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What to Expect at the 2025 Copper Harbor Trails Fest
- Copper Harbor Trails Club
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Labor Day Weekend in Copper Harbor means one thing: Trails Fest. And we’re going big for the 32nd annual Orbion x Copper Harbor Trails Fest, happening August 29–31, 2025. Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just soaking in the Harbor’s energy, there’s something for everyone.
A family reunion for mountain biking, the vibe is laid-back but full of energy, this is a tight-knit community where laughter, support, and shared stoke are quite literally everywhere. Whether this is your
Set at the "end of the earth" in the Keweenaw, the festival is rooted in nature, with endless single-track and a deep sense of trail stewardship fueled by passionate volunteers. Evenings bring everyone together with live music, local food and beer, and a community vibe that feels surprisingly big for such a small town.
There’s an electric yet welcoming energy in the air. Races are competitive but not pro-dominated—almost anyone has a shot at a podium spot, and riders are known for cheering each other on as much as they’re chasing their own goals.
If you’re a racer, here’s what to expect:
Saturday, August 30th,
We kicks off with the Cross Country (XC) races, running from 10 AM to 2 PM. Riders can choose between three distances: the Long XC, ideal for those who love big climbs and endless trail; the Medium XC, a 15-mile grind that’s just the right mix of pain and flow; or the Short XC, which packs plenty of trail fun into fewer miles. All three are timed, scenic, and packed with the signature features that make Copper Harbor trails legendary.
At 3 PM, the action shifts to the Downhill Race on Overflow—one of Copper Harbor’s most iconic trails. This isn't your average descent. Overflow is steep, raw, and rowdy, built for riders who like their gravity with a dose of chaos. The Downhill is part of the Lake Superior Gravity Series and always brings out the loudest cheers and boldest moves.
Younger riders get their turn in Youth Races at 4 PM. These kid-friendly loops give little shredders the chance to experience the stoke of race day, complete with big crowd energy and plenty of high fives. The day wraps up with an awards ceremony at 6 PM at Donny Kilpela Park smack dab in the center of Copper Harbor!
Sunday, August 31st,
We're starting early with the 10K Trail Run at 8 AM!
If you think you’ve run
rugged terrain before, Copper Harbor will challenge that. This course blends incredible scenery with a healthy dose of roots, rocks, and wild terrain. It’s equal parts beautiful and brutal.
Later that morning, around 9 AM, the Enduro Race takes over the mountain. Featuring multiple timed downhill stages and untimed transfer sections, it offers a full day of trail variety and strategic riding. Open to Beginner, Sport, and Expert classes, this race is also part of the Lake Superior Gravity Series and showcases some of the best descents in the Midwest.
Sunday finishes with another awards ceremony at 6 PM to celebrate the weekend’s victories—and survivors.
If one race isn’t enough, Trails Fest offers challenges for the truly ambitious. The King & Queen of the Mountain title is up for grabs for anyone who completes the Long XC, Expert Enduro, and Downhill. And for those who want to push it even further, there’s BEAST MODE—a badge of honor for anyone brave (and wild) enough to take on all three biking events plus the 10K Trail Run.
So whether you’re chasing a crown, testing your limits, or just showing up to soak in the energy, Trails Fest is the place to be. Lace up, gear up, and get ready for one unforgettable weekend on the trails.
Bonus: You’ll save $20 for each additional event you register for. The more you race, the more you save.
Trails Fest isn’t just about the races—it’s a full weekend celebration of mountain biking, community, and good times in Copper Harbor. Whether you’re here to race, run, spectate, or simply soak up the vibe, the festival offers something for everyone from Friday through Sunday.
Friday, August 29, kicks off with a farm-to-table tent featuring delicious local food options from Soil & Soul at Donny Kilpela Memorial Park. Make sure to check out their menu and grab a food ticket in advance to secure your spot (upsoilandsoul.com). The beer tent opens at 7 PM, and at 8 PM, the park hosts a special outdoor movie screening of “Anytime”—a perfect way to settle into the weekend and meet fellow trail lovers.
On Saturday, August 30, the beer tent opens early at 2 PM alongside tasty food options from Otter Belly Lodge. The festival’s Art Bike exhibit also opens in the park, showcasing creative, trail-inspired works. Music fills the air with performances by Bugs Don’t Bike and Dead North, setting a relaxed party vibe that carries well into the evening.
On Sunday, August 31, the beer tent reopens at 2 PM, with Otter Belly Lodge once again serving up food. The day features a summer raffle with exciting prizes like bikes, swag, and even a teardrop trailer. As night falls, 4OnTheFloor takes the stage, and that’s when the dancing really kicks off!
From farm-fresh food, vendors in the park and live music to world-class racing and community spirit, Trails Fest is a full-on celebration of everything that makes Copper Harbor and its trails so special. Lace up, gear up, and get ready to experience an unforgettable Labor Day weekend.
"Trails Fest is the crowned jewel of events for me in the Keweenaw every year. The strong sense of community throughout the weekend is what makes the event so special." - James VanLinn (Trails Fest Enthusiast)
All told, the Copper Harbor Trails Fest delivers a vibrant blend of high-elevation racing, grassroots trail passion, shared community fun, and the pure natural magic of the Keweenaw. It’s more than a race—it’s a tradition, a trail celebration, and a perfect Labor Day weekend adventure.
Want to spend the whole weekend here? Copper Harbor has plenty of ways to stay close to the action. From rustic campgrounds and lakeside cabins to cozy motels right in town, there’s something for every budget and vibe. Check out lodging options here, and book your campsite early if you’re planning to tent or RV it. Between races or rides, fuel up at one of the town’s local gems, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a post-ride burger, or a local beer on the patio, here’s where to eat in Copper Harbor.
Ready to ride, run, dance and repeat? We’ll see you at the start line.
Register + Learn More
Register now: runsignup.com/copperharbortrailsfest
Event info, schedule, and details: You'll find the full participant guide here: copperharbortrails.org/trailsfest
Get Involved as a volunteer: We’ve got some awesome perks for you all this year including some free merch + a beer & food ticket. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MI/CopperHarbor/CopperHarborTrailsFest
More About the Orbion x CHTC Sponsorship: https://www.copperharbortrails.org/post/orbion-x-chtc-mountain-bike
We can’t wait to welcome you to Copper Harbor this August. Pack your gear, bring your trail stoke, and we’ll see you out there!