This is a lovely time of year to take to the trails and explore Alaska. The mosquitoes are dying down, the air is clear and crisp, and the trails are a little less crowded than during high summer. These fall hikes have fantastic views with minimal trail length for the maximum views for hiking miles. With hikes all over the state, you’re sure to find one near you. So hit the trails this season on these short and sweet fall hikes for epic Alaskan views and cool, fresh air.
- Worthington Glacier, Valdez
Nathanael Coyne | Flickr High in the Thompson Pass, you will find this beautiful hike. Hike the Keystone Canyon to see the beautiful valley in the fall colors. More trail info here.
- Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail, Palmer
Kim F | Flickr From downtown Palmer, head on this easy trail to incredible views of the Chugach mountains. The full hike is 6.1 miles one way, but you can see the epic views after just an easy mile. More trail info here.
- Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Kodiak
Andrew Petersen | Flickr The cool, rainy island of Kodiak boasts one of the most beautiful parks in Alaska: Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park. Head here to take one of the many trails of various lengths for fabulous seaside views and mossy forests that look like a dream. More trail info here.
- Exit Glacier, Seward
jdegenhardt | Flickr Head to this gorgeous trail in the seaside town of Seward for a fabulous fall hike. The full trail is 8.6 miles to the glacier, but after just an easy mile you can see some beautiful autumn views. More trail info here.
- Trail Creek, Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Parklands | Flickr The Trail Creek trailhead is located at mile 29.8 on Nabesna Road. The full trail is flexible from 6-10 miles, but you can take the first mile along the creek bed to see the beautiful scenery and the Trail Creek Canyon. More trail info here.
- Trail of Blue Ice, Girdwood
Grant Eaton | Flickr This awesome hike runs along the floor of the Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest. Head a few miles in to see the hillsides rising around a glacial blue lake. More trail info here.
- Gold Creek Flume Trail, Juneau
Joseph | Flickr A quick 1.4 miles will lead you to a beautiful view. A smooth series of boardwalks will take you to one of the most beautiful views in Alaska. More trail info here.
- Thunderbird Falls, Anchorage
Ellamay66 | Flickr This beautiful 1.8-mile trail is just off the Glenn Highway and heads into the Chugach National Forest. The end view is a 200-foot-tall waterfall!
More trail info here.
- Angel Rocks, Fairbanks
Diana K | Flickr At mile marker 49 on Chena Hot Springs Road, take this popular and gorgeous Fairbanks trail to absolutely amazing views. You’ll love this short and sweet trail, just a couple miles to the first rock. More trail info here.
If you are in the southeast, you can Follow This Enchanting Trail Through Alaska’s Rainforest For An Unforgettable Experience. And you may want to get to these 8 Gorgeous Alaska Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required, and you’ll need to hurry before they freeze.
Nathanael Coyne | Flickr
High in the Thompson Pass, you will find this beautiful hike. Hike the Keystone Canyon to see the beautiful valley in the fall colors. More trail info here.
Kim F | Flickr
From downtown Palmer, head on this easy trail to incredible views of the Chugach mountains. The full hike is 6.1 miles one way, but you can see the epic views after just an easy mile. More trail info here.
Andrew Petersen | Flickr
The cool, rainy island of Kodiak boasts one of the most beautiful parks in Alaska: Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park. Head here to take one of the many trails of various lengths for fabulous seaside views and mossy forests that look like a dream. More trail info here.
jdegenhardt | Flickr
Head to this gorgeous trail in the seaside town of Seward for a fabulous fall hike. The full trail is 8.6 miles to the glacier, but after just an easy mile you can see some beautiful autumn views. More trail info here.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Parklands | Flickr
The Trail Creek trailhead is located at mile 29.8 on Nabesna Road. The full trail is flexible from 6-10 miles, but you can take the first mile along the creek bed to see the beautiful scenery and the Trail Creek Canyon. More trail info here.
Grant Eaton | Flickr
This awesome hike runs along the floor of the Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest. Head a few miles in to see the hillsides rising around a glacial blue lake. More trail info here.
Joseph | Flickr
A quick 1.4 miles will lead you to a beautiful view. A smooth series of boardwalks will take you to one of the most beautiful views in Alaska. More trail info here.
Ellamay66 | Flickr
This beautiful 1.8-mile trail is just off the Glenn Highway and heads into the Chugach National Forest. The end view is a 200-foot-tall waterfall!
More trail info here.
Diana K | Flickr
At mile marker 49 on Chena Hot Springs Road, take this popular and gorgeous Fairbanks trail to absolutely amazing views. You’ll love this short and sweet trail, just a couple miles to the first rock. More trail info here.
Where do you love to hike in the fall in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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