Skarland Trail

The feel

The Skarland Trail makes a 3.7 mile loop on the north end of Pearl Creek Park, through dense riparian wetland and forest dotted with homes. It is open year-round and popular for cross-country skiing, hiking and horseback riding. Mountain biking is allowed too.

Pearl Creek Park is a community maintained network of non-motorized trails between Ballaine Road and Auburn Drive. The Skarland Trail ties it into the UAF system, and moose are very common in this part of Fairbanks, so keep your distance.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 3.7 miles, with about 449 ft of gain. Riparian wetland and forest. Skarland and Commuter trails climb into the hills and can be challenging.

Time

About 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

Open year-round.

Parking

Park at Pearl Creek Elementary School.

Dogs

Welcome on a leash.

Hazards

Moose are very common; keep your distance and cede the trail. The trail has a Skarland road crossing marked with caution.

Season and access

Open year-round.

Mingo says

Any season works here. Pearl Creek Nordic Park is a classic-only ski trail system.

Before you go

• Park at Pearl Creek Elementary School.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Use caution at the Skarland road crossing.

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