Expressway

This route is a wide, dirt trail providing the most direct route to Long Lake Connector and Mooseberry Mesa. Originally built as a nordic ski trail, it is used year round by all non-motorized user modes. Grooming depends on snow (obviously) as well as Mat-Su Borough staff scheduling. (We've had negligible snow in this area in last two winters - 2014-2016 - so no grooming ). There is a sledding hill to the east of the trailhead that is popular with many local residents. This southbound trail starts with a gravel road to accommodate the relocated trailhead. It'll be obvious after passing through a blue gate (about 0.1mi downhill) to the left that you've entered the stadium area with pavilion. Ignore the first trail going uphill to the right and continue to the next downhill trail to the right. It has a post with a clearly labeled "Expressway" sign on it, so just to be sure you get started on the right trail. From then on, it's just a matter of following the Expressway signs. The biggest uphill is not far from the beginning, then the trail levels out to routine rolling hills - at least by Matanuska Greenbelt Standards. In about 1 mi, you'll find a right turn that takes you to Mooseberry Mesa. In about another 0.1 mile, you'll hit the Long Lake Connector, the main entryway to the rest of the fun trails in the Matanuska Greenbelt. From this point, you can choose to extend your visit on a variety of other trails, or head back the way you came. More information on the Greenbelt area can be found at www.matanuska-greenbelt.org