The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails offer more than 30 miles of well-maintained forest trails in Hancock, Michigan. Open year-round, this extensive trail network is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing (“maastohiihto” is the Finnish word for “cross-country skiing”).
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About the Trails
The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails are open to the public year-round. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, but you’re welcome to visit for low-impact recreation.
The Maasto Hiihto trails are owned by the City of Hancock. Churning Rapids is located on 770 acres of private property, but it has a conservation easement that keeps it open for public use. The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) worked with the property owners to connect the two trail systems, creating one of the largest multisport networks in the area. The KNSC now takes a leading role in the stewardship of the trails.
Things to Do at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids
The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trail network are open for non-motorized recreation. Some activities you can do include:
- Hiking
- Trail running
- Mountain biking
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snow biking
Winters are long in Hancock, MI, so the trails keep locals sane. Many of the trails are groomed for Nordic skiing or snow biking. Walking is not allowed in the winter, unless you’re wearing snowshoes. If you’re a skate skier, head over to the Tech Trails — Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids only allow classic skiing.
Events at the Trails
In the winter, the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club hosts a variety of events on the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails. Join the super-friendly local Nordic skiing community for events including the Barnelopet kids’ ski race and the magical Luminary Ski. We love the Glide n’ Gorge, where participants ski along marked course and stop for delicious snacks along the way. Snowshoes and snow bikes are welcome at many events. Check out the trails’ Facebook page to learn more.
Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids Trail Map
Thanks to a major signage update in the summer of 2023, getting around the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails is a breeze. Every trail junction has a sign with a number and a map. The junction numbers are clearly marked on the map, so you can always find where you are. If something happens, these numbers also help emergency responders reach you quickly.
Summer Trail Map
Winter Trail Map
Trail Passes
In the winter, you’ll need a trail pass to use the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails. The fees go toward grooming and general maintenance. If you’re coming just for one day, the recommended donation is $5. Put it in the red pay poles at the trailhead, or pay online.
Want an annual membership? Buy it on the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club website. Individual memberships are $75, and family memberships are $95. If you’re planning to ski at other local trails — Michigan Tech Trails, the Chassell Trails, or the Swedetown Trails — save money with a combined trail pass. You can buy it online through Michigan Tech.
Maasto Hiihto Trailheads
There are two official trailheads for the Maasto Hiihto section of the trail network. You can also access the trails from a smaller parking area near the Hancock Campground.
Tomasi Road Trailhead
The Tomasi Road trailhead is popular with mountain bikers, largely because it offers quick access to the hills on the Creekside and Upper Creekside Trails. If you’re hiking here, make sure to watch out for bikers when you’re rounding corners.
This trailhead has a gravel parking lot with room for about six to eight cars. When there’s no snow, you can also pull off along the shoulder of Captains Drive, if necessary.
Driving Park Trailhead
Located at the far end of the Hancock Fairgrounds near the baseball fields, the Driving Park Trailhead offers a nearly unlimited amount of parking. The city also runs a small chalet there, but it’s not always open.
The trails that start from here are very wide and spacious. You’ll also find a few singletrack routes branching off through the trees. During business hours on weekdays, don’t be surprised to hear industrial sounds; there’s a sand and gravel business down the hill.
M-203 Trail Access
If you’re looking to access the lower part of the Maasto Hiihto trails, you can use the alternate access off M-203 near Hancock Beach and the Hancock Campground. Just after you pass the Hancock Campground, look out for a gravel road on the right. You’ll see a couple of mailboxes and a mini free library right before the turn.
From the parking area, you’ll see a singletrack trail branching off to the left. After a short, gradual climb, it connects you to the M6 junction on the Grill House loop trail. Or, climb up the steep hill at the far end of the parking lot (visible in the map below) to reach junction M5 and Sisu Hill. The lot may not be plowed in the winter.
Churning Rapids Trailheads
If you’re looking for a backcountry experience, head to the Churning Rapids section of the trail network. Though these trails are just a few miles outside of Hancock, they’re exceptionally quiet and peaceful.
Christensen Road Trailhead
The Churning Rapids trailheads are located at either end of Christensen Road (oddly labeled “Christsen Road” on Google Maps. When you’re driving down highway M-203 toward McLain State Park, keep an eye out for a blue sign with a yellow monarch butterfly (above). Christensen Road is located to the right of the sign.
In the summer, drive all the way down to the end of the dirt road — it can be bumpy, but it’s accessible for all types of cars. There’s plenty of parking at the summer trailhead. In the winter, you’ll need to park just off the highway and ski 0.6 miles in to the main trailhead.
High Point Road Trail Access
This is our favorite access point of the entire Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trail network. To get there, drive 1.1 miles up High Point Road. Just before the road makes a sharp right turn, you’ll see a wide shoulder on the left side. Pull off there, and look for the trail map posted near the narrow path into the woods.
This route takes you to junction C77, the Maki Loop, and the Maki Trail, which you can take to Jimmy Dean and Thoroughfare. The path is beautiful — it travels through a leafy, open forest with no undergrowth. It’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running in the summer and fall.
The trail map indicates another parking area closer to the highway, but we couldn’t find it among the many houses.
Are Dogs Allowed at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids?
Dogs are allowed on all the trails at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids. In fact, the trail network bills itself as “100% dog friendly.” If you’re bringing a pet, you must keep it under control the entire time. You’ll also need to pack out waste; bags and trash cans are available at the trailheads.
Things to Do Nearby
After a summer adventure on the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids, head straight to one of the beaches near Hancock to cool off. Looking for a shorter hike? Consider one of the nearby spots for hiking near Hancock (we especially love Steve Farm Nature Area). In the winter, warm up at once of the restaurants in Hancock.