What's happening: The Hancock Trails Club (HTC) is developing a new bike park and trailhead at the Hancock Recreation Area, aiming to enhance access to the region’s growing trail network. The project will link directly to the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trail system, expanding opportunities for silent sport recreation.
The proposed trailhead project will transform an empty parcel known by locals as the Grill House Trailhead. While some people use the area as a sledding hill, transforming the lot into a full-fledged trailhead will allow multiple existing trails to be connected more efficiently and create a center for mountain biking in Hancock.
Growing opportunities: Outdoor recreation is a consistent opportunity in the Upper Peninsula, with more and more communities benefitting from mountain bike trail networks. According to a recent report by the Trust for Public Land, mountain bikers spend roughly $416 per trip on lodging, food and more when travelling for their rides, which is a part of the estimated $352 million spent on outdoor recreation activities in the Upper Peninsula in 2024.
In the Copper Country, the Hancock trails serve as a gateway to multiple systems further north in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Developing a trailhead and connecting multiple existing paths will allow riders of all skill levels to have consistent meeting locations and provide infrastructure for fun rides or competitive racing, all while providing ecotourism boosts to the local economy.
What they're saying: “The purpose of this project is to create a new outdoor recreation destination in Hancock by building a welcoming trailhead and mountain bike skill park on a city-owned parcel that is strategically located adjacent to the Hancock Beach and Campground, Maasto Hiihto Churning Rapids trail system, and the Swedetown Creek and Gorge,” said Ian Helman, Hancock Trails Club board member. “The end result of this project will tie together and showcase the existing park amenities of the Hancock Beach and Campground with an expanse of outdoor space available for trail-based recreation and ecotourism, thus creating a sustainable recreation asset for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”
What's next: If the campaign reaches its $50,000 crowdfunding goal by August 6, the project will qualify for a matching grant through the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. More information about the project and how to contribute is available at
patronicity.com/hancock.
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