Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Easy
All Year
Biking
Cross Country Skiing
Hiking
WalkingNancy Lake State Recreation Area is different from most Alaskan park areas. It is one of the few flat, lake-studded landscapes in Alaska preserved for recreation purposes. The recreation area’s clear waters are ringed with unspoiled forests, and provide tranquil settings for canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping. In winter, the rolling topography is ideal for cross-country skiing, dog mushing and snowmachining.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a ninety-minute drive north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway. To enter the recreation area, turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway. From there, the Nancy Lake Parkway travels 6.5 miles southwest to South Rolly Lake Campground; in winter the parkway is not plowed beyond the Winter Trailhead at mile 2.2. The community of Willow lies two miles north of this junction, and has a full range of services for the traveler.
The Winter Trailhead, mile 2.2 on the Nancy Lake Parkway, is the focal point for all winter recreational activities in the area. A large parking lot is maintained, and a self-service fee station is located near the winter trail entrance where visitors will also find maps and posted current conditions of the park. Nearly 40 miles of trail are maintained throughout Nancy Lake State Recreation Area including 10 miles of trail only for skiers. With the exception of the ski trail, all trails are multi-use trails, which means that they must be shared by visitors snow machining, dog mushing, skiing, and snowshoeing.
AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
AK State Parks Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Website
Winter and Ski Maps of Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
