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By Susan Smith |
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With all of the recent talk of trails along the McCarthy Road, I began looking for the new Crystalline Hills Trail constructed by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2002. I knew it had to be on the north side of the road and that it was somewhere around Moose Lake, but I was never able to find it. I asked some of my neighbors and they weren't sure exactly where it was either. So, on my way to Glennallen one day, I stopped by the NPS visitor center in Copper Center and found a handout about the trail. |
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The next day, my neighbor and I set out to find it. And, at milepost 34.8, we finally did. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities created a new parking spot on the McCarthy Road in front of the trailhead this summer. I have heard that the trail wasn't ostensibly marked at the road when it was created because parking was unavailable. There is a wooden trail marker on a tree just after you start in, but it's hard to see from the road. |
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The Pshaped, 2.5 mile trail has a moderate difficulty rating, with a gradual, uphill climb to an outstanding view. Users are asked to pack out all food and garbage to avoid attracting bears to the area, and to avoid feeding birds, squirrels, or other animals they may encounter. The only potential hazard mentioned is contact with bears or moose. |
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Nothing in the trail handout prohibits offroad motor vehicles for subsistence use. We walked a short way in and found no posted signs, either. But, the narrowness of the trail seems to prohibit AW or snowmachine use and the handout mentions only hiking. |
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So, the next time you travel along the McCarthy Road, stop at milepost 34.8 and check out our new trail. Perhaps now that adequate parking exists, NPS will move the trail head sign to the edge of the road so that all residents and visitors can easily find it. |
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