Chena Lakes Recreation Area Bike Trails

The feel

Chena Lakes is a flat, family-friendly network of paved and packed paths looping the lakes at the Army Corps flood-control recreation area east of Fairbanks. The Chena Lakes Bike Path is about a 9.6 mile loop, and the wider 15-trail network covers 19 miles.

It is one of the few Interior venues explicitly groomed for winter fat biking rather than reserved for skiing. The Chena River Lakes project is the northernmost flood control project of the Army Corps of Engineers and the only one of its kind in Alaska.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Flat paved and doubletrack paths, groomed snow in winter, rated Beginner. About 9.6 miles on the bike path loop and 19 miles across the 15-trail network.

Fees and passes

Day Use and Discount Passes are handled through Recreation.gov.

Kids

A flat, family-friendly network.

Season and access

Year-round. Winter riding needs a fat bike.

Mingo says

Winter riding works here, so bring a fat bike for the groomed snow. The paths are flat all year.

Before you go

• Check Recreation.gov for Day Use and Discount Passes.
• Camping is first-come, first-served at Lake Park (45 sites) and River Park (35 sites).
• Plan stays within five consecutive nights or 10 nights in a 30-day period.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.