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Posted: Oct 26, 2021

Michigan Tech Trails Late Fall/Winter Update

As the leaves and temperatures fall, the Tech Trails are preparing for the snow to begin falling as well. Over the summer, lots of work was put into the trails to ensure a great ski season. It can sometimes be forgotten how much work it takes in the summer to provide great trails during the winter.

Tolkien Trails

The Tolkien Trails saw a significant amount of work this summer with clearing the standing dead ash trees near the trails. Around 200 trees were felled, removed, and donated to Little Brothers, totaling nearly 25 cords of wood! Ditches were cleared, trails were widened to help save our grooming equipment, and two bridges were replaced with culverts to accommodate drainage on the ski trails. Bridge lumber was recycled into eight other bridges placed in the notoriously wet areas of Troll and Gnome Loops. To top it all off, KISMA is planting 500 native trees and understory seedlings to help replace the lost trees!

Main Trails

On the Main Trails, more drainage issues were addressed by installing or reinstalling 12 culverts on Down Under, Ridge, and Tanglewood loops. In addition, the crew fixed wiring on Balsam, replaced 20 old metal halide lights with high-efficiency LEDs, trimmed some of our problem trees, and cleared the high ropes course of nuisance trees as well.

It is a fair amount of work, and this is on top of the work needed for the mountain bike trails, which we were able to address a bit. About 500 meters of Inner Core was machine worked to bring it closer to the trail rating and what it was designed to be. We were also able to do some work on the Dirt Jumps and about 50 meters of Twilight. A few other problem areas were addressed on Hillside and Just Mite, which was done by hand.

Disc Golf Course

Over on the Disc Course, we installed 12 tee pads and cleared fairways of trees, stumps, and debris. As a result, the course boasts 15 holes that are now playable and enjoyable. Plans to complete the 18 holes are in place, and strategic partnerships with the Forestry Club and Disc Golf Club are helping to move that along.

Winter Updates

Enough about summer, what about winter!? Some updates for winter and the Tech Trails include re-establishing a changing space, wax space, and indoor space. Of course, things will look different than they did in 2019, but space will be made available for folks to change and wax their skis indoors at the main trailhead. In addition, room ten will be available and open during lighted trail hours and the day. This will include access to secure changing space and space with a wax table, iron, and lights. In addition, chairs and a table are available for those who may want to rest and eat while taking a break.

OAP Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Rental

The Outdoor Adventure Program will again be operating out of the Wax Shed as they have the past couple of years with ski rentals. The rental fleet was updated this year, and kid's skis were added! The annual equipment rental is still in place for students and non-students, and sales will begin on November 1, 2021. Details and a link to purchase a pass can be found at Cross Country Ski Rental.

Dogs

As a friendly reminder from the Michigan Tech Trails staff, dogs should be under the owner's control and on a leash while utilizing the dog-approved trails.

Here is the official Michigan Tech Trails policy regarding dogs which is supplemental to the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees Policy:

Dogs must be leashed and under owners' control at all times and are restricted to the Tolkien, Nara, Isle Royale, and Superior trails via the following access points - softball fields, Nara & Tolkien. No dogs at the main trailhead.

Over the summer, the staff enhanced signage and dog waste dispensers at dog-approved use trails. We ask that all Tech Trails users with dogs be considerate and respectful of the Michigan Tech policies and all users of our wonderful trail system. At the end of the day, we all want to enjoy our trails in a safe and secure environment. For reference, here are some tips on proper dog etiquette and a link from the Humane Society to help educate dog owners.

Etiquette for dog owners:

  • Scoop your poop. Bring several bags on your walks to be sure you have enough.
  • Prevent barking.
  • Only let your dog greet a stranger if they ask.
  • Always leash your dog on walks.
  • Don't play while on a leash.
  • Be aware of other people's feelings - Not everyone is a dog-lover.

Trail Passes

The Michigan Tech Trails are a great resource to our campus and the greater community. Please support them by purchasing an annual access or day pass. Your support helps ensure that our trails are well-groomed, maintained, and updated.

Trail usage is one of the benefits of the Experience Tech Fee, and currently enrolled Michigan Tech students may use the Tech Trails at no charge. A trail access or day pass is required for all other users. Children age 12 and younger are eligible for a free youth trails membership available at the SDC Ticket Office.

Trails members get access to locker room 110 in the SDC. Locker rentals are reserved for SDC access. Please email trailsinfo@mtu.edu with any questions, concerns, or comments. We hope that everyone is able to enjoy our trails system responsibly!