Hiking and Biking

The League of American Bicyclists has awarded the City of Houghton the Bicycle Friendly Community Silver level designation for 2013-2017. Houghton is one of only two cities in the state with the silver designation and the only city in the U.P. This award would not be possible without the dedication of the Bike and Pedestrian Committee. To learn more about the League of American Bicyclists and the Bike Friendly City program visit: www.bikeleague.org/community.

Since 2006, the Houghton Bike and Pedestrian Committee has been improving the atmosphere for bicyclists and pedestrians in the City. The committee, after soliciting information from the public through a survey, created a bike plan in 2007. Many of the improvements suggested in this plan were implemented. In 2010, the committee applied for and received the bronze Bike Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists.

In 2013, the committee again solicited public input through a survey and created the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan of 2013. The City also created a bicycle signage plan and safe routes to school plan. The City is now in the implementation stage of these plans and hopes to create a community where non-motorized transportation is a safe and convenient option for people of all ages.

• Non-Motorized Transportation Plan of 2013 (PDF)
• What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know 2014 (PDF)
• Michigan Bike Law Handbook (PDF)
• City of Houghton Bike Route Map (PDF)

Trails

The Michigan Tech trails and Nara Park trails provide miles of wide-track and technical trails for mountain biking enthusiasts as well as hikers. These trails are linked to each other. The Michigan Tech trails are accessible from Sharon Avenue near the intersection with Garnet Street. The Nara Park trails are accessible from U.S. 41 near the Pilgrim River bridge across the highway from the east entrance to the City’s Non-Motorized Waterfront Trail. The MTU Trails link below will provide a map.

Waterfront Trail – The City has a non-motorized, paved, trail that runs east-west the entire length of the City. It starts at the Pilgrim River on the east and follows the waterfront to the Kestner Waterfront Park on the west. The Recreation Map link below will provide a map.

Streets and Sidewalks:

• Sharon Avenue: There is a wide shoulder on both sides of Sharon Avenue for biking and walking.
• College Avenue: There are wide sidewalks on both sides of College Avenue that allow biking and walking.
• Downtown: For the safety of pedestrians entering and exiting shops, bicycles must be walked on the sidewalk on Shelden Avenue.
• Houghton Avenue Bike Boulevard: Houghton Avenue is designated as the recommended east/west route through town with a safe connection to the waterfront (through the M-26 Tunnel) and the Michigan Tech Campus. Look for the bike route signs.

For more information regarding biking in Houghton including a map of suggested bike routes, visit the BIKE website: bikeinitiativekeweenaw.org