FAIRBANKS CHALLENGE
WINTER 23/24 TRAIL GUIDE
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
PARKS & RECREATION Main Office: 1920 Lathrop Street, Fairbanks, AK Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM —5:00 PM Website: http://parks.fnsb.gov Phone: (907) 459-1070 Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Rec FNSB_Parks_and_Rec FNSB Parks and Recreation
TRAILS CHALLENGE QUESTIONS: Contact the Trails Coordinator at 907-459-7401. Check the Trails Office webpage for MAPS and INFORMATION! Follow the FNSB Parks & Recreation Facebook Page for updates.
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HOW TO TAKE THE TRAILS CHALLENGE:
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REGISTER for free at fairbanksak.myrec.com.
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FIND the signs that say “Fairbanks Trails Challenge”
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Snap a PHOTO with the signs to celebrate that you made it!
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SHARE your “selfie.” Here are two ways to share:
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COMPLETE the checklist to claim the Trailblazer Award!
You must register for this program on the FNSB Parks and Recreation website. Your FREE registration helps us track participants and keep you in the know about important updates and trail closures. Twenty signs are located somewhere along the trails on the list. Keep an eye out for orange trail markers — the sign will be near!
1) Post your photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and type “#FNSBtrails” in your post! 2) Email your photos to trails@fnsb.gov. (Note: Posting and emailing photos is not a requirement, but it's still a fun way to share your trail triumphs and you might be featured in our next guide!)
Find the checklist on the registration page. Let us know which trails you made it to and we can tally up the winners!
Submit the checklist by april 14, 2024! PAGE 2
TRAILS CHALLENGE AWARDS: Make it to
Fairbanks Trails Challenge signs and you will earn the distinctive "Trailblazer Award!"
Sourdough Trailblazer
JUNIOR Trailblazer
Find at least FIVE signs for folks 60 & up!
Find at least FIVE signs for kids under 10!
LEAVE NO TRACE: Do you know the Leave No Trace principles for winter adventure? To minimize your impact during the winter months, remember to use these cold weather principles: Educate yourself on the area you plan to visit. Expect extreme weather and gear up for it. Never explore alone, but keep groups small. Avoid traveling close to tree limbs and brush. When frozen, they are fragile and can be easily broken. Pack out all waste. Do not bury trash in the snow or ground. Stay far from animals and suspected animal habitats. Hike only on trails intended for hiking. Do not walk in ski tracks. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.LNT.ORG PAGE 3
TRAILS CHALLENGE TIPS: Everyone was new to these trails at one time. Here are some tips to make your first couple trails as enjoyable as possible: 1. Start SMALL. - Choose the right trail for your fitness level and experience level. Plan a hike that is suitable for everyone in your party and let the slower person set the pace. 2. KNOW where to go. - Familiarize yourself with the trail. Review maps and talk to someone who has done the trail before. 3. Check the WEATHER. - Weather can be unpredictable so remember to dress accordingly and pack extra warm layers. Consider winter factors like temperature inversions and wind chill. 4. Leave a PLAN. - Tell someone where you are going. If you don’t make it back when you expect to, this person can alert your emergency contact. 5. PACE yourself. - If you start out too fast you’ll tire out. Take your time and smell the roses! 6. Bring water. - Drink often to stay hydrated and your pack will get lighter throughout the day! 7. Protect yourself from the SUN. - Use sunscreen and clothing to protect your skin, even on cloudy or cold days. 8. Bring FIRST AID. - Inspect and replace missing items from your first aid kit before each hike.
about Nordic skiing... Also called "cross-country" skiing! It is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the trails in winter. Getting to ski on smoothly groomed trails or with pre-set tracks is especially nice. So many trails are maintained exclusively for skiing in the winter. Facilities with ski-only trails include Birch Hill Recreation Area, Two Rivers Elementary, Salcha Elementary, Pearl Creek Nordic Ski Park and the University of Alaska North Campus. If you’re new to skiing or don’t know where to start, here are some tips: 1. ·Go Flat: Learning to ski can be daunting at first, and let’s face it, hills are hard! Starting on the right trail can help. The Smith Lake loop at UAF is an excellent, flat place to learn and practice! Tanana Lakes, Chena Lake, and Pearl Creek Park all offer flat, groomed and track-set trails with many short-distance options that are great for learning. 2. ·Stay Warm: Choose a warm day, especially as temps may be colder at lower elevations where many flat trails exist. Warm gloves or mittens, ski boot covers and chemical toe warmers might save the day! 3. ·Find a friend: Take a friend for support. If they have some skiing experience, even better! A helper who can offer basic tips about equipment and technique can make the day less daunting. 4. ·JUST SKI!: The only way to learn is to strap ‘em on, grab some poles and go for it! Choose trails suited for your skill level and progress slowly. And remember, spandex is NOT required! 5. Need some skis? Local businesses like Goldstream Sports, Trax Outdoor Center, REI Fairbanks, Play It Again Sports, and Beaver Sports can help you find properly fitting skis, boots, poles and accessories. Some even offer lessons and rentals! PAGE 4
TRAIL ETIQUETTE: Multiple-Use Trails YIELD signs like the one here describe what to do in specific encounters, but always stick to the GOLDEN RULE: PRACTICE COMMON SENSE AND COURTESY! Typically you should yield to the passerby who has least stopping control. Always yield to dog teams and horses and give the animals plenty of space. Motorized trail users should slow speeds when encounters are possible. Hikers can usually step aside more easily than other users.
Respect the land, landowners, and neighbors! Local trails cross a variety of types of terrain, land ownership and regulation. When out on the trails, remember: Plan ahead to know where you go and who owns the land. Respect private and public property by staying in the public trail corridor. Obey signage and land use rules such as allowable trail uses. Prevent damage by avoiding wet trails during spring break-up and heavy rains. Many good winter trails cross frozen bogs and cannot sustain summer use.
Tails on Trails Your furry friends need exercise too! Here are some things to remember when bringing your pets on a trail walk: You are responsible for your actions and the actions of your dog. Always keep your dogs properly restrained with a leash (FNSB code Title 22.28.010). Pick up any pet waste (FNSB Code Title 22.28.020). Yield the right-of-way to other trail users trying to get around your pet. Avoid disturbing wildlife and provoking dangerous encounters. PAGE 5
MAPS AND APPS TO GET YOU THERE: DOWNLOAD THE MAP: Individual PDF maps of many Borough trail systems are now available for download on our web page: fairbanksak.myrec.com. Find maps under General Info > Trails Office. Some maps are designed for use on your GPS-enabled mobile device and can be displayed on any PDF reader. When viewed in an installed mobile application, each map will show your location on screen in real time. Cool! These maps can also be printed or viewed without using a special app.
OPEN WITH AN APP:
Georeferenced map applications allow you to navigate using your mobile device’s GPS even without cellular reception! There are a variety of georeferenced PDF apps available for Apple and Android devices. Consult your preferred mobile app’s instructions for complete information. We use an application called AVENZA MAPS, though other apps also work. Upload maps to the AVENZA app from Dropbox or your device storage.
MAP AND APP TIPS: Download the map onto your device BEFORE leaving cell reception! (Data rates may apply.) Enable Location Services so the mobile map application can show your location on the map. In areas with no cellular reception, phone battery life significantly decreases. Cold weather can also drain batteries! Using airplane mode will improve battery life and will not interfere with GPS tracking. File sizes for georeferenced maps may be very large. AVENZA recommends users connect to a WiFi network when downloading. Like all GPS technology, your device’s accuracy will be compromised by cloudy weather, cliff walls, canyons, tall buildings, or other obstructions. GPS is no substitute for preparedness! Research your destination. Plan, pack and dress accordingly!
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2023/2024 WINTER TRAILS: Use this page as a checklist to make sure you meet your goal!
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Difficulty: EASY Get there: Parking for the Chena River Walk is behind the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center on Dunkel Street. Tips: This is a non-motorized, paved pedestrian path that is stroller-friendly. Walking and biking are allowed on the path. Please leash all dogs and clean up pet waste out of respect for other trail users. Path tends to be busy so please be aware of others. Walk under the antler arch and take a left. Look for the sign on your left before you get to Golden Heart Plaza.
Distance to sign: <.35 mILES roundtrip what's allowed:
Bonus: Enjoy the Winter Lights Walk, presented by the Downtown Association of Fairbanks, until mid-January. Local businesses sponsor and decorate trees to fundraise for local charities.
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2) skate loop @ tanana lakes recreation area Get there: At the end of South Cushman, turn right onto Northlake Lane to get to TLRA. Skate Loop parking is located at the NonMotorized Boat Launch. Follow the signs past the Pavilion and Swim Beach.
Difficulty: EASY
Distance to sign: <.50 Mi roundtrip
Tips: This is a non-motorized iceskating trail. Parks maintenance staff plow and mop the rink and skate loop when conditions allow. Look for the sign near the halfway point.
what's allowed:
Get there: Parking for Chickadee Trail is near the South Cushman park entrance or at the Picnic Pavilion off Northlake Lane.
Difficulty: EASY
Tips: This is a non-motorized trail. Trails at TLRA are fairly wide and flat with a packed, groomed surface in winter. To make a loop, head North at the end of Chickadee Trail to connect with and follow Flicker Trail East back to the parking area.
Distance TO SIGN: <.50 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
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Get there: Parking for the Jim Whisenhant Ski Trails is at Birch Hill Recreation Area, located at 101 Wilderness Drive. Hours: 8am to 10pm; Gates close at 10pm. Warm Up hut open 24/7. Info: Birch Hill trails are SKI-ONLY in winter. White Bear, Classical Bear, Sunnyside and Sonot area trails are on US Army Ft. Wainwright lands. Register for your Recreational Access Permit to Army lands at https://usartrak.isportsman.net/. Birch Hill grooming is donation funded. Please consider donating! Tips: Take the main entrance to the top of the Stadium Hill and find the entrance for Blue Loop to the right. Blue Loop is not lit, so bring a headlamp! Look for the sign in a turn.
Tips: Take the main entrance to the top of the Stadium Hill and find the entrance for on the left with a sign marking the Roller Coasters entrance. Though this trail is rated advanced, it is a favorite among even the Junior Nordics beginners. Enjoy the ride and remember that everyone falls sometimes! This trail is lit.
Difficulty: EASY - Moderate
Distance to sign: <1.5 MI roundtrip ski only.
no dogs.
Difficulty: moderate
Distance to sign: <1 MI roundtrip what's allowed:
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Get there: From North Pole, take the Richardson Highway South, and exit Dawson Road following signs to Chena Lake Recreation Area. Follow Laurance Road eastward to enter CLRA. Near the end of the road, turn left onto the River Park Road. Parking is in 3/4 mile on your first left. Info: The River Park Trails offer loops of 2.5K (black markers), 4K (yellow markers) and 5.7K (green markers) distances. For this sign, follow the green markers along the river and around. Find the sign approximately 2.5 miles in. If heading left out of the parking lot, the sign will be 1 mile in.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance TO SIGN: 3.5 mi roundtrip what's allowed:
Tips: This is a non-motorized trail. Watch for moose– they like the riverbank and sloughs by this trail and have been known to surprise bikers and skiers. Keep your head up, make noise, and keep dogs on a leash to avoid startling a moose.
5.7K LO
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7) 6.5M LOop - Lake park @ chena lake recreation area Get there: From the Chena Lake Rec Area road, turn Left onto the Lake Park Road. The closest trailhead to access this sign is the East Lake parking spot (the first pullout on your right). Tips: This trail is multiple-use in winter. The trail was originally established as a groomed mushing and skijoring trail. It’s also nice for skiing. Please yield to dog teams! If you decide to venture further, the trails on the lake ice can be rough and harder to follow. Look for the sign at the intersection of 6.5 mile and 5.1 mile.
Difficulty: moderate
Distance to sign: 4 MI roundtrip what's allowed:
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8) Shaun’s @ pearl creek nordic ski park Get there: Pearl Creek Nordic Park is between Ballaine Road, Auburn Drive and Herreid Road (Herreid is not maintained in winter). Nearby Parking is at Pearl Creek Elementary off Auburn Drive. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms are prohibited on school property. Please consider supporting the track-setting and grooming volunteers with a donation. Information can be found at the trailhead kiosk. Tips: These are ski-only trails with a footpath loop woven in between. *WALKERS REJOICE: YOU CAN ACCESS THIS SIGN FROM THE WALKING TRAIL!* Trails are mostly flat and great for novice skiers. One dog per person is allowed, but no skijoring or mushing. The distance was calculated taking the route down Powerline to Shaun’s to the sign and back.
9) skarland 12 mi @ pearl creek nordic ski park Tips: Experience the “thrill” of the Skarland 12-mile loop. Take it easy with a route from the parking lot to the sign and back, or venture outside of Pearl Creek Nordic Ski Park and complete the entire 12-mile loop! A map of the Skarland Trail system can be found on the next page. You’ll find this sign just before Thrill Hill.
Difficulty: EASY
Distance TO SIGN: .50 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
ski only.*
Difficulty: EASY
Distance TO SIGN: <1 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
ski only.
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Difficulty: EASY Get there: Parking for Isberg Recreation Area is located off Oboe Court near the intersection of Isberg and Cripple Creek Roads. This trail is a portion of the Cripple Creek-Rosie Creek Trail and an existing segment of the proposed “100-Mile Loop Trail.” Tips: This is a multiple-use trail. Use caution on this trail when operating motorized vehicles. Head north from the parking area to find this sign. You can make a more challenging 2.4 mile loop by connecting the powerlines/completing the triangle.
Distance TO SIGN: <2 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
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11) wander lake @ fountainhead wedgewood wildlife sanctuary Get there: From the downtown area, follow Illinois street, and take a left onto College Rd. From there take a right on Margaret Ave. Take your next right onto Wedgewood Drive. The most accessible place to park is the lot of the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. To access the trails, walk alongside the museum building and look for the kiosk and gate. Be mindful not to park in areas reserved for guests and residents. These trails can also be accessed from the Joy Elementary and the Creamer’s Field trails. Info: Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is private property reserved by Wedgewood Resort. FNSB Parks and Recreation has received permission to feature these trails in the Trails Challenge. Please be respectful of private property and pay attention to regulations. These are non-motorized trails, and both bikes and dogs are not allowed.
Difficulty: EASY-moderate
Distance TO SIGN: 1.5 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
NO BIKES OR DOGS.
Tips: This sign can be found a little over. 50 from the parking area. Wander Lake is 1.5 mile loop and is not groomed.
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12) SKYLINE-GOLDSTREAM CONNECTOR @ SKYLINE RIDGE PARK Get there: From Farmer’s Loop Road, take Summit Drive to Cranberry Ridge, or Skyline Drive to the top of Crestline Drive then left to Cranberry Ridge. Follow Cranberry Ridge uphill to Noel Drive. Public access to the park is at the small Skyline Ridge trailhead at the top corner of Noel Drive and Mia Street. Tips: This is a non-motorized trail. Parking at the trailhead is very limited. Please park courteously and do not block any driveways. The trail is wide and starts with a long, moderate downhill. It’s a gentle hike but can be a challenging ski. Keep dogs on a leash and respect neighboring private property. If you end up at the KUAC antennae and tower at the top of Skiboot Hill Rd, you’ve missed your turn off for the Skyline - Goldstream Connector and have left the park! Time to turn around.
Difficulty: moderate
Distance TO SIGN: <2 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
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Get there: Parking for the Salcha Trails is at Salcha Elementary, 8530 Richardson Hwy. Look for the trail map on the side of the shed to the left of the parking lot. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms are prohibited on school property. Tips: These trails are ski-only. Trails are groomed by volunteers with the Salcha Ski Club. Check their Facebook page for trail condition updates. Start to the left of the playground along the fence. Follow the directional trail outbound from the stadium field, and follow the blue trail markers for the 7.5km loop. If you're eager for a challenge, try one of the longer loops. Don't miss the Lynx Loop on the way back! Get ready to practice your herringbone skills! Aside from a couple of steep hills you may want to walk up or down, the ski trails here are quite manageable and very fun. Don't miss it! The sign is found at an intersection about 1 mile in. Turn right at the sign intersection to use the cutoff and make a shorter <2.5 mile loop or turn left to finish the 7.5k loop.
Difficulty: moderate - Difficult
Distance TO SIGN: 2.5-4.5 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed: ski only. no dogs.
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Difficulty: easy Get there: Free parking at Ballaine Lake off of Farmer’s Loop Road, but you can choose from any of the campus parking areas depending on your intended route. Main Campus parking requires a fee during weekday business hours and permits can be purchased at kiosks in each lot. See a full map of the UAF North Campus Winter Trails on the next page and a full map of the Skarland Trail system on page 14. Tips: The UAF North Campus Trails are primarily skionly! No walking, snowshoeing, biking or dogs on designated ski trails. *WALKERS REJOICE: THIS SIGN CAN BE ACCESSED FROM POOCH LOOP TOO!* The trail sign is within the .25 mile of the trail heading North from the Ballaine Lake parking lot. Complete the Karl Reishus Loop or 6-mile Skarland Loop if you’re looking for more trail time! Plan a route to swing by Estle Connector to get two signs in one day.
Distance TO SIGN: <.50 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed: ski only. no dogs. *Except on Pooch Loop.
Difficulty: easy-MODERATE Get there: Free parking at UAF Large Animal Research Station (LARS) off of Yankovich Road, but you can choose from any of the campus parking areas depending on your intended route. See above for more information. Tips: The UAF North Campus Trails are primarily skionly! No walking, snowshoeing, biking or dogs on designated ski trails. From LARS, cross Yankovich and look for the trailhead. The reported mileage was heading east on Skarland 6 mile then right/south at the Estle intersection.
Distance TO SIGN: <2.5 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed: ski only. no dogs.
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Difficulty: moderate Get there: Drive 56 miles east on Chena Hot Springs Road, which dead ends at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Enjoy a swim in the hot spring, a warm drink at Aurora Cafe, or a tour at Aurora Ice Museum afterwards. Check the Chena Hot Springs Resort website or call (907) 451-8104 for questions, pricing, and closure information. See maps on the next page. Tips: This trail is on private property owned by Chena Hot Springs Resort. FNSB Parks and Recreation has received permission to feature this trail in the Trails Challenge. Please be respectful of private property and pay attention to regulations. Monument Creek Trail is a 3-mile loop originating at the campground. The trailhead is directly across the parking lot from the front desk/gift shop/restaurant. Begin by going over the foot bridge and turning right. This route is also used for snowmachine tours, which can be booked at the activity center. The sign is found around the halfway point (1.5 mi).
Distance TO SIGN: <3 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
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Difficulty: moderate - Difficult Get there: The Two Rivers Recreation Area ski trails are adjacent to Two Rivers Elementary School. Drive to mile 18.5 Chena Hot Springs Road and turn onto Two Rivers Road. Parking is at Two Rivers Elementary. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms are prohibited on school property. Tips: These are ski-only trails. The Two Rivers Ski Club grooms and sets track on these trails. Trails are wide enough for skate skiing. The trails are more difficult by distance: the longer trails feature progressively steeper hills. The “Mr. B” 1k loop is lighted after dark, but others aren’t. Go during daylight hours or bring a bright headlamp with fresh batteries. The sign is on the 7.5K loop at an intersection just after crossing Telemark Road.
Distance TO SIGN: >4.5 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed: ski only. no dogs.
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Difficulty: moderate Get there: The Ester Dome - Happy Valley Singletrack Trail System is located 1.6 miles up Ester Dome Road. These trails are a collaborative effort between Alaska Trails, Fairbanks Cycle Club, National Park Service – RTCA, Happy Trails, Alaska State Trails Program, Goldstream Sports, Bikes Belong, Running Club North, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Girl Scout Troop 34 and Gold Hill Imported Beer & Fine Wine, and includes thousands of hours of local volunteer labor and donations. Tips: This sign is located approximately 1 mile east of the parking area near the Equinox Connector. If you don’t want to complete the entire 6+ mile Outer Loop, turn around or take a right at the Inner-Outer Cutoff, and a right on Inner Loop then follow it back to the parking area to create a shorter loop. All trails are two-way. Please yield to uphill traffic.
Distance TO SIGN: <2 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
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Difficulty: easy Get there: From Fairbanks, take Richardson Highway east towards North Pole. Take the Badger Road exit and follow Badger Road for 6 miles. Turn left onto Nordale Road and drive 0.5 mile. Turn right onto Peede Road. After 1 mile, Peede Road will dead end. There is a parking area across from the Peede Road and Brock Road intersections. The Peede Open Space area has been used for many years by the community for snow-machining, mushing, 4-wheeling, hunting, trapping, berrypicking, horse-riding, walking, cycling and skiing. This large, undeveloped, forested area has also been called the Chena Annex, Heritage Park/Forest, and Repp Forest, and contains an outdoor education site used by the School District in the 1980s and 1990s.
Distance TO SIGN: <1.5 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
Tips: From the parking area, enter the trail to the east and continue until you come to a barricade intended to keep large civilian vehicles from utilizing the pipeline access road. Please pay attention to land ownership if making plans to recreate beyond the sign. Indication on map of trails and routes does not imply public right-of-way. In particular, *a permit is required from CIRI to cross their land.* You can apply for a recreational use permit on their website at https://www.ciri.com/our-corporation/ciri-lands/permitting/.
land ownership legend
FNSB AK DNR COOK INLET REGION, INC.* PAGE 25
20) mastodon trail @ chena river state recreation area Get there: From Fairbanks, drive east on Chena Hot Springs Road to mile marker 38.5, Mastodon Creek trailhead. Parking is $5 for a one day pass and can be paid at the kiosk on site. An annual parking pass can also be purchased online for $60. Tips: This sign is best accessed from the Mastodon Creek trailhead, but can also be accessed from the South Fork Winter Trail trailhead (at mile marker 31.4). The Mastodon Trail is 12 miles long, nonmotorized, and ends at Mastodon and Nugget Creek Public Use Cabins (PUC). South Fork Winter Trail (SFWT) is 6.9 miles long, motorized, and also ends at the PUCs; however, the SFWT crosses the Chena River so conditions must be in to access the cabins from SFWT.
Difficulty: difficult
Distance TO SIGN: <2 Mi ROUNDTRIP what's allowed:
The Mastodon and Nugget Creek PUCs are by reservation only and reservations can be made at dnr.alaska.gov. Please do not disturb cabin users. The sign is located on Mastodon Trail ~1 mile from the Mastodon Creek trailhead. Mastodon has been ungroomed in years past, but after completing a trail hardening project this summer, DNR staff will be grooming and maintaining it this winter.
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SCAN THIS QR CODE TO REPORT TRAIL CONDITIONS OR PROBLEMS:
FAIRBANKS CHALLENGE
DEC 22, 2023 - APRIL 14, 2024