If you love hiking or walking in a mature forest with well appointed trails and interesting geography—including a menagerie of Alaskan wildlife plus access to miles of shoreline—you can’t go wrong in Kincaid Park.
With 35 to 40 miles of officially maintained trails, plus many unsigned but well-trod single-track paths, the park is a literal maze. The main trails are equipped with map kiosks or signs, so it’s easy to keep track of your location. It’s great for every level of intensity—from fitness runners to families strolling with kids. You can hike, amble, jog or mount a serious workout.
Want to do an out-and-back jaunt with a couple of 100-foot climbs on a 10K loop? It’s there. Want to meander through deep woods on the hunt for interesting birds or browsing moose? Just start walking. Seeking horizon-spanning vistas of snowy ranges and vast seascapes? Kincaid has that, too.
The possibilities for exploration are endless.
- For extended walks in summer, head out on the park’s extensive trail system. The routes used by skiers in winter are typically wide and grassy, actively maintained, with good sight distance for avoiding moose and the occasional black bear.
- To be sure, Kincaid’s main trail network closes to foot (and dog) traffic once ski grooming starts. But that’s no reason for walkers, joggers, dog lovers, snow-shoers and other explorers to stay home after the snow flies. An array of multi-use routes and less-known walking paths crisscross the park, sometimes leading to unexpected forest groves and spectacular views. Plus, you are free to bushwhack across the country everywhere except the designated archery range (obey signage.)
- For deep-woods loops, try the single-track system designed for mountain and snow biking but open to multi-use year round.
- For high adventure and world-class vistas, explore the goat-path trails along 300-foot bluff overlooking Turnagain Arm. Easiest access may be off the single tracks Mighty Bike/CS Express or Sandbox. Or from undeveloped footpaths climbing behind the soccer stadium.
- For low-impact strolling, use the multi-use trail along Raspberry Road or take the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail down the bluff to the western shore.
- For an otherworldly winter beach walk among sculpted ice and giant grounded ice boulders, descend to the beach. Best access is about nine-tenths of a mile down from the chalet where the coastal trail veers north along the bluff. Great Adventure Day Trips for Families
For more information:
Kincaid Park trail reports by the public
