South Fork Group Hike | Midweek Reset with TrailMates
- Sara Burda
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Trail Details: South Fork Trail to the Bridge
📍 Location: South Fork Trail, Eagle River, AK
🥾 Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back (main group)
⛰️ Elevation Gain: Light and steady
🌿 Terrain: Wide, compacted trail with a few rolling hills
👀 Scenery: Towering peaks, open valley views, wildflowers along the edges, and a lively creek
Evenings Like This Are Why We Hike
If you’ve ever hiked the South Fork Trail in the evening, you know what we mean when we say it’s Alaska magic. The light filters in just right—soft, golden, and glowing off the valley floor like nature’s spotlight. That’s the scene we stepped into on Thursday, July 17th, as a group of TrailMates gathered for our weekly hike, led by the ever-steady and always-up-for-it volunteer leader Kevin Lurie.
There’s something special about Thursday hikes. They land right when the week feels long and your brain is begging for a reset. And this one delivered.
“There’s something about Thursday nights on trail—the workday fades, and suddenly you’re just walking, talking, laughing. No pressure, just presence. This group reminded me how simple and powerful connection can be.”
From the start, the mood was light. A few folks trickled in straight from work, trading business casual for hiking boots. Laughter echoed as people compared snack stashes, passed around bug spray, and double-checked water bottles. TrailMates old and new mixed naturally—it never takes long for strangers to feel like teammates out here.
Kevin set the tone early with his signature calm and kind energy. We hiked at a pace that invited conversation—no rush, no pressure, just steady movement and a lot of smiles. As we wound through the lush green valley, the group naturally split into smaller clusters—some chatting about weekend plans, others marveling at the landscape, and one group debating if “glacial air” should be bottled and sold (spoiler: we’d all buy it).
The main crew turned around at the iconic South Fork bridge—a simple, sturdy wooden crossing with postcard-worthy views on either side. We lingered there for a while, soaking in the sights and swapping stories, while a few TrailMates decided to keep the adventure rolling and continued on to the lakes.
Kevin summed it up best:
“A beautiful night with charming people. We did about 5 miles round-trip with easy elevation.”
Why These Hikes Matter
These evenings aren’t about setting speed records or conquering peaks. They’re about showing up—whether you're new to hiking, new to town, or just in need of a mood reset. TrailMates is here to remind you that joy can be simple: good people, fresh air, and a path to walk.
It’s about building confidence one step at a time, finding connection in unexpected places, and remembering we’re never really meant to go it alone. Every hike, every challenge, and every moment shared reminds us that strength grows in community — and that the journey is just as important as the summit.
From Solo Trekker to Trail BFFs: Finding Your Place in the Pack
One of the most beautiful parts of TrailMates is how quickly strangers become trail buddies. You don’t need to know anyone to feel like you belong. That’s what one hiker shared after this week’s South Fork adventure:
“I showed up solo, not knowing anyone, and left feeling like part of a team. It wasn’t just a hike—it was a reset button. Nature, people, movement—TrailMates really gets it.”
And it’s true. There’s something powerful about walking side by side, sharing the trail, and realizing you’re not alone—in hiking or in life. TrailMates isn’t just building a community; it’s creating a place where everyone feels seen and supported.
🌱 Thinking About Joining Us?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Will I fit in? Can I keep up?”—we get it. And the answer is: absolutely, yes.
TrailMates is for anyone who’s curious, kind, and ready to take a step outside. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker or have fancy gear. Whether you show up solo, bring a friend, or roll in with your kids and snacks—we’ll meet you with open arms and a steady pace.
Every hike is free. Every person is welcome. And every trail is better when we walk it together.
🧭 Check out the TrailMates events page to see what’s coming up next or RSVP for your next Thursday night adventure.
Support the Movement
If you love what TrailMates is doing—building a supportive, inclusive community in Alaska’s wild spaces—consider donating to help us keep these adventures accessible and thriving. Your support helps us train hike leaders, offer more events, and keep our hikes 100% free.
🧢 Rep the TrailMates Vibe on the Trails!
From soft hoodies to trail-tested hats, our merch helps keep hikes free and our community growing. 🌲
🥾 Feel Like Leading a Hike?
You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who loves the outdoors and wants to bring people together. We’ll walk you through it, step by step.
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