The best running trails around Big Lake

There are 8 dedicated running routes detailed in this guide for the Big Lake area. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate loops to more challenging trails with significant elevation changes.

Yes, for runners seeking a challenge, the Little Mountain Point – Pickering Viewpoint loop from Little Mountain - Darvill Conservation Easement is a difficult 7.5-mile (12.0 km) trail featuring over 427 meters of elevation gain, offering strenuous terrain and potential viewpoints.

Absolutely. If you prefer a more accessible running experience, the Mount Vernon – Lion's Park loop from Mount Vernon is a moderate 6.8-mile (10.9 km) path with minimal elevation change, making it suitable for a less strenuous run.

Jogging around Big Lake offers expansive lake views, with the vast 2,493-acre lake and its 67 miles of shoreline as a central feature. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Mount Susitna, Denali, and the Talkeetna Mountains, especially on clear days. The routes traverse diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and alpine areas, providing a varied natural backdrop.

While running, you might pass by or near several points of interest. For example, the area includes Mount Vernon and Clear Lake. The region also features state recreation sites like Big Lake North and Big Lake South, which offer access to the lake and its natural surroundings.

Yes, many of the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Running loop from Mount Vernon is a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) circular trail that takes you through varied local terrain.

Big Lake is known as 'Alaska's Year-Round Playground.' While summer offers pleasant conditions for running on trails and lakeside paths, be mindful of mosquito season. In winter, some trails primarily used for snowmobiling might be suitable for running in appropriate conditions, but always check local trail conditions and safety advisories. The panoramic mountain views are stunning year-round.

Yes, the Big Lake area features several trail systems that can be utilized for jogging. The Big Lake Area Snowmachine Trails, while primarily for winter motorized activities, also list jogging as a seasonal use. Additionally, sections of trails like the Glenn Highway Trail and Campbell Creek Trail offer paved or multi-use paths suitable for running.

State Recreation Sites such as Big Lake North and Big Lake South offer access to the lake and its surrounding natural beauty, often with amenities like picnic areas and overnight parking. Rocky Lake State Recreation Site and Fish Creek Park are also nearby, providing additional natural areas and potential access points for trails.

The Big Lake area is appreciated by the komoot community for its diverse terrain and scenic beauty. Over 30 runners have used komoot to explore the region's varied routes, often praising the expansive lake views and the majestic backdrop of Mount Susitna, Denali, and the Talkeetna Mountains.

For those looking for longer distances, the Bryant Lake loop from North Centennial Trail Trailhead is a difficult 14.4-mile (23.1 km) route, offering a substantial distance for endurance running with moderate elevation changes.