All Riders Welcome: Keweenaw Mountain Bike Trails for Every Skill Level

The Copper Country is renowned for its variety of mountain biking trails.  You could easily ride for an entire week and not see the same trail twice!  Although the area’s most notable trails are often the most difficult, rest assured that there’s something for everyone out there no matter your skill level.

Finding the right trail to ride is key, which is why we’re here to help make that process easier.  The Keweenaw area has several distinct trail systems to choose from across several communities, each with its own set of trails that offer different styles, challenges, and scenery. Let former Copper Harbor Trails Club Executive Director Nathan Miller take the guesswork out of piecing together your next ride so you spend more time on the trails and less time scratching your head!

Before You Go

Speaking of scratching your head… if you don’t have a helmet, be sure to get one before hitting the trails.  Even on easy trails!  Mountain biking always carries risks and you don’t want to end your trip with a knock to the head.  Many trails in the Keweenaw are in areas with no cell service or easy rescue, making it critical to protect your noggin’.  Make sure your helmet is in good condition (no cracks or prior impacts) and fits comfortably.  Most other gear (pads, gloves, bike-specific clothes, etc) is optional, but helmets are not.  

You’ll also want to make sure your bike is in good condition before going out for a ride.  Check your ABCs before going out: Air pressure (pump up your tires to avoid flats), Brakes (do they stop you quickly), and Chain (keep it lubricated and shifting smoothly).  If your bike has suspension (definitely a plus), be sure that it gives you adequate support and rebound.  If you have questions about your bike, need more gear, or want to rent a Keweenaw-capable rig, swing by our friendly local bike shops for assistance:

• Down Wind Sports (Houghton)
• Rhythm Bike Shop (Houghton) 
• Cross Country Sports (Calumet)
• Keweenaw Adventure Company (Copper Harbor)

Easy Rides for the Whole Family

The Keweenaw’s rugged terrain historically didn’t lend itself to building easy mountain bike trails (green circle), but that’s changed a lot in recent years as our local trail systems have added new routes for families to discover.  Whether gently rolling singletrack or wide, crushed gravel trails, these trails are perfect for riders of all ages and abilities.  True beginners should start here, particularly if you consider yourself a novice elsewhere in the Midwest.  You can easily expand to more difficult trails later.

Building the confidence and mountain bike skills on easier trails opens up a new appreciate for the outdoors. (Photo: Nathan Miller)

Michigan Tech Trails

Although the Michigan Tech Trails offer world-class skiing in winter, they’re also quite popular for mountain biking in summer.  The wide ski corridors near the main parking area are ideal for getting the hang of your bike before you head out on the trail.  There’s even a mini skills area with dinosaur-themed practice elements that are kid sized for bonus fun!  Once you’re ready to ride some singletrack, try out the Inner Core loop and the Tolkien Trails (Hobbit, Ent, Elf, etc.) for some easy challenges.

Swedetown Trails

With over two MILES on just one easy route, Swedetown’s Two Hoots trail is the place to be for families and novice riders.  This gentle trail winds through the forests not far from the main chalet, giving you plenty of options for shortcuts back in case you forgot something in the car (or an unannounced bathroom break!).  The nearby Applesauce and Apple Crisp trails give you even more options to explore some of the gentlest trails around.  Ride ‘em forwards, then do ‘em again backwards for an entirely different experience.  Additional upgrades are in the works to make Swedetown the go-to place for novice riders, including chalet and parking improvements, bridge widenings, and grading out the steepest hills on intermediate trails to make the transition to more difficult trails that much easier.

Copper Harbor Trails

Easy trails have slowly been growing in number in the Copper Harbor area but are still the minority up north.  However, what’s there is rewarding and offers families a chance to ride together to some fun destinations.  On the west side of town, riders can ride along the crushed gravel paths to Hunters Point directly from downtown.  An extension brings riders out to the Visit Keweenaw-supported Orchard Trail at the Trails End Campground where several practice elements along the trail allow riders to test their skills on low-level rock skinnies and more.  On the east side of town, another crushed gravel route takes trail riders through Fort Wilkins Historic State Park with plenty of views out over Lake Fanny Hooe.  Keweenaw Mountain Lodge guests get exclusive access to the Back 9 Trails, which offer a more woodsy feel as you zip around wide cross-country ski trail corridors.

Intermediate Fun: Our Bread & Butter

The majority of the trails at our local systems are intermediate (blue square) in difficulty.  Don’t let this designation fool you though, these trails can be tough!  The variety of trails that are classified as intermediate can be both exciting and intimidating.  On the one hand, you might find a super smooth, flowy trail that’s perfect for cruising downhill on, while on the other hand you might encounter a rock and root feast that will give your legs a proper workout.  Most intermediate trails in the Keweenaw require some mountain biking experience to tackle safely.  Once you’ve gotten the basics down, you’ll have tens of miles of trails to explore!

For those looking for high fun with manageable challenge, intermediate runs keep the stoke level high! (Photo: Nathan Miller)

Southern Keweenaw (SöKē) Trails

The majority of the trails at the SöKē trails are advanced difficulty and up, but there are a few higher-level intermediate routes to give you a taste of what they have to offer.  Fern Gully especially is a great introduction to what SöKē has created.  Not too many trails can say they pass through historic mining ruins!  Beautiful rock walls stand tall after more than a century and welcome riders straight through the portals that miners once traversed.  These intermediate cross-country trails aren’t easy by any means but are quite rewarding if you have the skills to handle them.

Michigan Tech Trails

Intermediate trails are the name of the game at the Michigan Tech Trails.  Nearly everything here caters to mid-level riders.  Don’t be fooled though, because they’re quite varied!  Sure Wood is a local favorite for its excellent flow and approachable rollers, berms, and optional jumps.  It’s a great family cruise to get some early smiles.  Many riders continue from Sure Wood right into the more advanced Don’t Think, which is a little bigger and faster in almost every way.  From the end of Don’t Think, hop on Outer Limits for a cross-country climb back up to the main trailhead.

Time Trial is another intermediate favorite at the Tech Trails, and for good reason.  It’s an excellent cross country route for practicing your skills on as it winds its way through the forest.  Similarly, Twilight Zone and Inner Peace also offer plenty of root-hopping, rock-crawling goodness for those interested in some close-to-home challenges that all begin and end in roughly the same place.  Getting lost is tough out here with so many maps and signs to point you in the right direction!

Churning Rapids

One word: Skyway.  Skyway is not only one of the top trails at Churning Rapids, it’s one of the best trails in the entire Keweenaw!  With superb downhill flow and amazing views out over the Portage, make sure it’s part of your visit to the Hancock MTB scene.

Okay, now that we got our infatuation with Skyway out of the way (it seriously deserves it), let’s move on to the rest.  Churning Rapids has quite a few intermediate trails that can be cobbled into several different loops.  Try Aunt Flo for some jumps, rollers, and butterflies in your belly.  Hop on Oaks Crosscut, Spring Creek, Finney Creek, Lake Annie, or many others for rolling cross-country routes that blend scenic climbs with buzzin’ descents depending on which way you ride them.  Most trails at Churning Rapids are rideable in either direction, and all feature small to medium rocks and roots to keep you on your toes.  From dense forests to burbling streams, Churning Rapids is your best choice for those wishing to connect with nature in a more intimate setting.

Swedetown Trails

Once you’ve scooted through the easier trails at Swedetown, much of what’s left are winding, rolling intermediate trails that traverse the forests around Calumet.  The volunteers and paid trail builders at Swedetown make improvements every summer to boost your ride, meaning no two trips are likely to be the same.  Don’t be surprised to find small to mid-sized rocks and roots on Swedetown’s intermediate trails, as well as short climbs in places to test your strength.

You have your work cut out for you if you want to check out all of Swedetown’s intermediate trails in one visit.  Loops spur off of each other and stretch for miles in all directions.  The Backcountry Trail gives way to Fawn Chase & Bull Toad while paralleling the Southside Trail for an even bigger loop.  Continue on for the Lakeview Loop, a four-mile cross country route that has so many offshoots we can’t list ‘em all here.  Finally, on the far west side of their system is the Bridges loop, a quick out-and-back with some fun features on the downhill segment.

The Silver-Level Ride Center Trails in Copper Harbor make for epic memories with your crew! (Photo: Nathan Miller)

Copper Harbor Trails

Where to start! How about the mother of all cross-country trails, the Keweenaw Point Trail (KPT).  With over 15 miles built (to date) on a single trail, the KPT takes you from Copper Harbor all the way out to the tip of the Keweenaw at High Rock Bay.  Then it keeps going!  The portions closer to town are quite rocky, but it smooths out as you head into the backcountry for a supremely rewarding ride that’s as long as you want to make it.  This is a perfect picnic ride, so bring a camera and lunch with you to best enjoy the scenery.

If you still have energy to spare after a big ride on the KPT, be sure to check out the numerous other intermediate cross-country routes in Copper Harbor, including Berry Picker (the easiest way up Brockway Mountain!), Raptor Ridge, Magic Carpet & Weathertop, and the one that put Copper Harbor on the map, The Flow.

Copper Harbor also features a ton of intermediate downhill and flow-style trails if you’re more interested in finding a faster groove.  Garden Brook is a fan favorite, as are West Woopidy Woo, Flo’Rion, Whipsaw, Summer School, Bermasaurus, and more.  Looking for some moderately challenging jump trails to practice getting a little air?  Try out Daisy Dukes and Bluejay Picnic.  Both are easily accessible and offer intermediate riders a safe place to work on your pumping, berms, and light air time.  The Copper Harbor Trails Club also has a fully-fledged skills area near East Bluff with a wide variety of practice elements to choose from.

Movin’ On Up: Trails for Advanced & Expert Riders

Looking for a challenge?  The Keweenaw has you covered.  From lightning-fast downhill trails to massive jump lines to trails that feel like they went out of their way to hit every rock and root, these trails are meant to test your abilities in every way.  They’re also not for those without quite a bit of experience.  Don’t think you can ride these trails and just skip the hard parts.  Riding beyond your ability is a great way to hurt yourself.  Play it safe if you’re not ready for these big trails!

Past meets present as verdant forest trails meet mining ruins on these trails in Greenland, MI - a stone's throw from the Adventure Mine! (Photo: Nathan Miller)

Southern Keweenaw (SöKē) Trails

One word: gnarly.  Built upon the historic Adventure Mine, the rugged terrain that made copper mining here so difficult now lends itself to some of the toughest mountain bike trails around.  Bring your technical expertise because you’ll need it to navigate the chunky, hand-built singletrack here.  Rock rolls and tight corners are common, particularly on Poker Run and Hammer Down.  Trails like Downhill and Boulder come as advertised and require no introduction!

One unique challenge offered only at the SöKē trails is the chance to ride underground through a copper mine!  Better yet, race through the mine during the insane Miner’s Revenge race in mid-July.  If you thought racing on the surface was tough, imagine doing so through narrow tunnels in the inky blackness with mine shafts just feet away.  We wish we were exaggerating.

Michigan Tech Trails

Without the elevation that SöKē and Copper Harbor have, it’s tough for the Michigan Tech trails to compete on speed and size when it comes to advanced-level trails.  However, they do have two fast routes that should not be missed: Just Mite and Don’t Think.  These two downhill trails offer lots of opportunities to master the flow and lay down some serious speed.  Just rip it!

On the other hand, nowhere in the Keweenaw are there more rocks per foot of trail than on Michigan Tech’s most challenging trails.  If the name Lotsa Rocksa doesn’t give you an idea of what might be in store, you’ll soon find out.  Hairy Toad and Edwards Trail also have exceptionally punishing rock gardens throughout.  Add in skinny bridges and narrow tree gaps that you might not fit your handlebars through and you’ve got a frustratingly fun ride that will test the best among us.  If you can make it through these trails without putting a foot down, you have our respect.

Swedetown Trails

Like Michigan Tech, Swedetown’s advanced-level trails earn their designation based on how raw they are, rather than how fast or steep.  Although the sheer pucker factor may be lower than at Copper Harbor or SöKē, they’ll still wear you out quickly.  Wanna guess how many punchy, rooty climbs there are on Ten Times?  Any idea why a one-mile trail with just 70’ of elevation change got the name Burly?  Or why the classic Yooper exclamation “Uf Dah!” is the given name for a trail here?  Swedetown may be best known for its easy and intermediate trails, but don’t sleep on their tougher trails.  They’ll put you in your place if you’re not paying attention!

Real fun and real serious - expert riding and unforgettable thrills in Copper Harbor for experienced riders. (Photo: Nathan Miller)

Copper Harbor Trails

Copper Harbor boasts some of the biggest, rowdiest, and fastest mountain bike trails in the Midwest.  Chief among them is Overflow, a 0.9 mile downhill monster that features a huge gap jump and intimidating cliff roll that takes no prisoners.  Not to be outdone in the downhill category are Citrus Tech, Thunderbolt (THE fastest trail in the Keweenaw!), and the gnarly duo of Eh Horizon & Loam Rider.  The latter two trails were built to erode on purpose, meaning each time you ride them it’ll feel a little different as the trail breaks down and new lines open up.

Looking for air instead of speed?  Copper Harbor’s top-level jump trails will give you the most airtime for your buck.  Danimal and Flying Squirrel on Brockway Mountain are two classics that feature big jumps and iconic features.  New to the scene is Dueling Banjos, a trail with two competing jump lines each with their own flavor.  Put these trails on repeat to achieve perfection.

Finally, don’t sleep on Copper Harbor’s classic chunky trails.  One of the hands-down most cherished trails in all of the Midwest happens to be among the oldest: Red Trail!  This route originally was built in the 1930s and today is a perfect mountain bike trail for advanced riders.  Red Trail has it all: speedy descents, burly roll downs, skinny uphill bridges, chunder, roots, and more.  Follow it up with a brutal descent down Paul’s Plunge and you’ve experienced truly the best of what the Harbor has to offer.

Top 5 Keweenaw Mountain Biking Events

Whether you're chasing speed, refining your skills, or simply riding for the joy of it, these five annual events offer something for every type of mountain biker. Get inspired, join the fun, and make memories with your friends and family on the Keweenaw’s legendary singletrack. Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and start planning your next ride – the Keweenaw is calling:

• Ride the Keweenaw (May): A Memorial Day weekend celebration of all things trail, from mine tours to enduro races.
• Big Boy Clinic (June): A skill-building weekend with expert coaching and high-energy riding.
• Women’s Weekend (July): An empowering, fun-filled gathering of women riders of all levels.
• Miner's Revenge (July): Follow the miner's footsteps down through mines and across challenging forest ruins.
• Great Deer Chase (August ): A community-supported race with distances for beginners to pros, held during Pasty Fest.
• Copper Harbor Trails Fest (August): Three days of racing, music, and celebration in Copper Harbor over Labor Day weekend.