Alaska Long National Scenic Trail (NST) Feasibility Study
Introduction & How to Engage
Visit the BLM's Eplanning page for more information on upcoming meetings, public engagement, and stakeholder collaboration
The Bureau of Land Management is pleased to announce the commencement of the proposed Alaska Long National Scenic Trail (NST) Feasibility Study to evaluate its eligibility and suitability for inclusion as a National Scenic Trail.
For additional information on upcoming meetings, public engagement, and stakeholder collaboration please visit the Eplanning page:
Study Background
The Alaska Long National Scenic Trail (NST) Feasibility Study was directed by Congress in December 2022 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 (P.L. 117-328). The purpose of the Feasibility Study is to evaluate the characteristics which make the proposed trail worthy of designation as a national scenic trail, as well as the feasibility, suitability, and desirability of designating the route as a national scenic trail. Findings of the trail study will be shared with Congress who has the sole authority to enact legislation to designate new national scenic trails.
The Alaska Long Trail represents a 500-mile route extending from Seward, Alaska to Fairbanks, Alaska. It traverses a variety of landscapes including forest, mountain, river, and valley landforms. The trail is comprised of existing and proposed routes which crosses multiple land management agencies.
Tour the Alaska Long Trail
Take a virtual tour of the Alaska Long Trail below. Scroll or Click on the map to zoom in and interact with the content.
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Zone 1: Fairbanks / Tanana
The northern zone of the proposed Alaska Long Trail extends from Fairbanks, through Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area to Nenana. This zone is primarily comprised of State Land and utilizes various trails from the Fairbanks North Star Borough Trail System.
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Zone 2: Denali
The Denali zone extends from Nenana to Cantwell along the Parks Highway, east of Denali National Park
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Zone 3: Matanuska-Susitna Valley
From Cantwell to the Municipality of Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna zone is the longest, with a proposed loop around Talkeetna
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Zone 4: Anchorage
After passing Pioneer Peak, the proposed trail enters Anchorage, multiple alignments utilize existing and proposed routes.
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Zone 5: Kenai Peninsula
Leaving Anchorage, the proposed trail would generally follow the Iditarod National Historic Trail, ending in Seward.
Explore the Alaska Long Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a National Scenic Trail?
National scenic trails are designated by Congress and are established to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which the proposed trail may pass. Created by the National Trails System Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-543), national scenic trail designations may be located to represent a variety of landscape types including desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forests; or other landforms which exhibit significant characteristics of the physiographic regions of the Nation.
What is a Feasibility Study?
Prior to the designation of a national scenic trail Congress typically legislates that a national scenic trail study be completed. National scenic trail studies provide findings to Congress on the feasibility, suitability, and desirability of designating a route as a national scenic trail. It is important to note that national scenic trail studies are not decision-making documents, nor do they provide management-level decisions for the trail. National scenic trail feasibility studies are undertaken following specific criteria that are provided in the National Trails System Act of 1968, as amended. The National Trails System Act specifies nine study requirements for national scenic trail designations.
The federal agency assigned to study the feasibility of the proposal has three fiscal years to complete it. Once a trail study is completed, it is transmitted to Congress. Congress has the sole authority to enact legislation to designate new national scenic trails.