The drive to McCarthy and Kennicott isn’t your run-of-the-mill road trip.
It’s 7-8 hours from Anchorage, with the last 61 miles-between Chitina and the Kennicott River-on a historic, gravel road.
If you plan on driving to McCarthy, you must notify Midnight Sun Car & Van Rental in advance and rent one of the following classes of vehicles:
- Mid-Size Suv
- Full-Size Suv
- Premium Full-Size Suv
- Full-Size Truck
Helpful Information
- It usually takes 2 – 2 ½ hours to drive the McCarthy Road.
- The speed limit for the McCarthy Road is 35mph. If you stay under the speed limit, the risk of a flat tire or car damage is minimal.
- The road is wide enough for two lanes in most places and the State has brushed most of the road to increase visibility. However, the road is still narrow in some places, so you should to watch out for other traffic.
- The number of flat tires on the McCarthy road has decreased drastically in the last few years, but it is still a good idea to carry a good spare tire. There is a tire repair shop at the end of the road during the summer months if you do have a problem.