Hillside - Far North Bicentennial Park

Exploring Anchorage's Far North Bicentennial Park: A Cyclist's Paradise

Anchorage's Far North Bicentennial Park, fondly known as 'The Hillside' among locals, stands as a testament to the beauty and variety Alaska offers. With an expansive area of around 4000 acres, this gem presents every cyclist with a diverse experience.

Trail Overview

• Distance: A sprawling 80-mile trail network.
• Level: Very Easy, ideal for beginners but still appealing to seasoned cyclists.
• Route Type: Network, offering various routes and intersections.
• Terrain: Ranging from manicured flat trails to challenging singletracks.
• City & State: Anchorage, Alaska.

An Insight into the Park's Diversity

The park incorporates five smaller parks, each with its unique appeal:

• Campbell Tract: Boasting well-maintained, flat terrains, it serves as an entry point to some cross-country trails leading to Hillside areas.
• North Bivouac: Features several loop trails of varying lengths, leading to the notable Tank Trail. Certain trails here are winter-exclusive due to wetland crossings. Always consult an area map before venturing.
• South Bivouac: Serves as a connector to the Multi-use corridor and Hillside areas.
• Lower Hillside: Characterized by rolling hill terrains, it's interlaced with double wide ski trails and periodic singletrack connections.
• Upper Hillside: For those craving a challenge, this area, east of South Gasline Tr, offers steep terrains. The notable Spencer Loop, Upper Gasline Tr, and Lama singletrack trails are here, with the newly built STA singletrack trails also nearby.

An important note: Rover's Run acts as a bridge between Campbell Tract and South Gasline Tr. Recent human-bear encounters have led to its seasonal closure. Heed all posted notices.

User Experience & Recommendations

• Cross-Country Training: The park offers trails perfect for cross-country training with an enticing blend of ascents and descents.
• Uncharted Excitement: For adrenaline junkies, numerous unmarked side trails, mostly singletracks, branch off the main trails. These provide a technical challenge and a hint of downhill mountain bike action.
• Safety: As with any shared trail, always be on the lookout for hikers and walkers.

Getting There

Far North Bicentennial Park rests on Anchorage's Eastern edge, abutting the Chugach Range. With 17 official trailheads and countless local ones, access is never an issue.

In Conclusion

Whether you're a novice looking for a relaxed ride or an expert seeking a technical challenge, Far North Bicentennial Park promises a fulfilling cycling experience. It's not just about the ride; it's about the journey and the myriad surprises along the way.