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.
Mt. Berdoe Rd.
Description/Access:
This is a 6.5km trail which rises above the Nordenskiold river valley. The trail starts at the top of the hill 5km south of Carmacks on the North Klondike Highway.
Use:
This trail is maintained by Northwestel and is used year-round for access to their repeater site by vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles.
Five Finger Rapids
Description/Access:
The Five Finger Rapids trail starts 23km north of Carmacks at a rest stop with a sign, viewing platform and interpretive signs. The viewpoint overlooks the "Five Finger Rapids” named for the rapids created by four rock pillars that divide the waters of the Yukon River. From the viewpoint, there are stairs that take you down the steep slope of the 2km trail to the riverbank which gives you a closer look at the river and its features.
Use:
The trail is a common stop for tourists travelling through the Yukon.
Agate Trails:
Miller Ridge Trail
Description/Access:
Miller
Ridge is a classic Yukon hike that offers great scenery and close-up views of Carmacks’
fascinating geological character. The trail is accessed 4 kilometers down the
Mount Nansen Road, where you will see a sign and small pullout on the right-hand
side. The trail starts behind the sign and parallels the road for a short
distance before veering north and climbing gently through spruce and aspen
forest, with the occasional wet or steep spot. As the trail gains elevation,
the ground becomes rockier and more difficult to navigate, crossing the
aftermath of various small landslides through the trees. Glimpses of the craggy
pillars that comprise Miller Ridge give way to narrow forested sections where
the trail winds past interesting boulders. Excellent views are gained after a
very steep section, where solid footing is not assured. There is no defined end
to the trail here; rather, the trail fades into the steep grassy slope and the
excellent views of the Yukon Plateau in the distance and close-up access to
rock outcrops featuring agates and geodes signal the turnaround point. Please
be mindful of rockfall and landslide hazard, particularity during and after
rain events.
Use:
The trail is used for mainly hiking purposes by locals and tourists. The trail is narrow, rocky and wet in places, so good footwear is recommended.
Charlie Lake Trail
Description/Access:
This is a 5km, well-marked and easy trail which follows alongside a creek. There is no uphill climbing on this trail, but the terrain is mostly swamp and could be wet in the summer. Agate deposits begin approximately 2km from the start of the trail and continue to the end. The trailhead is located 5-6km North of Carmacks, on the left side of Mt. Freegold Rd.
Use:
The trail is used for mainly hiking purposes by locals and tourists. The trail is wet in places, so proper footwear is recommended.
Plume Trail
Description/Access:
The
Plume Agate Trail is a scenic climb through mixed spruce/aspen forest to a
series of rock bluffs overlooking the Klondike highway and Nordenskiold River
valley south of Carmacks. Geodes and agates can be found in the outcrops at the
top.
The trail is located about 11 kilometers from the rest area south of Carmacks.
Driving from Carmacks, watch for the km 346 marker post and turn left after
driving another 2.7 kilometers. Coming from Whitehorse, the trailhead is about
20 kilometers north of the Montague roadhouse; look for the km 342 marker post
and turn right after driving 1-kilometer further. A short access road (about 500
meters long) leads to a dead end near a creek. Park here and look for the start
of the trail on the north side. The trail contours briefly through the forest
before emerging onto an open, grassy slope. Keep following the trail as it steadily
climbs then heads west toward district rock bluffs and the final viewpoint.
Use:
This is not a well-used trail although use frequency is increasing.
Cliffside Trail
Description/Access
This is a driveable trail which has beautiful views overlooking the Yukon River. Agates can be found in a gravel pit not far from the highway. The trail then continues 5km around Five Finger Mountain. This trail starts 8km north of Carmacks on the North Klondike Highway, on the left.
Use:
This trail is used by locals and tourists alike and can be either walked or driven.
Sources:
The Village of Carmacks Council
