Hemlock Burn Loop

The feel

Hemlock Burn is singletrack through forest, built by Singletrack Advocates with Chugach State Park in 2020 and 2021. It is designed as a beginner and intermediate bike trail, with views of the Anchorage bowl. The loop starts at the Glen Alps Overlook parking lot, follows Hemlock Burn and takes a short detour on the Powerline and Blueberry Hollow Trails.

Cyclists, walkers and cross-country skiers all use it. It is one of the few bike-designed trails in Chugach State Park, so hikers should expect bike traffic.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 5.3 miles, with 662 to 715 ft of gain on singletrack through forest.

Time

2 to 2.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Popular with cyclists, walkers and cross-country skiers.

Parking

The loop starts at the Glen Alps Overlook parking lot.

Fees and passes

$5 day use at the state park trailhead.

Dogs

Allowed. Keep them on a leash where required and clean up after them.

Hazards

Bike traffic. Moose frequent the hillside trails, so do not approach wildlife, and bring bear spray.

Season and access

Open year-round.

Mingo says

Hikers should stay alert for bikes the whole way. Bikers are asked to travel one way from Glen Alps to Prospect and to yield to other users.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day-use fee at the Glen Alps lot.
• Carry bear spray.
• Bicycles are allowed on this trail by park regulation, and citations are issued on trails closed to bikes.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.