Trailhead Location: N 64 54.637 W 147 49.608
From the interestion of Ballaine Road and Goldstream Road (The Vallata Restaurant), proceed south on Ballaine Road for 1.8 miles. The parking area is on the east side of the road and just uphill from the bridge over Goldstream Creek. The trail, which is not marked, starts about 30 yards down a path toward Goldstream Creek.

Points Of Interest:
The trail follows a portion of the old Tanana Valley Railroad (TVRR) grade. The Railroad started operations in 1905 to provided service from the town of Chena to the mining operations along Gilmore and Pedro Creeks. This winter trail is used by dog mushers, skijorors (people on skis pulled by dogs), snowmobiles, skiers, bikers and hikers. The trail provides the opportunity to view wildlife, local trail users, and experience a little of the rural atmosphere close to town.

Overview of the Trail:
The trail, which runs contiguous with Goldstream Creek, is situated in a boggy streambed in which travel is only possible after the ground has completely frozen and there has been significant snowfall to provide a good solid trail base.

Once on the trail you'll proceed about 100 yards to point in which you actually come onto the old Railroad Grade. At this point (waypoint N 64 54.642 W 147 49.607) turn left.

About 1 mile down the trail (waypoint 64 54.737 W 147 49.740) there will be a trail that forks to the right. This trail leads to the KAUC tower high above the valley floor and another winter trial the parallels the TVRR Grade Trail. Since this trail to the right has significantly less traffic its base is not suitable for biking, but it is still an excellent trail for skiing snowshoeing and etc.

Proceeding another ½ mile down the trail (waypoint N 64 56.586 W 147 43.956) is another major fork to the right. At this point you have the choice of continuing along the old railroad grade (which is straight and level), or taking the right fork in which the trail follows the meandering Goldstream Creek. The Goldstream Creek route has an equal and sometimes better trail base than the main railroad grade route. The Goldstream Creek route is much more scenic since your view is not impaired by trees. The Goldstream Creek Route like all winter trails that go along creeks, streams and rivers is not confined to a defined trail, but rather exists with in the bounds of corridor. Since many trails are laid down in these corridors, trail users must be attentive to insure they're still on route.

After about 1.5 miles more on the Goldstream Creek segment, the trail converges with the main railroad grade portion of the trail. Continue on for about another mile. At this point (during warmer weather) the next 1//4 mile can have pockets of foot deep water and ice. Past the pockets of water/ice you will have traveled about 3.8 miles. This point (waypoint N64 56.568 W 147 43.981) is where the trail loops back. If you choose to continue on (rather back tracking) you'll cross Goldstream Creek, which always has overflow.

After crossing Goldstream Creek the trail intersects another trail. Turn left at this interestion and you will be on the portion of the loop heading back to the trailhead. The return loop crosses Goldstream Lake (way point N64 56.077 W 147 46.893) and has many good trails that intersect it.

Continue two miles on the trail past Goldstream Lake to a well defined trail intersection. Continue past the trail interestion (no turns) and you'll remain on the back loop back to the trailhead. A left turn takes you back the first part of this loop. The last mile of the route has a maze of trails. You'll be able to see Goldstream Road and the Parking area. The best navigation strategy is to pick the trail that has the best surface.