THE COURSE The trail runs feature a mix of flowy, rolling trails and technical singletrack. This trail race takes you through a spectacular northwoods mosaic of old growth maple stands and sandy pines, with panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
This is a looped course with approximately two-thirds of the course on singletrack trail, and the remaining one-third on Mt. Ashwabay's famous cross country ski trails/two track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Starting at Bayfield’s iconic Big Top Chautauqua Tent on the slopes of Mt. Ashwabay, runners will head out over gentle rolling ski trails through northern mesic forest of old growth maple and hemlock. The trail winds its way to the Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area where runners will pass the historic sugar shack, used for generations by the Nourse family. This stunning forest is one of the last remnant stands of old growth sugar maple and hemlock in the Midwest, and presents a living history of human settlement on the south shore. Long diagonal slashes can still be seen on some trees today from hundreds of years of maple sap harvest by the Anishinaabe people.
After passing the sugar shack, runners will face their first substantial climb to the peak of Mt. Ashwabay for a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands before heading back down the back side of our little mountain on moderately-technical singletrack. The trail traverses glacial topography of deep ravines and twisty hills… keep your eyes peeled for pink lady slipper orchids blooming along the side of the trail! The single-track takes you on a fast, flowy loop before descending back down through sandy pine stands. Runners will then climb back up toward the top of the hill, for a final descent back towards the Big Top tent.
TRAIL MAPS
START TIMES June 14, 2025. 50K at 6:00 am 25K at 8:00 am 10K at 8:00 am 5Kfun run w/obstacle course at 9:00 am.
MORE This is going to be a fun day for the whole family. Food, vendors, entertainment, games, and activities throughout the day. Event is rain or shine. No refunds or transfers. More info and detailed schedule of other activities to come!
