McCarthy Road
An approximately 97 km gravel road built on an abandoned railway bed, running from Chitina to McCarthy through primeval forest, river valleys and old railway bridges.
McCarthy Road follows the old railway bed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which opened in 1911. It runs about 97 km east from Chitina to the banks of the Kennicott River, and most of it is gravel. The one-way trip takes 2.5–3 hours. Old railway spikes are occasionally dug up from the road, and the risk of punctures is high. Many car rental companies prohibit driving on this road, so choose a rental company that permits it, take a shuttle from Glennallen or Chitina, or fly a small plane directly from Anchorage to McCarthy. Highlights along the route include Kuskulana Bridge, the Gilahina Trestle and views of the Wrangell Mountains. Fill up with fuel and carry a spare tire before setting out.
Opening hours
Best accessed in summer
Nearby sights
- Gilahina Trestle
- Kuskulana Bridge
- Chitina
- Kennicott Glacier
- Kennicott River Footbridge
- McCarthy
- Root Glacier
- Kennecott Mill Town