Traverse City Trails Festival presented by Stone Hound Brewing

Prepare for an exhilarating trail experience at the Traverse City Trails Festival presented by Stone Hound Brewing, set to take place on September 26, 2026, in the scenic Grand Traverse area of Traverse City, Michigan. This renowned event, known as Michigan's ultimate singletrack test, offers participants a chance to explore a network of marked and unmarked trails within the stunning Pere Marquette Forest. Athletes can choose from challenging distances of approximately 28 miles, known as the "Full Pint," or the more approachable "Half Pint" at roughly 15 miles, both predominantly featuring fast and fun singletrack. A 2.5-mile Youth Race is also available for younger enthusiasts, making it a truly family-friendly festival.

The course promises an engaging journey, starting with a quick rollout from the Timber Ridge Resort before immediately diving into the singletrack trails heading north toward the Bartlett Road parking lot. Riders then navigate through sections of the Vasa Bike Park and deep into the Pere Marquette Forest, with the long course boasting around 90% singletrack. For those tackling the longer routes, expect one well-placed aid station past the halfway mark to keep you fueled. Typical race day conditions in late September offer pleasant highs around 67°F and lows near 47°F, with an 18% chance of precipitation, providing ideal weather for tackling the trails.

Beyond the challenge, the Traverse City Trails Festival holds a special place as the grand finale of the Michigan Off Road Championship MTB Race Series, attracting a strong field of competitors. Yet, it remains an accessible event, pioneering the option to race competitively or enjoy a non-competitive tour of the same breathtaking course. As the largest annual fundraiser for the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, participation directly supports the Traverse City Trail Network. The festival atmosphere culminates back at Timber Ridge, offering post-race refreshments and camaraderie, with title sponsor Stone Hound Brewing—a beloved local brewery known for naming brews after area trails—adding to the vibrant community spirit.