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 The Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails offer some of the most unique and challenging trails and terrain in all of Michigan. Working diligently on the grassroots level, a dedicated group of local riders have created a network of designated non-motorized trails, while working to promote the area as a destination for silent sports recreation for a number of years. A cooperative effort between neighboring land owners including the State, Keweenaw County, Michigan Nature Association and the Ft. Wilkins Gardens combined with the volunteer efforts have resulted in a network of over 25 miles of designated trails and include over 21 miles of sweet singletrack.
The riding in Copper Harbor is REAL mountain biking and really does not compare with anywhere else in the Midwest…….if you have ever been to nearby Mount Bohemia to ski or snowboard its 900’vertical drop, you know what we’re talking about! A series of rocky, undulating ridges and valleys punctuate Keweenaw County and are highlighted with old growth forests, historic locations, pristine inland lakes and streams, mountain top vistas and rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Singletrack trails wind over bedrock, cobbled rock, rooty, hard packed surfaces with lots of climbs, technical descents, rustic bridges and a total lack of sand. Constant elevation changes provide a Western-like riding experience and some riders have nicknamed it “the BC of the Midwest.”
While its reputation may entice the experienced mountain biker, a number of easy & intermediate rated family-friendly trails do exist, including some singletrack trails. A network of old logging roads and jeep trails traverse the narrow, uninhabited tip of the peninsula, east of Copper Harbor and offer some less technical riding options. This includes over 8000 acres of State Forest land along Lake Superior and a side trip to the Nature Conservancy Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor. Some popular family rides near Copper Harbor include the Pole-line & Lighthouse Overlook Trail at Ft. Wilkins State Park, the Lake Fanny Hooe Trail, the Ft. Wilkins Gardens and the intermediate rated Clark Mine Trail and the Garden Brook Trail to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Bikers may ride to the Estivant Pines trailhead, however bicycles are prohibited within the nature sanctuary as only hiking is permitted.
The Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival is traditionally held on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Not part of any point series and with no major prize money at stake, this end of the summer rally is intended to be a fun race and a good time for both the racers and spectators alike. The 23-mile & 13 mile cross country races are gaining a reputation amongst riders for having the most technically demanding and challenging race course around. This event typically attracts racers from a radius including the Upper Peninsula, lower Michigan, Chicago-land, Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and beyond. A true festival by the definition of the word, the Fat Tire includes a Saturday “preview ride”, the “Jr. Fat Tire” kid’s race, awards & great prizes, a commemorative festival
T-shirt, a cookout and live music with two different bands performing into the night…truly a mountain bike race like no other! All of the proceeds raised from Fat Tire Festival contribute directly to the creation, maintenance, insurance and enhancement of the Copper Harbor trails.
The Copper Harbor Trails are a constant work in progress, with new trails being created and old trails being improved each season. Non-motorized trails for both mountain biking and hiking are on the top of the agenda on the township’s recreation plan and from a citizen’s advisory committees’ recommendations to the DNR in regards to over 8000 acres of state land on the tip of the Keweenaw. The county-owned Keweenaw Mountain Lodge has gradually evolved into a nucleus for non-motorized trails with several main trailheads located on its property. The KML has voiced support for new trail creation on its 350 acres, initially for summertime use with the eventual possibility for classic XC ski and snowshoe trail use during the winter.
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This section has been contributed by Sam of the Keweenaw Adventure Company, Copper Harbor’s original bike shop. They have a area maps, a basic supply of parts and accessories, a mechanic, rental bikes and are the local experts when it comes to giving advice for your ride. Stop by the shop to get scoop from their helpful staff or send them an email for more information.
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