Hiking Trails
Trail adventures for all ages and abilities await you in Carmacks. See our Trail Map for more information.
Boardwalk – Telegraph Office to Pocket Park
Description/Access:
The Carmacks boardwalk offers a leisurely stroll along the scenic Yukon River and past community landmarks, with an assortment of wooden features and resting spots found along the way. The east end of the trial is marked by a small pavilion located near the Visitor Information Center. The west end starts from a small park with a playground and pavilion. Park at either end and complete a (approximately) 5-kilometer loop by combining the boardwalk trail, River Drive, and Ridge Run Trail. Use: The trail is used year-round by locals and tourists and is maintained year-round.
Ridge Run Trail
Description/Access:
The Ridge Run Trail (locally known as the "5K”) owes its name to a classic Yukon running race held each spring in Carmacks along its scenic ridge overlooking the Nordenskiold River valley. At the north end of the trail, the Carmacks Roadhouse, a well-preserved remnant of Carmack’s importance on the Dawson Overland Trail, offers parking and a nice location for a picnic. From here, the trail winds through spruce forest before gaining the ridge via a short, steep climb. Once on the ridge, you will enjoy views of the Nordenskiold River below and the complex geological features of Miller Ridge and surrounding hills to the west.
Numerous trails branch off the main route; stay on the most travelled path close to the ridge. Nearing the south end and the community, trails lead to numerous spirit houses, the traditional gravesites of the Little Salmon Carmacks/Northern Tutchone people. Please stay on the main trail as you descend into the townsite and do not disturb these special sites. Complete a full loop by walking to the Yukon River and returning to the roadhouse along the Carmacks boardwalk and River Drive.
The trail works well in either direction, but bikers may prefer traveling from south to north. If traveling east to west, park at the school (from mid-June to mid-August) or Visitor Information Centre.
Use: The trail is used primarily between the months of March to October by hikers, birders, and nature groups, although it is accessible year-round.
Murray Creek Waterfall Trail
Description/Access:
Waterfalls are a relatively rare natural phenomenon in the central Yukon, making Murray Creek well worth a visit. Drive about 7.5 kilometers from the start of the Freegold Road (just past the junction with Guder Drive) and keep a close watch out for a large culvert followed by a dirt road on the left. Park here. The Murray Creek trail, which is an old road, starts about 50 meters in from the Freegold. The road winds gradually up a series of benches, alternating between open ridges with distant views of the falls and mixed deciduous forest. The road ends overtop a steep cliff that forms the northern boundary of Murray Creek and the falls. Exercise caution near the cliff edge. Return via the same route.
Use: Murray Creek Waterfall has become a popular site for ice-climbers in the winter and can be accessed by snowmobile, snowshoes, cross-country skis or by foot. In the summer, the falls can be accessed by ATV, mountain-bike or on foot and has gained popularity in recent years. Dogs should be kept on lead once near the waterfalls.