Description

The Chena River Greenway is a beautiful paved path that winds along the eponymous river through the heart of Fairbanks, Alaska.

This mellow trail is a great way to experience Alaska's second-largest city, which is one of the northernmost cities in the world. While Fairbanks can be bitter cold in the wintertime, in the summer, the weather along the riverfront can be absolutely beautiful! You'll enjoy wildflowers, beautiful trees, and the sites and sounds of this small city. Most of the trail is straightforward, but the section where the greenway skirts around the heart of downtown can be confusing at first.

To avoid having to cross traffic at all, take a left turn across the first bridge (Barnett Street Bridge).

After crossing the bridge, take a hard left turn and wind back underneath, utilizing an underpass to travel under the Barnette Street Bridge and Cushman Street Bridge.

Then, look for a pedestrian bridge up ahead, take a right to cross the Chena River again, and carry on down the greenway. One notable feature along the route is the Fairbanks Antler Arch, located just off the main greenway path.

The arch is made of over 100 different antlers of varying types.

Although it's often known as the "Moose Antler Arch," you can also spot antlers from caribou and elk. The route, as shown here, measures 7.5 miles round-trip, running from a parking lot near Pioneer Park to the edge of Fort Wainwright—a US Army base.

It's possible to continue several miles further along the river through the military base, but you do need to check in at the entrance station before you continue.

Be sure to bring your driver's license as identification if you choose to head through the base. This flat paved path serves all types of people and all types of activities, from cyclists to walkers and runners, and even folks on longboards.

Whatever your mode of nonmotorized transportation, you'll enjoy the Chena River Greenway.

Just be courteous to the other trail users when you pass.