Marquette and Houghton Michigan offer terrain to challenge every rider. The singletrack in the U.P. offers scenic vistas and incredible riding action. There are enough networked trails to keep you entertained for a few hours or a few years. Come and enjoy the rugged beauty of the U.P. Our trails will make you wonder if you are still really in the Midwest!
And don’t forget we are a full-service bike shop. We handle Giant, Cannondale, 907 and Borealis bikes. It doesn’t matter if you have a flat tire or a blown fork we’re here to help.
Houghton Area Biking
There is an amazing amount of cycling in the Keweenaw both on the roads and in the woods. Being off the beaten path has its advantages… for one there aren’t a lot of vehicles around here and that makes riding our roads just a little safer than in other parts of the state. However, unlike many other parts of the country where road bikers rule, here it’s the mountain bikers that are in charge. Why is that? Well, it’s because we have some of the best trails in the state and some might say some of the best in the country, and we have a lot of them. You can easily spend a week riding your mountain bike here in the Keweenaw and not get bored. Below are some of our favorite trail systems. For more information and ride suggestion just stop by. Also, on almost every night of the week there is a group ride. Call or stop in for more details.
Michigan Tech Trails – Map
The Michigan Tech Trails are superb trails and they are located a short ride from just about any location in Houghton. Michigan Tech’s trail crew does an amazing job they are always out developing new trails or making sure that the existing trails are in the best possible shape. The Tech Trails are almost entirely singletrack. Although the trails aren’t super technical they are relatively challenging in that you are either screaming downhill or spinning your way back to the top. We would definitely recommend the Inner Peace, Outer Limits and Twilight loops. Michigan Tech also has a pump track, a dual slalom course, and a jump track.
Maasto Hiito / Churning Rapids – Map 1, Map2
The Maasto Hiito and Churning Rapids trail systems are found across the canal in Hancock. They offer a variety of options from rolling two-tracks to tight, twisty and technical singletrack. If you’re looking to get in a good long ride this is the place to go. Every June the Chain Drive Mountain Bike Race is held on these trails and the long course is 32 miles and you don’t have to ride anything twice.
Copper Harbor – Map
With over 25 miles of singletrack, these are – hands down – the premiere mountain biking trails in the Upper Peninsula. The Copper Harbor Trail System is both aerobically and technically challenging seeing as how many of the trails have been cut right into the surrounding bedrock of the surrounding hills. Whether your testing your mettle on the uphills, or taking chances on the way down the Copper Harbor trail experience is nothing short of EPIC! And that’s why in 2009 the International Mountain Biking Association awarded the Copper Harbor Trails Epic status.
A word of caution… there are some very technically challenging trails in Copper Harbor. However, there are options for every skill level. Just be sure to consult a map or the guys at The Keweenaw Adventure Company before heading out.
Swedetown – Map
The Swedetown trails are found north of Houghton in Calumet. They are mostly singletrack and there is not very much elevation gain or loss. That doesn’t mean there’s no climbing. It’s just that the climbs and descents are relatively short. This makes this trail great for groups with both beginners and advanced riders as they aren’t as aerobically challenging as some of the other trail systems, yet they offer all of the challenges with all of the tight twists and turns on top of some great scenery. Every August the Great Deer Chase Mountain Bike Race is held here.
For additional trail information please visit the Keweenaw Trails Website.
Or for more cycling specific info check out the Bike The Keweenaw Website!
Marquette Area Biking
Marquette Bike Trails
In Marquette to do a little riding? These are some of our staff’s favorites! We are always available for trail advise, energy gels, or that last minute tweek to your ride!
City of Marquette Bike Path- Map
Cyclist wanting to take a break from the rigors of challenging trails should check out the City of Marquette Bike Path. This 12-mile path takes riders along the shoreline of Lake Superior with outstanding views of the lake, marina and through lovely wooded areas. The trail ends in Presque Isle Park, a perfect place to stop for a picnic, a swim, or an ice cream cone at the refreshment stand. The bike path also provides easy access to downtown Marquette. Known for our eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and historical sights, Marquette is a great place to end a day of biking along the shoreline.
South Trails- Map
If your looking for premier trails in Marquette then look no further then the South Trails which are sponsored and professionally maintained by the Noquemanon Trail Network. A five minute drive or ten minute bike ride is all it takes to get you on the trails and ready to ride the thirty plus miles of world class single track. Trails not to be missed are the Gorgeous Loop (new extension in 2010) and the Mt Marquette Loop. The trails feature everything from swooping singletrack to stair-stepping jagged rocks that will make any rider’s leg hair stand on end. Even though the south trails are considered to be less technical then some other trails in Marquette they make up for that with flow and speed. In 2009 Bike Magazine named Marquette as the Number ONE place to live and ride in the U.S.
North Trails- Map
Variety is what the trails North of Marquette are known for. You can ride everything from swampy black wet dirt, exposed steep rock faces, fast and swooping single track, and even pedal through the sand to get a well deserved cool dip in Lake Superior. The trails north of town are a little harder to navigate due to the lack of signs…. but the lack of trails in non existent. The trails cross every which way and one can easily ride all day and never touch the same piece of dirt. Trails to ride are the open rock faces on the Bareback Trail and spend hours pedaling across the expansive wilderness that stretches between the town of Marquette and the trails north of town.
Free Ride Scene- Map
Marquette may not be known for our long descents but we make up for that with big drops, fast trails, and amazing dirt. Even though we may have only have 600ft to play with it’s a steep 600ft and will easily turn your knuckles white. During the summer weekends Marquette Mountain runs the lift service to save your legs from all the hiking, info can be found at marquettemountain.com…. and when your done there you can head across the street to the Benson Grade where our hand built DH trails litter the hill sides. Trails to ride are Gypsy Road (Marquette Mtn.) and Jethro (Benson Grade). The large local crew can also be easily found on the weekends hiking the Benson Grade.
Ishpeming/Negaunee Trails- Map
If you are up for a little drive west of Marquette and ready to ride trails that are more technical then the south trails and then head to Ishpeming and Negaunee. Trails here are similar to the north side of town… they are unsigned and zig zag every which way. If your looking to venture west to ride these trails find a local local to show you around or do your homework at the local shops. The trails here are something not to be forgotten… steep climbs and hairy descents will keep your body and mind working; while the beautiful views from atop the cliffs and mountain tops soothe the soul and make you realize why the Upper Peninsula is such an amazing place.
