The Michigan Tech Trails — or the Tech Trails, as they’re known locally — stretch across 675 acres on the outskirts of Houghton, Michigan. With 34.5 miles of well-maintained forest trails, this area is one of the most popular local recreation areas.
Know what you’re looking for? Jump right to a section:
- About the Michigan Tech Trails
- Trail passes
- Things to do
- Sections of the trails
- Trailheads
- Dog policy
- Directions
About the Michigan Tech Trails
The Michigan Tech Trails are open to the public year-round (pass required, see below) . Popular activities include:
You’ll also see people trying skijoring, playing paintball, or training for the Michigan Tech Army ROTC program. Despite all the activities, the trails never feel crowded — there’s plenty of space for everyone.
Not that long ago, the Tech Trails area was little more than a forest with a few scattered trails. Today, this spot is one of the premier recreation areas in Michigan. Thanks to the U.P.’s heavy snowfall and Michigan Tech’s impeccable maintenance, the trail network is one of the best Nordic skiing areas in the country. In fact, they’ve hosted multiple cross country national championships.
Do You Need a Trail Pass for the Michigan Tech Trails?
You need a pass to access the Tech Trails — you can buy them online or use the self-pay stations at every trailhead (day passes only). For the 2023-2024 season, day passes are $15, adult annual passes are $125, junior passes (13-17) are $50, and family passes are $175.
Michigan Tech students and kids under 13 can use the Tech Trails for free.
Your trail pass also comes with access to the locker room in the Michigan Tech Student Development Complex (SDC). There, you’ll find lockers, showers, and a sauna (the perfect place to warm up after a cold ski session).
Michigan Tech Trails: Things to Do
The Michigan Tech Trails are multi-use; they’re open for a variety of activities. The MTU Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) is also located at the main trailhead — it offers a variety of affordable gear rentals for both students and community members.
Mountain biking
Any time the ground is dry in Houghton, you’ll find mountain bikers flying down the 20+ miles of singletrack at the Tech Trails. There’s something for riders of every skill level — check out a few favorite routes at MTB Project and the trails site.
Many trails are shared with runners and walkers; stay alert, especially on corners and hills. The MTU OAP rents bikes and helmets for reasonable prices.
Cross-country skiing
The Michigan Tech Trails open for cross-country skiing as soon as there’s an adequate base of snow. Trails are groomed regularly throughout the winter. Many skiers start at the main trailhead, which offers bathrooms and a community wax space.
From 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm, check out the lighted trails:
- Balsam Loop
- Birch Loop
- Isle Royale Loop
- Linden Loop
- Oak Loop
- Peepsock Loop
Don’t have skis? You can get a season rental pass for just $25 through OAP ($15 for students) — its a great way to try out different classic and skate skis without worrying about maintenance or transportation. The OAP also offers daily rates.
Hiking and Running
The Tech Trails are popular with local runners and hikers. For a mostly flat, easy run, stick to the Tolkien Trails or the Upper Trails. If you want a challenge, head straight for the hilly Competition Trails and the Lower Trails. (We love the Linden, Cemetery, Maple, and Down Under loops.)
Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, especially when you’re running on singletrack. Some trails are one-way only; pay close attention to signs at trail intersections.
Snowshoeing
If you’re not a skier or a fat-tire biker, you can explore the trails by snowshoe. It’s permitted on three routes:
- Tolkien Trails
- Isle Royale Loop
- Superior Loop
- River Loop
Stick to the sides of the trails, and avoid the classic ski tracks. (The two parallel groomed lines on either side of the trail.) You can rent snowshoes at the main trailhead.
Snow Biking
With the Michigan Tech Trails in your backyard, there’s no need to stop biking when the snow falls. You can ride snow bikes in a few areas:
- Tolkien Trails
- Isle Royale Loop
- Superior Loop
- River Loop
Keep in mind that the rules may change, so watch out for signs at the trails. As the sign above notes, bikes aren’t allowed at the main trailhead.
Sections of the Michigan Tech Trails
The Tech Trails are divided into four distinct sections:
- Upper Trails: Located right off the main trailhead, this section is mostly flat, with a few gentle hills. It offers a mix of singletrack and wide, grassy trails, so it’s a great spot for relaxed skiing, running, and biking.
- Competition Trails: Just east of the main trailhead, these trails feature steep hills and tight turns — they’re perfect when you want a challenge.
- Tolkien Trails: Flat and beautiful, the Tolkien Trails are a favorite of local runners and beginning skiers. Access them from the Tolkien Trailhead; you can also get there easily from the main trailhead by taking the Core Loop to Pilgrim Road.
- Lower Trails: The quiet Lower Trails offer a pleasant mix of hills and rolling terrain. They’re particularly beautiful in the fall.
See a full-sized Michigan Tech Trails map here
Michigan Tech Trails: Trailheads
The Tech Trails have five main trailheads (click on the link to open a Google Map):
- MTU Trailhead: The main trailhead features a large parking lot, a Nordic waxing center, and the OAP rental center. It’s a popular access point for walkers, bikers, and cross-country skiers. Park here if you’re attending a ski competition; the start and finish lines are located nearby.
- Softball Fields Trailhead: Located just down the street from the main trailhead, the softball fields entrance offers direct access to the Isle Royale Loop. It’s popular with people who are walking with dogs.
- Tolkien Trails Trailhead: This trailhead is located on Pilgrim Road; it’s popular year-round with runners, dog-walkers, and cross-country skiers. Cross Pilgrim Road, and you can access the main Tech Trails.
- Mill Road Trailhead: Tucked away in a residential area, the Mill Road trailhead has the lowest traffic. It’s a great spot to access the Lower Trails and Nara Trails.
- Nara Trailhead: Located in the Nara Nature Park, this trailhead features a heated chalet with bathrooms. Park here to access the Lower Trails and the Nara Trails.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Michigan Tech Trails?
You can take your dog on certain trails, as long as they remain on a leash and under control the entire time. The runners, skiers, and mountain bikers that use the Tech Trails take this rule seriously — they travel at high speeds, and off-leash pets are a significant safety hazard.
Dogs are allowed on these trails:
- Tolkien Trails
- Isle Royale Loop
- Superior Loop
The two Nara Trails in the Nara Nature Park (Nara Loop and River Loop) are also dog-friendly. Make sure to follow the signs carefully — the Tech Trails intertwine with the Nara Trails in this area, and it’s easy to wander onto a dog-free trail.
If you’re bringing a dog, you must use specific trailheads:
- Softball fields trailhead
- Nara trailhead
- Tolkien trailhead
Dogs are not allowed at the main MTU trailhead and the Mill Road trailhead.
How to Get to the Tech Trails
The Michigan Tech Trails are located just off Sharon Avenue, on the edge of Michigan Technological University near the SDC and the football field.
Directions to the Michigan Tech Trails
- From downtown Houghton, head east on College Avenue/US-41
- At the MTU campus stoplight (there’s just one) turn right onto Macinnes Drive
- Drive for 1 mile; the road turns into Sharon Avenue
- Turn left onto the gravel road to reach the main trailhead
There’s almost always parking available at the main trailhead, unless there’s a ski competition. When that happens, you can find additional spots in the football field parking lot across the street.
Things to Do Near the Tech Trails
If you’re looking for another hike, check out our favorite spots for hiking near Houghton, MI. The Pilgrim Community Forest and the Boundary Road Trails are both just a few minutes away. Need to cool off after your run or ride? Head to one of the beaches near Houghton. For activities for any season of the year, check out our favorite things to do in Houghton, MI.