Sure Wood Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Drops/Jumps · Pump Track

Built by the wizards from Copper Harbor Trails Club, Sure Wood Trail starts at the Michigan Tech Trails main trailhead by the 3D map (follow the yellow arrows), makes a very mellow 0.2 mile climb through a red pine plantation to the top of the property, then lets it all break loose.

The first 0.2 miles of downhill are configured as a dual slalom race course, (or take the alternate line on the big jumps to the left) complete with starting ramp at the top. Choose your lane and race your buddy! Small berms and roller gaps start at an easy grade, then transition to larger table tops as the pitch increases slightly.

When Sure Wood levels out and crosses the ski trail, it transitions to a singletrack, pops over the old railroad grade at the pipeline, then begins its second descent. This intermediate segment is all about flow and maintaining your speed. Past the weather station and gnarly oak, across the bridge at the old rock farmer's dam, and finally slowing at the entrance to Portage Loop ski trail, you're ready to go again.

Here begins the advanced segment, as the descent takes on an aggressive character, the grade doubles, and all the features become over sized. Now it's about controlling your speed. Most riders can still roll it all (hey, even the Athletic Director has done it), but you have to be good to really rail it all and hit the gaps. This is 0.7 miles of relentless gravity, compression, and air through mature oaks, giant white pines, and lacy hemlocks.

A few more linked berms, a big step up, and a final drop leaves you at the bottom where you can head left and follow the yellow arrows back to the top, or continue on Hillside Trail straight ahead and explore more of the XC trails at Tech.

Enjoy!

ADDED NOTE: Had noticed that Mich Tech Rec had graded this trail Green/Easy because even the jump track has three lines: dual slalom (blue/moderate), big (black/difficult), and small (green/easy). Wrap things up back to the trailhead with Inner Core and stay green.