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Table Top Mountain Loop Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Table Top Mountain Loop Trail

Table Top Mountain Loop Trail is located north of Fairbanks. The trail is relatively remote but is in an area where several other trail systems connect. Visitors will pass through regenerating spruce forests on their way to the mountain’s flat summit, which offers incredible views of the White Mountains. The area is well-known for its rugged landscape and many wild animals, so it’s a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

The BLM works to protect and preserve 245 million acres of diverse, natural public lands like the Table Top Mountain Loop Trail for the enjoyment of visitors. These sites across the United States can offer a range of recreational activities, and they may be rugged or more developed. Table Top Mountain Loop Trail doesn’t offer camping options, but you can find BLM campsites by searching for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Table Top Mountain Loop Trail

The trail can be slippery in some places and does offer a steep climb, but the loop’s highest point offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. The trail is also great for bird-watching.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Skyline Ridge After Hours Trail

This gorgeous trail passes through beautiful forested areas, and it is a great location to spot wildlife.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Farm Road Trail and Chickadee Loop

Located in the nearby Creamers Field State Game Refuge, this trail is perfect for hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Ballaine Lake Trail

This trail offers some of the best wildlife viewing and bird-watching in the area.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Boreal Forest and Seasonal Wetland Trail

This gentle trail is accessible in all seasons and offers stunning views of the area and the local wildlife.

Length: 2.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Chena River and Chena Lake are generally considered to be the best areas to fish near Fairbanks. Char, trout, salmon, and grayling are the most common catches. Anglers looking to catch king salmon can also head to the nearby Nenana River.

Climbing

The area around Fairbanks offers incredible rock climbing options, and year-round climbers can even enjoy some ice climbing. The Johnny Cash Ice Falls, for example, offer several top-rope and ice routes. Tatlanika, a hill near Fairbanks, offers exceptional bouldering, and the Granite Tors offer 18 traditional, sport, and top-rope routes.

Wildlife Viewing

The Table Top Mountain Loop Trail or any of the trails in the area are usually the best way to spot wildlife, but there are also several locations in the nearby Creamers Field State Game Refuge that are excellent for viewing animals. Moose are very common, as are small animals such as marmots and squirrels. Hikers may also be able to spot lynx, elk, caribou, bears, porcupines, foxes, and beavers. Areas near water are very popular with migrating birds.

Picnicking

Pioneer Park in Fairbanks is an excellent option for a picnic. There are several picnic shelters, each with four tables, scattered around the park, and each shelter has three charcoal grills.

Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, and Cross-Country Skiing

Trails such as the Skyline Ridge After Hours Trail are very popular with snowshoers and cross-country skiers during the winter months. Visitors can also choose relatively flat trails for snowmobiling or even dog sledding. Most trails in the area can accommodate winter activities, but check ahead to make sure the trail is suitable before you head out.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is plentiful in the area around the Table Top Mountain Loop Trail. The Rosehip Campground can accommodate RVs of any size, and toilets and water are available. A nearby boat launch makes boating and fishing convenient. Olnes Pond Campground offers 15 campsites with toilets and water, and picnic areas are avaiable. The Northern-Moosed RV Park & Campground offers sites with full hookups, showers, and a laundry room.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Chena Lake Recreation Area and the Chena River State Recreation Area. In both locations, campers can set up a dispersed site. Amenities are limited, so plan ahead.

RV Rentals Near Table Top Mountain Loop Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Table Top Mountain Loop Trail BLM trip

Many people prefer to visit Alaska during the summer months, but the spring, fall, and winter can also be spectacular and are worth considering for a trip. Winters in the area around the Table Top Mountain Loop Trail are beautiful and offer a range of recreational activities, but it’s crucial to remember that the weather can turn harsh very quickly. Always keep track of your whereabouts by using a GPS or compass and map. Dress in layers during the colder months, and carry water and first aid supplies for any eventualities.

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds don’t generally take reservations, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or make a backup plan if the site you’re aiming for is full. Many sites also have limited amenities, such as few restrooms, no running water, or limited hookups. For this reason, it’s important to pack anything you think you might need, including food and water. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When visiting a BLM site, be sure to keep any areas you visit clean and as undisturbed as possible. Take all your trash with you if no trash can is readily available. Camp in designated areas, and stay on the trail as much as possible. Only build fires that you can control, and only start a fire when the fire danger is low. Always use local wood instead of bringing in firewood from somewhere else. This can help to stop the spread of invasive species. Always be polite to fellow hikers and share the trail.