the trail that's worth a visit. We rode back through town and connected with the Chester Creek trail which is also beautiful. So many fun things to see along the way!
I rented a bike while in Anchorage on business and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail was without a doubt one of the best trails I've ever been on! Smooth and scenic, well maintained trail, not too crowded, hardly any stops/crossings; it was a pure delight. I was there in June and it was perfect for biking, saw some moose and other wildlife. Really a pleasure to bicycle! Strongly recommend if you're ever in Anchorage.
One of the best that I've been on in the country
In the waning days of summer, which to this lifelong resident of SoCal felt like winter, my wife and I rode a portion of the trail on a blustery September afternoon. Being a couple of mid-sixties tourists from California, we enlisted the expertise of Alaska Trail Guides to provide bikes, lead the way, educate us about Anchorage history and the flora and fauna, and protect us from being trampled by a moose or mauled by a bear. I'm happy to report we safely saw several moose and managed to avoid any bear encounters!
We started at Earthquake Park and headed in the direction of Kincaid Park. The asphalt trail was perfectly maintained with occasional inclines, and the sights were stunningly beautiful including yellow leaves covering the trail, serene forests, lovely coastal views of Cook Inlet with its nearby islands, and snow capped mountains.
Unfortunately because of time constraints, Covid restrictions set by the guide company, and a group of seven senior citizens, we only went out about four and a half miles before turning back to Earthquake Park. As a result, about 50% of our ride was spent beneath the flight path of the international airport. If you like listening to and watching large jets land at an airport, then I guess that's awesome!
We traveled 2,600 miles to ride this amazing trail and were not disappointed with what we got to experience, but not being able to ride the entire length will be something I'll always regret.
There is a parking area at Taku Lake Park North (near intersection of King St. & E 76th Ave.). Holds about 30 cars. Can be busy at times.
There is a Greenbelt parking area near intersection of Fischer Ave. & Lynnwood Dr. Holds about a dozen cars.
At Campbell Park there is a new parking area on the east side of Lake Otis Pkwy., 200 ft north of the Campbell Creek bridge. Holds about 30 cars. South of the bridge 200 ft is another parking area off E 48th Ave. (also on the east side of Lake Otis Pkwy.). Holds about 20 cars; may be busy at times as there is a playground adjacent to it. Directly from these parking areas you can follow the Campbell Cr. Trail easterly (upstream). To travel westerly on the trail: Take the bike path south along Lake Otis Pkwy., 1/4 mile to and thru a pedestrian underpass. Then follow a bike path north along Lake Otis Pkwy., 1/4 mile to quiet E 47th Ct. Follow this west 1/4 mile to find Campbell Cr. Trail at the end.
At the Chuck Albrecht Ball Fields there is a parking area that can hold over 100 cars. This is located on the south side of Doctor MLK Jr. Ave., 1/2 mile east of the intersection with Elmore Rd.
SKATERS BEWARE, TRAIL HAS STEEP GRADES!!! I have logged hundreds of miles skating on a portion of this trail, and never seem to tire of it.
The portion that is best for skating is from the pullout at Milepost 100 of the Seward Highway to Girdwood. This is a 20 mile round trip. The beginning and end are 8 feet wide; the bulk of this is 10 feet. There are 2 steep hills that are 12 feet wide.
West of Bird Point the trail has a mile-long level section (always fun to skate, especially with a tailwind), the rest is hilly and winding.
East of Bird Point it climbs then descends a couple hundred vertical feet. I have measured grades greater than 6% in this area.
The trail has its share of root cracks (even on one of the steepest slopes) to be aware of.
SKATERS NEED TO HAVE GOOD BRAKING SKILLS ON THIS TRAIL!!! I always carry a "brake pole" (similar to a hockey stick with a rubber foot instead of a blade). I drag it to slow my speed; I have never skated the 20 miles without needing to use it.
Approach it cautiously, control your speed, and enjoy the trail!
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