Connecting Alaska's two largest cities - Anchorage and Fairbanks - the George Parks Highway travels through spectacular wilderness into the heart of Alaska.

The Parks Highway was first called the Anchorage - Fairbanks Highway when it was completed in 1971, but was renamed for George A. Parks, territorial governor of Alaska (1925 to 1933). The highway offers a number of opportunities to see North America's tallest peak, Mount McKinley. It also provides access to Denali National Park and Preserve.

• Hike among the 48-miles of trails in Denali State Park.
• Just past scenic Byers Lake, pause at the Alaska Veterans Memorial for a few moments.
• Locate a photographer's dream photo at the south end of the Hurricane Gulch Bridge and don't forget to pick some berries on the way.
• For the adventurous, hike the 27-mile Little Coal Creek Trail.
• Imagine summiting the majestic Mount McKinley (20,320 feet) while you look at the mountain at Broad Pass, a 2,400-foot pass featuring diverse growth and a unique perspective. An incredible photo opportunity of the Alaska Range exists here.
• Whitewater rafting is popular in the turbulent Nenana River.
• Stop in Healy and learn more about Alaska's largest coal-mining operation.

 

Questions about the Scenic Byways web site? dot.scenic.byways@alaska.gov