Beaver Springs Nature Trail

The feel

This is a quiet interpretive nature trail along Beaver Springs Creek, winding through the center of North Pole. It passes towering black spruce and paper birch with forest undergrowth, and interpretive signs run the length of it.

The creek has a thriving beaver and muskrat population, plus waterfowl and perching birds, and moose frequent the trail. A bridge links the trail to 5th Avenue Park, where a small pond across the way holds a beaver lodge. The local elementary school uses it for natural history lessons.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 1.6 miles total, with about 9 ft of gain; 0.8 mile one way through spruce and birch.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Parking

Parking at North Pole City Hall, 125 Snowman Lane, or at 5th Avenue Park at 5th Avenue and Davis Road. The park lot is unpaved and fits only parallel parking.

Dogs

Dog-friendly.

Kids

Rated easy, with a playground and picnic pavilions at 5th Avenue Park.

Hazards

Moose frequent the trail, and lynx have been observed in the area.

Season and access

Open in winter, when the trail is cleared for walking, cross-country skiing and bicycling.

Mingo says

Walk it any season, since the city clears the trail of snow in winter. Keep an eye out for lynx along the creek.

Before you go

• Park at North Pole City Hall, 125 Snowman Lane, if the 5th Avenue Park lot is full.
• Expect an unpaved lot with parallel parking only at 5th Avenue Park, at 5th Avenue and Davis Road.
• Plan a stop at 5th Avenue Park, which has a playground, picnic pavilions, grills and tables.

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