Gold Mint Trail: Berries & New Friends — TrailMates Style
- Sara Burda
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Trail Details
Trail Name: Gold Mint Trail – Short Version
Location: Hatcher Pass, AK
Distance: ~6.3 miles; Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: ~761 ft
Difficulty: Moderate—mostly flat with occasional gentle inclines; perfect for families and folks easing into hiking
Blueberries, Big Laughs & A Trail Full of New Friends
TrailMates hit the Gold Mint Trail: Short version at Hatcher Pass for a hike that was the perfect mix of “easy-going” and “just enough challenge.” Led by Sara, the group had a blend of new faces and familiar ones—friends who’ve been showing up for TrailMates hikes again and again. The trail wound through some wooded area, over some small rocks + water runoff and opened up into wide stretches where you could walk side by side, chatting with someone new.
“I appreciate these hikes! TrailMates has definitely helped me find hiking friends in AK!”
That’s one of the best parts of TrailMates—whether you come solo, with your pup, or with kids in tow, you never really feel like a stranger. From the moment we stepped onto the trail, everyone found small conversations with each other as the Little Susitna River peeked out beside you, setting a mellow pace and giving you permission to simply live in the moment.
Scenic Valleys & Blueberry Breaks
No dramatic peaks here—but that was part of the fun. The trail teased us with wide valley views, shimmering light on distant slopes, and just enough mystery between the tress to spark conversation. As the trail stayed mostly flat, it gave us space to connect. Parents helped kids over rocky patches, dog led the way and conversations flew—from favorite Alaska hikes to weekend plans. That’s the TrailMates spark: shared miles that become shared stories.
Then came the surprise: a blueberry party at the turnaround. Just past halfway, we stumbled into ripe, wild berries! The kids enjoyed their snacks as well as the adults getting all the fun pickings they found.
Tiny blueberries dotted the ground like trail candy, and suddenly the hike slowed to a giggling, berry-picking pause. Purple smiles, sticky fingers, and that shared delight of finding something simple and sweet in the middle of a six-mile wander—an unplanned celebration only the trail could gift.
Bubbles, Snacks, and River Views
The trail stretched on, hinting at more adventure that we could do in the future , but we stopped at a river overlook where you can see the river flowing past us making for the most picturesque scene. We unpacked snacks, a few TrailMates blew bubbles that caught the wind, and let ourselves just be—laughing, resting, and savoring the quiet before turning back. For a moment, the hike wasn’t about distance or destination; it was about this little pause, this shared moment on the trail.
Where Trails Meet Friendship
Time outside isn’t just about exercise—it’s about pressing pause, looking around, and feeling seen. When you hike with TrailMates, every step counts, but so does every laugh, every shared snack, every “look at that view!” moment. You’re part of a crew that cheers for tiny berries, listens to all your adventures and offers a steady hand when boots slip on rocky paths. Out here, connection happens naturally—between the trail, the trees, and the people who walk it with you.
“I leave every hike feeling lighter, happier, and part of something.”
You In for the Next One?
TrailMates hikes are for anyone chasing the good kind of hard—but don’t worry, we have trails for all levels. Whether you’re here for a challenging climb or a gentle wander, it’s not just about miles or steep summits. Every hike is a chance to share laughs, trade trail mix, swap stories, and support each other along the way. We’re building a community that stretches far beyond the trailheads—a place where friendships grow, moments are celebrated, and every step is part of something bigger than the trail itself.
Come sweat with us. Come laugh with us. Come get outside with people who make it fun. Check out our next adventure →HERE
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