Park your car, see views on foot

Past the end of the road you'll find what makes Homer a fantastic place to be. Getting out of the car and onto one of the area's many hiking trails will help you get acquainted with local plants, wildlife, scenery and fresh air.

Bikes are allowed on all trails unless otherwise noted. Remember to bring water, layers and bug repellent.

Alaska Islands and Ocean Trails: Accessed from the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center on the Sterling Highway and from Bishop's Beach off Bunnell Avenue. Less than one mile to Beluga Slough. An easy, in-town hike.

Calhoun Trail: Short trail connects Fairview Avenue to Bayview Avenue. An easy, in-town hike.

Calvin and Coyle Nature Trail: At the end of Mariner Drive, east of Paul Banks Elementary School. One mile to east Beluga Slough viewing platform and back. An easy hike.

Caribou Lake Trail: Three miles north on Basargin Road, 21 miles out East End Road; follow the dirt road on the east side. Seven-and-a-half miles to Caribou Lake, good for biking, hiking and ATVs. A moderate hike.

Diamond Creek Trail: Across from Diamond Ridge Road. Two-and-a-half miles from the woods to the beach. An easy hike.

East End Road Trail: At East Hill Road. Three miles, paved. An easy hike.

Eveline State Recreation Site: Off Alpine Meadows Drive, 13 Mile East End Road, past McNeil Canyon Elementary School. Two miles. An easy hike.

Fairview Trail: Short trail runs from the high school to Main Street. An easy, in-town hike.

Homer Spit Trail: From the base of the Homer Spit to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Four miles, paved, with bird-viewing stations. An easy hike.

Homestead Trail: At the top of Baycrest Hill, off Rogers Loop; a blue sign marks the trail. Seven miles over varied terrain; an easy to moderate hike. For alternate routes, check the map at the trailhead.

Pratt Museum Forest Ecology Trail: At the museum on Bartlett Street. Less than one mile through the woods. An easy, in-town hike.

Poopdeck Trail: connects Pioneer Avenue to the Homer Bypass by winding through the woods in town. A spur trail leads to the Homer Public Library. An easy, in-town hike.

Reber Trail: Runs from the west end of Fairview Avenue to the end of Reber Road off West Hill Drive. The trail makes several switchbacks up .38 mile to stunning views of Kachemak Bay. A moderate, in-town hike.

Watermelon Trail: Three miles north on Ohlson Mountain Road, off East Skyline Drive; follow the unmarked dirt road. Good for bikes; not well maintained.

Wynn Nature Center: On East Skyline Drive. Guided or self-guided hikes on numerous trails through the wildlife refuge. No bikes.

More trails can be found across the bay in Kachemak Bay State Park. For more information, visit dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbaytrs.htm