The mission of the Copper Harbor Trails Club (CHTC) is to advocate, develop and maintain trails and land for human-powered activities in and connecting to Copper Harbor. Put more simply, we build and maintain incredible trails near Michigan's northernmost town. Our trails are open year-round, come rain or sun or feet of snow. We welcome trail users of all ages, ability, race, color, orientation, gender, religion, profession, or however else you identify yourself. On the trail, we're all equal in our love for being outdoors in the Keweenaw's magnificent woods and rocky shorelines. The Copper Harbor trails are free to use and open to the public.
Our trails are sustainably built and optimized for mountain bikes. However, that's not to say that other trail users aren't permitted. With the exception of a few dedicated downhill trails, all of our singletrack trails are multi-use for all non-motorized, human-powered pursuits. That means hikers, birdwatchers, berry pickers, rockhounds, backpackers, trail runners, dog walkers, photographers, and basically anyone propelling themselves with their own two feet can use our trails alongside our mountain biking brethren. In the winter, snowshoers, backcountry skiers, and the occasional powder-hunting downhiller take over the system. XC skiers and fatbikers can enjoy a few loops closer to town on the easier-to-groom terrain. Per our landowners' requests, we do not currently allow E-bikes on our singletrack trails.
The Copper Harbor Trails Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by members, business partners, grants, and events. We receive no funding from millages and must raise every dollar that goes into our trails. Great trails don't happen by accident, and for over 25 years volunteers and trail advocates have been pushing to develop awesome recreational trails in our region. The results are worth the trip.
Trails in and around Copper Harbor are often rocky, rooty, and occasionally quite steep. Newer trails are generally smoother and may contain optional features such as drops or jumps. The majority of our trails are classified as intermediate, with several one-way downhill trails available for experts that have significant obstacles or large jumps. A beginner trail network is in the works and will eventually span the entirety of our system with easier trail options for all trail users. These trails will be wide enough to groom for snowbike or XC ski use when a viable network is in place.
