Matanuska Greenbelt

The feel

This is a network of about 33 miles of trails looping between the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, the Glenn Highway, the Parks Highway and Trunk Road. Most of it is easy to moderate single track, including the dirt Bearberry Bluff, a 1.1 mile loop, and the Fox trails.

The Borough, Mat-Su College, the UAF Experiment Farm and Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area manage it together, and several trailheads feed in from different sides. Fox Run and Foxtrot are the newest additions, north of Long Lake. In the fall, leaves spatter the trail with color. Bugs can be heavy and moose are around, so riders ring a bear bell on the curves.

What to expect

Route and terrain

A network of about 33 miles of loops. Bearberry Bluff is a 1.1 mile loop of dirt single track, and the trails are easy to moderate. Non-motorized.

Parking

Trailheads include Crevasse Moraine on N Loma Prieta Dr., Kin-Win on S Georgeson Dr., Matanuska Lakes State Rec Area on S Glenn Hwy., Mat-Su College on E College Dr., and Long Lake on S Killarney Dr.

Fees and passes

Parking fees are collected at the Long Lake state trailhead, about six miles south of Palmer on the Glenn Highway.

Hazards

Bugs can be heavy and moose are possible. Soft trails during breakup or after rain.

Season and access

Open. Trails are best avoided when soft, usually during breakup or after rains.

Mingo says

Skip the network during breakup and after heavy rain, when the trails are soft. Pick a dry day and ride the Fox trails or Bearberry Bluff.

Before you go

• Ring a bear bell on your bike around curves.
• Bring bug protection, since bugs can be heavy.
• Budget for the state parking fee at the Long Lake trailhead.

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