Tap Into the Trails — Top of Michigan Trails Council

The “Tap Into the Trails” is an annual 5K and 10K run in Cheboygan, MI, hosted by the Top of Michigan Trails Council to celebrate the area’s trail access and connect downtown with the North Central and North Eastern State Trails Top of Michigan Trails Council+1.

Event Overview

• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 RunSignup

• Location: Starts at Festival Square, downtown Cheboygan, MI RunSignup

• Distances & Times:

  • 10K Run: 8:00 AM, $35 registration RunSignup

  • 5K Run/Walk: 8:15 AM, $30 registration RunSignup

• Registration: Pre‑registration closes 7 PM on Sept. 18, 2026; same‑day registration opens 7 AM on Sept. 19 RunSignup.

• Course: Mostly flat, mixing pavement and crushed limestone, with sections on the North Central and North Eastern State Trails. Some road segments are monitored by local police RunSignup+1.

• Facilities: Parking and restrooms at City Hall; open course with other trail users; headphones discouraged for safety RunSignup+1.

Purpose & Trail Access

The event was created to highlight Cheboygan’s trail connectivity — from the western end of the North Eastern State Trail, along the North Central State Trail, and near Black Mountain, state parks, and Little Traverse Conservancy preserves Top of Michigan Trails Council. The runs start in town to show how easily you can get from downtown to the trails Top of Michigan Trails Council.

Additional Activities

Beyond the races, the Tap Into the Trails weekend features Top of Michigan Trails Council:

• Fall birding at Duncan Bay Nature Preserve (Little Traverse Conservancy & Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch)

• Bike the North Central State Trail to Barbara C. Hoffius Nature Preserve

• Kids’ activities on the Children’s Trail of Cheboygan

• Mountain bike ride at Melvin Family Hiking & Biking Trails in Topinabee

• Lighted lantern walk at Cheboygan State Park

• Tap Into Mornings on Main with live music, artists, and the Farmers Market in downtown Cheboygan

How to Participate

• Register: RunSignup event page RunSignup

• Learn more: Top of Michigan Trails Council news page Top of Michigan Trails Council

Tip: Arrive early for packet pickup (7 AM) and allow time to explore the trails and other weekend activities Top of Michigan Trails Council+1.

This is a family‑friendly, community‑focused event that blends running, biking, and local culture while celebrating Cheboygan’s trail network.