Nenana to Manley Hot Springs; distance of 85 miles. After crossing the Tanana river and climbing the bank on the far side. The original trail begins. It’s 29 miles to Old Minto. All but the 1st two miles is groomed, as it gets traveled a lot. Plus it’s one of the main training trails for the area mushers. It follows the Parks hwy for about two miles, then along the powerline and railroad right of way. At about 7 miles the trail turns left away from the railroad tracks. It’s 22 miles to Old Minto. Follows an old cat trail, then lakes and flats with little portages in between.
After Old Minto, the trail gets narrow (lack of use). It’s 5 miles to Tanana slough, cross to the left and start the portage to the Old Tolovana roadhouse. It’s 18 miles of narrow portage with only a 2 mile long old slough starting at 1.5 miles and a lake about 3 miles shy of the roadhouse. It’s a little technical sled driving right before the roadhouseJ. Immediately after the roadhouse you’ll cross the mouth of the Tolovana river, again to the left and climbing the cut bank on the far side. The 1st mile after is good, the 2nd is not so good. It follows a creek uphill, not straight, maybe a little glacired, and maybe an overflow spot depending on the temperature. It levels off and fairly good going for 8 miles. 10 miles after crossing the Tolovana, you’ll connect to Charlie and Robin Bouldings trail to Manley, a distance of 23 miles. If they are there you can count on this being a well maintained trail.