Alaskans don’t let freezing (and way below freezing) temps keep them away from having outdoor fun. They just slip on the proper gear and head out. That’s one of the reasons fat-tire biking has become wildly popular in the state. Rent one at a shop in town, including Arctic Cycles and the Trek Bicycle Store (call in advance). Then head out to Far North Bicentennial Park, which has trails ranging from easy to moderate. Anchorage has an extensive trail system connecting pretty much every part of town, so there’s no need to even drive to the trail (unless you get pooped easily). Pedal through trees and over snow-covered bridges, then take some time to just enjoy the quiet. Remember: Dress in layers. You’ll start out cold but heat up very quickly. While the bears are in for their winter nap, there are plenty of other animals to watch out for: Keep an eye out for moose—they’re beautiful to see but painful to run into.
A Young Woman rides a studded tire bicycle with her Alaskan Husky down the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage, Southcentral Alaska, USA.
Kevin Smith/age fotostock
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Perfect fall walking and hiking!
We were lazing around on a Sunday afternoon and decided to go for a hike. We live in Alaska, so it is pretty much win - win. Usually we go up to Flat Top or down to the Coastal Trail or just down the trail by our house. My husband likes more of a wilderness hike and I like to be within shouting distance of another human or at least where there is cell phone because I am TERRIFIED of bears. So we went to Far North because it is the perfect time of year for a hike there. Lots of choices for altitude, direction, roaring rivers that are usually streams, some ice and lots of sunshine through bare branches. And the bears are ostensibly asleep. A couple of people have died out there in the years we have lived here, and there are a ton of bears that pass through on their way to eat from the rich peoples’ grabage cans. There was even a bear fatality recently. But Far North is 10 minutes from our condo. I mean it is like a left turn, a right turn, half a kilometer and BOOM perfect wilderness. It was so beautiful. I love living in Anchorage!!!
