THE MAASTO HIIHTO TRAIL SYSTEM is a multi-use, silent sport recreation area that features the area's premier natural asset: The Swedetown Creek Gorge.

In Finnish, maasto hiihto means "cross-country ski." The trail was originally developed in the 1980s by a group of Nordic enthusiasts with support from the City of Hancock. This group adopted the name, Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club. In 1997, KNSC became official when it gained nonprofit, 501(c)(3) status.

Two trailheads provide access to the groomed trails at Maasto. One is at the Chalet on the Houghton County fairgrounds, and the other at Tomasi Road near the Hancock Department of Public Works garage, north of UP Health System - Portage Hospital.

CHURNING RAPIDS TRAILS provides an intimate, backcountry type of experience. This area can be accessed from Maasto Hiihto or a trailhead at Christensen Road, off M-203, 5 miles north of Hancock. Trails wind through the John Christensen Wildlife Preserve.

The KNSC changed its name to the Hancock Trails Club (HTC) in 2024. Today, the partnership of HTC, the City of Hancock, and generous landowners remains integral in maintaining the trails throughout the year for a variety of silent sports. The trails are groomed for classic cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and snow biking.

We welcome your entire family to get outside and enjoy the purest of Pure Michigan at Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids Trails. They are the area's only 100% dog-friendly trails. We ask that all trail users purchase an annual membership or a day pass. Ongoing trail maintenance and grooming are only possible if trail users help pay to maintain them.

Stay tuned for the latest snowfall and trail conditions for the Keweenaw.

Visit Hancock Trails Club for:

• buying a season membership or day pass

• grooming and trail reports

• viewing or printing a trail map

• trail and club news

• event information and to purchase tickets

• making a donation

• volunteer opportunities

• contacting the KNSC board