I know, I know, I'm two-staring a hiking trail. I'm going to nature-appreciation-hell. So be it. This trail is beloved by many, but I just don't get it. I've only done the first 12 miles of this 38 mile trail and...they were a total bore. The "bang-for-buck" on this one is very low. This would be a great trail in upstate NY or Vermont. For Alaska though? It's a total snooze fest. It seems to get most of its hype because: 1) It's really well-maintained (no bushwhacking). 2) If you plan ahead, you can stay in cabins. 3) There is very little elevation gain It would probably be a fun mountain bike too. (mountain bikes are allowed, not common for most Alaska trails) For a hike or a backpacking trip on foot though? Boring. You're in the trees most of the time. When there's a clearing, you are looking at the types of mountains Alaskans call "hills". They aren't steep, they aren't tall, they're short and gentle. Many are shorter than peaks in the Appalachian mountains of the lower 48. There are no glaciers to see. There isn't much wildlife (I only saw a few birds in 12 miles of hiking). The trail gets really icy in the winter. (definitely bring micro-spikes if hiking in/through then) The cabins (we stayed at Fox Creek Cabin, future review coming up) are not well stocked with wood in the winter. Make sure you bring a few duralogs if you're hiking in in the winter. I'm glad Alaska has a trail like this, and I'm glad it's popular. It'll keep the crowds away from the better hikes :) read more

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