Kincaid Park

Kincaid Park: Anchorage's Exhilarating Mountain Biking Mecca

Situated on the picturesque western shores of the Cook Inlet, Anchorage's sprawling Kincaid Park has become synonymous with outdoor adventure. With its hilly terrain sculpted naturally against the backdrop of the Inlet, this 1500-acre wonder is a testament to nature's raw beauty and human ingenuity combined.

Trail Overview

• Distance: A whopping 45 miles of trails.
• Level: Intermediate, catering to riders with some experience.
• Route Type: An intricate network of trails.
• Location: Anchorage, Alaska.

Navigating the Roller Coaster

Referred to as 'the roller coaster' by locals, Kincaid Park offers a biking experience that feels like a never-ending play between ascents and descents. While primarily known for its x-country skiing legacy since the 70s, the park's biking trails have garnered their own reputation, thanks to features like:

• Double Wide Trails: Originally designed for skiers and routinely groomed in winter months, they offer riders a spacious track.
• Varied Routes: From Middle Earth as a prime route to connecting from the Coastal Trail, options are aplenty.
• Signage and Maps: Well-marked routes, with maps stationed at significant intersections, color-coded to indicate difficulty levels.

Moose Alert!

While the trails promise an adrenaline-packed experience, one unique element adds to the thrill: moose sightings. The park's dense forestry is home to a substantial moose population, making encounters almost a given. Here's what riders had to say:

• "GREAT trail system, and you're bound to spot a moose or two during your ride."
• "An expansive network, from beginner trails to expert loops, all well-marked."
• "The park even switches trail directions periodically, ensuring variety. However, be sure of the direction before you set out."

On the note of moose, caution is advised, especially during summer when they're most active. There are instances of riders having close encounters, sometimes leading to injuries, like one unfortunate cyclist who collided with a Bull Moose.

Expansion on the Horizon

Riders looking for new challenges can rejoice, as Kincaid Park is gearing up to add 6 more miles of MTB trails, as reported by Seattle Times.

Getting There

Reaching Kincaid Park is relatively straightforward. From Anchorage, move south on Minnesota Dr and take the Raspberry exit westwards. After 3.5 miles, you'll arrive at the main parking lot and trailheads. Alternatively, opt for the scenic, paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stretching 10 miles from Anchorage, culminating at the same parking space.

Final Words

Kincaid Park promises a biking experience that's exhilarating, diverse, and sometimes wild (thanks to our moose friends). Whether you're seeking a short, flowy ride or challenging ascents and descents, it's an Alaskan gem waiting to be explored.