Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 427 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 15 min
South Fork Falls Trail
ModerateAlaska · United States
- Distance
- 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 28 m (92 ft)
- Typical time
- 11 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 191 m (627 ft)
About South Fork Falls Trail
South Fork Falls Trail is a 0.7 km hiking route in Alaska, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. Most people take around 11 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.
The waterfall is the centrepiece, and it runs hardest in the weeks after snowmelt or heavy rain.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Anchorage, about 24.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, South Fork Falls Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate0.7 km28 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +28 m
- Descent
- −7 m
- High
- 191 m (627 ft)
- Low
- 159 m (522 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 24 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Waterfall
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 52/100
- Adventure
- 17/100
- Difficulty
- 2/100
- Accessibility
- 85/100
- Family
- 57/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Go within a day or two of rain if you want the falls at full volume.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Bring a small tripod and a neutral density filter if you want the classic silky water, and shoot on an overcast day to avoid blown highlights. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed South Fork Falls Trail yet. Be the first.
Trails near South Fork Falls Trail
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 3.5 km / 2.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 698 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 47 min
- Mountain
Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 3.0 km / 1.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 445 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 18 min
- Mountain
Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 755 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 38 min
- Mountain
Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 8.8 km / 5.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 322 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 19 min
Moderate
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 56 m
- Typical duration
- 19 min
- Waterfall