EASTLAND TRAILS

Homer Cycling Club, in partnership with Alaska State Parks and Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park, is developing a road-accessible, multi-use, biking and hiking trail system in the Cottonwood-Eastland Unit of Kachemak Bay State Park. These trails, once open, will be accessible by road with a parking lot and trailhead 17.1 miles out East End Road of Homer.

Construction of this system is phased; Phase 1 is expected to be completed by late fall of 2026, and Phase 2 is planned to begin late spring of 2027. Once finished, the Eastland Trails will be a true attraction for residents and visitors alike, offering both progressive mountain bike routes as well as extensive hiking loops.

PHASE 2 - What’s Coming

The map to the right shows how the trail system will continue to grow beyond Phase 1. Routes in red represent the planned Phase 2a construction, which includes both mountain-bike and multi-use trails. Also shown are the the soon-to-be completed Phase 1 trails in black, the future Phase 2b mountain-bike trails in blue, and the longer-term Phase 3 multi-use trail in purple.

Once completed, the Eastland trail system will offer extensive routes for bikers and hikers of all abilities. Whether you’re seeking a short sight-seeing loop or looking to tackle a physical challenge by going the distance, the Eastland Trails will have it all.

Click the image to enlarge it.

PREVIEW THE RIDE

This video was produced to generate some hype among the mountain bike community. It highlights the Phase 1, blue (moderate) level mountain bike trails. These trails have a playful flow designed around modest grades, offering plenty of opportunities for some creative line choices.

PHASE 2 - What’s Next

With the coming completion of Phase 1 trails, it’s now time to plan and fundraise for the Phase 2 trails. The majority of these routes will be optimized for mountain biking, designed with fun and flow in mind, and offering a modern and progressive mountain bike trail experience for all ages. Because of the more technical nature of the build, the Phase 2 trails will be more expensive and will be split into Phase 2a and Phase 2b and constructed as funds allow.

HCC is actively pursuing another Recreational Trails Program grant, and as required by the grant are providing public notice, which you can find here. The winning of this grant in 2025 is what kick-started construction of the Eastland Trails. With your support, we can do it again.

The scope of this project is huge, and as such the costs to build it out are proportionally huge. While we will be applying for some significant grants, we are going to need all the funding we can get, including at the grass-roots level. If you want to see this kind of accessible trail system on this side of the bay, consider donating to the cause.

Your donation is tax-deductible as HCC and Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park are both federally recognized non-profits. You can mail your donation to: Homer Cycling Club, 4658 Tamara Street, Homer, AK, 99603 and just write “Eastland” on the memo line, or you can donate online below.

For more information, email cetrailsak@gmail.com

EASTLAND VIDEO TOUR

Brought to you by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Cameale Johnson, with video edited by Stein Christopher, this video provides further context for the vison behind Eastland Trails and highlights the need for accessible trail on the north side of Kachemak Bay.

Action So Far and Future Timeline

In spring of 2024, we contracted Ptarmigan Ptrails to do trail layout and design.
In June of 2024, Ptarmigan Ptrails completed their field work and deliverables.
See the full concept plan here: Eastland concept trails design
In the fall of 2024, we applied for an RTP grant.
In January of 2025, we got an RTP grant!
In February of 2025 we advertised a Request for Quote for professional trail builders to construct Phase 1.
In April of 2025, we contracted with Last Frontier Trails to build Phase 1.
In May of 2025 the Interagency Land Management Administrative Decision (ILMA) was signed!
In the spring of 2025, State Parks granted permits for construction of parking lot and trails.
In August of 2025, East Road Services constructed the parking lot at MP 17.1 East End Road.
In September of 2025, Last Frontier Trails began Phase 1 trail construction.
Winter 2025/26 - Fundraise for Phase 2 trail construction.
Summer 2026 - Finish Phase 1 trail construction; 3 miles of trail with walkways.
Fall/Winter 2026 - Apply for RTP grant.
Spring 2027 - Begin Phase 2 trail construction; 4 more miles of hiking and biking trails.