If you’re in the mood for a whimsical winter outing, hiking out to South Fork Waterfalls is easy and rewards you with a stunning view of frozen waterfalls! Located in Eagle River, Alaska, this is a great hike for the whole family on a chilly winter weekend. Put on your ice cleats and head on out to enjoy Alaska’s winter beauty!

South Fork Falls is technically called the South Fork Eagle River Falls.

Shianne Drumm / AllTrails It’s also known by its more common name, Barbara Falls. So if you hear someone mention any of these waterfalls, this is the one! It’s located not far off the Glenn Highway, just north of Anchorage.

This trail is a very easy loop.

Jessica Morris / AllTrails It’s actually less than a mile long; close to .7 miles. The entire elevation gain throughout the trail is only 101 feet!

When the trail hits the bridge, there’s actually two ways to move forward.

Jessica Morris / AllTrails You can cross the bridge and follow along the trail for another 100-200 feet. You will arrive at an elevated viewpoint with guardrails, that offers incredible picture taking opportunities.

Or you can take a trail that veers off right at the start of the bridge.

beth hendrickson / AllTrails This trail will take you all the way down to the falls. Be careful, and bring your ice cleats, as it gets very slippery down here!

The falls themselves are sixty feet high.

beth hendrickson / AllTrails They are stunning, especially in the winter as they begin to freeze over. Make sure to take your camera to capture the stunning frozen winter scene you will see all around you!

This hike is very popular all year long, but it holds a certain magic in the winter time.

Jessica Morris / AllTrails It’s quiet and peaceful, and the hike isn’t frequented often enough to feel overrun. You will be able to enjoy the silence the winter season can bring, especially when the area is blanketed in snow.

There is plenty of parking, but be mindful where you park!

Jessica Morris / AllTrails The cul de sac is privately owned, so make sure to pull forward until you pass all of the “no parking” signs. There is a lot of privately owned land in the area, so please be respectful during your hike.

Have you ever hiked to the South Fork waterfalls in the winter? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below!

Shianne Drumm / AllTrails

It’s also known by its more common name, Barbara Falls. So if you hear someone mention any of these waterfalls, this is the one! It’s located not far off the Glenn Highway, just north of Anchorage.

Jessica Morris / AllTrails

It’s actually less than a mile long; close to .7 miles. The entire elevation gain throughout the trail is only 101 feet!

You can cross the bridge and follow along the trail for another 100-200 feet. You will arrive at an elevated viewpoint with guardrails, that offers incredible picture taking opportunities.

beth hendrickson / AllTrails

This trail will take you all the way down to the falls. Be careful, and bring your ice cleats, as it gets very slippery down here!

They are stunning, especially in the winter as they begin to freeze over. Make sure to take your camera to capture the stunning frozen winter scene you will see all around you!

It’s quiet and peaceful, and the hike isn’t frequented often enough to feel overrun. You will be able to enjoy the silence the winter season can bring, especially when the area is blanketed in snow.

The cul de sac is privately owned, so make sure to pull forward until you pass all of the “no parking” signs. There is a lot of privately owned land in the area, so please be respectful during your hike.

If you’re looking for another great hike to do in the winter, The Albert Loop Is A Stunning Trail To Admire Alaska’s Fresh Snowfall!

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Address: South Fork Eagle River, Anchorage, AK 99577, USA