more stats
531 ft
Distance
34 ft
Climb
00:00:36
Avg time
34 ft
Altitude change
983 ft
Altitude min
1,018 ft
Altitude max
983 ft
Altitude start
1,017 ft
Altitude end
6.5%
Grade
2.3%
Grade max
13.4%
Grade min
531 ft
Distance climb
00:00:36
Avg time

Tower Direct Details

  • Activities
    • Nordic Ski
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Birch Hill Recreation Area
    Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    95 in Nordic Skiing [+]
    • 95 in Mountain Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 100 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #2306 in Nordic Skiing
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Machine Groomed
  • Snow Grooming
    Classic / Skating
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Year Opened
    2002
  • Land Owner
    Fairbanks North Star Borough

Tower Direct was created in 2002 in preparation for the 2003 US Ski & Snowboard Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships. It's purpose was to make it possible to have a FIS "A" Climb from the stadium to the top of the Tower Loop. The climb from the stadium to the top of the rated section of the climb is 39m. Tower Direct was realigned and widened in 2011-2012 in preparation for the 2013 US Ski & Snowboard Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships.

Trail Supporters
  • past supporters

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 12 rides
  • Last: Jul 5, 2026
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Tower Direct Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 23, 2026 @ 6:07pm (America/Anchorage)
Jun 23, 2026
Jan 3, 2025 @ 10:32am
Jan 3, 2025
Jun 25, 2024 @ 11:10am
Jun 25, 2024
Nov 21, 2023 @ 8:54am
Nov 21, 2023
 Good shape
Oct 3, 2023 @ 11:12am
Oct 3, 2023
 About an inch of snow on the trails along with some leaves. A bit slippery but not horrible. Still, use caution. Die hard skiers were out already!
more »
Status:
on Jun 23, 2026
Snow Groomed
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • One Direction
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        Directions to tower-direct trailhead (64.866500, -147.647910)

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Tower Direct

        ▼ Where is Tower Direct located?
        Tower Direct is located in Birch Hill Recreation Area, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Birch Hill Recreation Area trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 64.8665, -147.64791.
        ▼ How hard is Tower Direct?
        Tower Direct is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 6.5%.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Tower Direct?
        Tower Direct has 34 ft of elevation gain. The elevation ranges from 983 ft to 1,018 ft.
        ▼ Is Tower Direct a point to point trail?
        Yes, Tower Direct is a point to point trail. The direction is One Direction. The trail type is machine groomed.

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