For trails related questions, concerns, and/or feedback, please email: trailsinfo@mtu.edu.
The Michigan Tech trail system accommodates all levels of skiers, bikers, and hikers — from beginner to advanced. The main trailhead is located on Sharon Avenue and can be accessed from campus to the top of MacInnes Drive which then changes to Sharon Avenue. With Houghton’s average snowfall approaching 250 inches, the winter season usually opens in early December and continues into April. Checkout the
Trail Genius virtual map which shows skiing the Competition Trails.
Trail Etiquette
Grooming practices will end later in the day in an effort to give our Race Team and afternoon and evening users a better product
Grooming equipment may be on the trails especially in the morning hours.
ALWAYS assume the operator of the grooming equipment cannot see you and does not know you are there. You must give them lots of space.
Please allow the trails to be "set up" before venturing out on the trails. If you are leaving ruts and push marks on the trail, it is too soft and needs an hour or so to "set up". Following right behind the groomer may give you pristine conditions, but it will also ruin the trail for those who come after you. Please be courteous and let the trails "set up".
OAP operations have moved to the main trailhead Systems Control Wax Center. Stop in and see the changes!
Dogs must be leashed and under owners' control at all times and are restricted to the Tolkien, Nara, Isle Royale & Superior trails via the following access points - softball fields, Nara & Tolkien. No dogs at the main trailhead.
Snowshoeing is allowed on the following Nordic Ski Trails; Isle Royale Loop, Superior Loop, Tolkien Trails, and River Loop (access from the Nara Trailhead). It also includes all of the single-track mountain bike trails. Please refrain from walking on the classic ski tracks.
Snow bikes (fat tire) may ride on Isle Royale, Superior, Tolkien and River Loops.
No motorized vehicles or bikes are allowed on the Michigan Tech trails with the exception of
Class 1 E-Bikes.
Lighted trails are Birch, Isle Royale, Oak, Balsam, Linden and Peepsock. Lights are on daily 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm.
Please adhere to trail closures due to trail base grooming preparation.
Safety Note: Please do not ski/ride/etc. the wrong way on trails. Trails with steep hills are intended to be one direction to avoid collisions and injury. One way trails have a DO NOT ENTER sign posted on the wrong-way trail entrance.
Please keep a lookout for these signs and stay safe on the trails!
