Summer Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy the breathtaking views and scenery while doing your favorite outdoor activity, here in the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula...

Hiking Trails & Walking Paths
Hawk & Bird Watching
Road Biking
Mountain Biking
Bike Rentals
National Parks
State Parks
Local Parks
The Keweenaw Water Trail
Nature Sanctuaries

HIKING TRAILS & WALKING PATHS

Gardeners Creek Nature Trail - 1 mile trail through woods with local plants, berries and trees marked and identified for the hiker. West of Calumet on Lake Shore Drive at the Calumet Township Park.

Houghton Portage Township Schools Forest on Gundlach Road in Houghton. This 27 acre school forest has a barrier free nature trail with three interpretive themes. Open May 1 - Oct 30.

Lake Linden-Hubbell School Forest - off the Bootjack Road in Lake Linden. The 400 acre school forest has 4 trails that are open to non-motorized traffic on a year round basis.

Nara Nature Complex - Located at the east end of Houghton's paved recreation trail, it includes the Peepsock Trail, a 3/4 mile trail along Portage Lake that begins near Pilgrim Terrace Industries and the Nara Nature Trail, a 6 ft. wide, 2300 ft. long elevated boardwalk with 5 fishing sites that begin across from the Pilgrim River Steakhouse and runs along the Pilgrim River to its mouth.

Sturgeon Sloughs Wildlife Area/Bert de Vriendt Nature Trail - Self-guided nature tours with docks, observation platform and picnic pavilion just south of Chassell on US-41.

MICHIGAN NATURE ASSOCIATION NATURE SANCTUARIES: NO pets, NO mechanized vehicles or horses, NO fires, NO camping and carry out everything you carry in!

Black Creek Nature Sanctuary - The 2.5 mile trail begins less than a quarter mile from the end of the Sedar Bay Road, on the right.

Brockway Mountain Nature Sanctuary - The 1.6 mile hiking trail begins just off US-41 south of Copper Harbor at the Copper Harbor Cemetery.

Eagle Harbor Environs - The 4.3 mile trail begins .85 miles west of the historic Eagle Harbor Store on the south side of M-26.

Estivant Pines Wilderness Sanctuary - Located 3 miles south of Copper Harbor, this wilderness area has 2 hiking trails that lead to the 100 foot tall virgin pines.

Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary - The 3/4 mile trail begins on the south side of M-26 at Esrey Park and leads south to Brockway Mountain Drive and the Lake Upson Nature Sanctuary.

Redwyn Dunes Nature Sanctuary - The 1/3 mile trail begins 3.5 miles east of Eagle River and 4 miles west of Eagle Harbor on the east side of M-26 at Great Sand Bay.

Horseshoe Harbor - This Michigan Nature Conservancy Site has a several mile long rambling forest road that begins at the end of US-41 outside of Copper Harbor and takes you to Horseshoe Harbor on Lake Superior.

MI Audubon Society Brockway Mountain Sanctuary - The 1/4 mile long walking trail begins at the parking area on Brockway Mountain Drive.

HAWK WATCH

Migrating Birds - some from as far away as South America-- use the Keweenaw as a bridge in their flight to Canada over Lake Superior. Counters have recorded up to 15 different kinds of hawks, falcons, turkey vultures, owls and even eagles passing in numbers upwards of 20,000. Ornithologists from as far away as South Carolina and Florida make their way to Brockway Mountain for the annual "Hawk Watch". Birds start arriving around the middle of April and the migration continues through the end of May. Depending on the weather, peak viewing time is usually around the middle of May.

ROAD BIKING

Many enthusiasts have called the Keweenaw a bicyclist's dream - the roads are excellent, the scenery is incredible and the traffic is light. You can visit the Keweenaw while on an extended tour of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or base your tours entirely here.

A paved bicycle path runs for several miles along Houghton's waterfront from the Houghton Beach Park past the Portage Lake Cove; a paved shoulder for bikers runs along M-203 from Hancock to Calumet.

FOUR DAY BIKE ADVENTURE - An avid cyclist put together this four-day trip that takes you through the best the Keweenaw has to offer. It starts and finishes in Hancock, at the lower end of the peninsula. The route is hilly, including the spectacular Brockway Mountain Drive, above the village of Copper Harbor. A special 30-mile loop on Brockway, without packs, is included on day three.

DAY ONE: Check with city police in either Houghton or Hancock for places to park your vehicle. It's an easy 12 miles to McLain State Park on M-203 going west from Hancock's main street. It follows the bluffs along the ship canal and then turns northeast along Lake Superior. The park, which has a good swimming beach and camping, is a good place to spend the first night.

DAY TWO: Take M-203 three miles to where it forks. Both go to Calumet, the left road includes a steeper hill. Calumet once was a booming copper town with 60,000 residents. M-203 rolls off into town, past row upon row of old company houses. Calumet has many well-stocked grocery stores and good restaurants. While in the area, try the famous "Cousin Jack Pasty", a meat & vegetable turnover which was a lunch pail staple for the region's miners. They're a local specialty - don't pass them up! Take US-41 north to Ahmeek and watch for the Five Mile Point road to Eagle River. This smooth, 12 mile road passes trees and lake shore. At Eagle River turn left onto M-26. (This road on the Keweenaw's north shore goes through the 3 oldest settlements on the peninsula: Eagle River, Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor. All were founded during the 1840's copper rush.) The road passes through 3 miles of dense conifer forest and opens up in the dunes of Great Sand Bay. Two more miles through the woods brings you to Eagle Harbor (it has 2 restaurants, 2 motels, a grocery store and a small sand beach). It's about 10 more miles to Copper Harbor, the end of the road, which isn't a bad place to wind up. There's camping, motels, cabins, shopping and several restaurants where you can get a meal. Lake trout is a specialty.

DAY THREE: Stow all extra gear and head out on an unencumbered 30 mile loop up Brockway Mountain. Most people push their bike at least part way up. The view from the top is well worth the effort. Coast down Brockway and back into Eagle Harbor. Take the cut-off road to US-41 and turn left to Delaware.  Continue on Scenic US-41 for 10 miles of paved fairyland. There are highland weeds, maple canopies over the road and white pine 3 feet in diameter along the asphalt. It's a long downhill back into Copper Harbor.

DAY FOUR: Load up and head back on US-41. After 10 miles take the county road left to Lac La Belle. This is a long downhill, very steep at the bottom. Bear left for a 3 mile trip to the beautiful sand beach of Bete Grise. Return to Lac La Belle and head south along the county road. The road is flat and smooth and on a clear day you can see the Huron Mountains across Keweenaw Bay. 25 miles takes you to the town of Gay, population 43. Head west to Lake Linden, where M-26, a two-lane highway with moderate traffic, returns you to Hancock.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Bill Nicholl's Rail Trail - 41 miles from Mass City to Houghton.

Hancock-Calumet Rail Trail (Jack Stevens Trail) - 14 miles from the Portage Lake Lift Bridge north to Calumet.

Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails - 20 miles of marked and mapped trails around Copper Harbor.

Cross Country Ski Trails - several of the area's cross country ski trail systems are open to mountain bikers in the off season.

BIKE RENTALS

Cross Country Sports - 507 Oak Street, Calumet, MI 49913. (906) 337-4520 or 103 Frue Street, Houghton, MI 49931.

Down Wind Sports - 308 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 482-2500 FAX 482-9748 houghton@downwindsports.com

Keweenaw Adventure Company - P. O. Box 70, 145 Gratiot Street, Copper Harbor, MI 49918. (906) 289-4303.

NATIONAL PARKS

Isle Royale National Park - off the Keweenaw Peninsula in Lake Superior. Wilderness setting, no automobiles allowed. Island can be reached by ferry boat or seaplane only. Wildlife (including moose and wolves) is protected. 166 miles of foot trails, 36 rustic lakeside and trailside campsites. Other attractions include the old Rock Island Lighthouse and Pete Edison Fishery. For more information call (906) 482-0984.

Keweenaw National Historical Park - in the Calumet and Quincy areas of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This national park commemorates the heritage of copper mining in the Keweenaw-its mines, its machinery and its people. There are a number of governmentally and privately operated attractions which are cooperating with the National Park Service to tell the stories of the Keweenaw. Walking tour brochures of the historic business and residential districts are available. For more information call (906) 337-3168 or 800-338-7982.
 
STATE PARKS

Twin Lakes State Park - on M-26, 24 miles south of Houghton. 175 acres with 62 campsites, swimming, boat access, picnic facilities, playground, hiking trails and fishing.

McLain State Park - on M-203 between Hancock and Calumet on Lake Superior. 401 acres with 103 campsites, swimming, picnic facilities, playground, hiking trails.

Fort Wilkins State Park - on US-41, 3 miles east of Copper Harbor. 165 campsites on 199 acres, boat access, picnic facilities, playground, hiking trails, fishing, museum on grounds of former military outpost on Lake Fanny Hooe.
 
LOCAL WATERFRONT PARKS

AHMEEK

Gratiot River Recreation Area - This county park is north of Ahmeek off the Five Mile Point Road on Lake Superior. There are 100 acres and 4000 feet of Lake Superior shoreline with fishing, picnic area and primitive camping available.

BETE GRISE

Bete Grise Bay - The public portion of the Bete Grise beach is located three miles east of Lac La Belle. This area offers a sandy swimming beach, changing building, and picnic area.

CALUMET

Calumet Township Park - Located on Lake Superior four miles west of Calumet, on Lakeshore Drive. This day-use park offer a sandy beach, swimming, picnic facilities, playground, hiking trail and a pavilion for groups.

CHASSELL

Centennial Park - This day use park is located east of Houghton off of US-41. The park, situated on Pike Bay, offers a playground, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, boat launch, fishing pier, beach, restrooms, wireless internet and BBQ grills.

COPPER HARBOR

Hebard Park - Located approximately 2.5 miles west of Copper Harbor, this day-use county park is on Lake Superior with a rock beach and picnic area.

Hunter’s Point Park - Hunter's Point Park is 9.4 acres in size with 4,800 feet of shoreline. Bird watching, photography, studying the many colorful and unique rock formations, and simply enjoying the quiet while viewing Lake Superior are what make Hunter's Point a very special place. Access is from the Copper Harbor Marina or the parking area 3/10s of a mile west of the Marina off M-26 on North Coast Shores Road to Harbor Coast Lane, at the end. Please remember...take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
Lake Manganese - Located within the boundaries of Ft. Wilkins State Park, Lake Manganese is approximately 1.3 miles south of Copper Harbor at the end of the Lake Manganese Road. This day-use only area is open from 8 am to 10 pm and offers a shallow, sandy swimming beach, picnic tables, vault toilets and a small boat launch. No fires are allowed and a State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required.

DOLLAR BAY

Sandy Bottom Beach - This Osceola Township park, located just off M-26 in Dollar Bay on Lower Point Mills Road, has a swimming beach, picnic area and pavilion, and a boat launch.

EAGLE HARBOR

Esrey Park - This county park, located 5 miles east of Eagle Harbor on Lake Superior, is day-use only with a rocky beach, pavilion and picnic area.

EAGLE RIVER

Eagle River Beach - This popular pebble beach area is located two blocks off of M-26. Great swimming site.

Great Sand Bay - Located between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor off of M-26, this sandy beach offers great swimming opportunities.

W.C. Veale Memorial Park - Located west of Eagle River along the Five Mile Point Road on Lake Superior, this county day-use park offers a picnic area with stoves and a steep drop to the lake.

GAY

Brunette Park - Located on a county road northeast of Gay, this day use park along Lake Superior has a sandy beach for swimming and picnic facilities.
Tobacco River Park - Northeast of the village of Gay on the Tobacco River and Lake Superior, this day-use park offers fishing and a picnic area.

 HANCOCk

Hancock Recreational Facility- Located one mile west of Hancock on     M-203 the facility is open from May 15 to October 1. The City of Hancock operates this facility on Portage Lake. It offers camping, sandy swimming beach, picnic facilities, concession stand, fishing, boat launch and dock. Phone: 906-482-2720.

HOUGHTON

Houghton Waterfront Park – Located on Lakeshore Drive, it is situated on Portage Lake west of the city. The Houghton Waterfront Recreation area offers RV camping, picnic area with BBQ grills, restrooms, concession stand, sandy swimming beach and "Chutes & Ladders" play area. Lodging, dining and services are not too far from the beach.
North Canal Township Park - Located on Lake Superior, 10 miles west of Houghton on the Canal Road, this township park offers a sandy swimming beach and picnic area.

LAKE LINDEN

Lake Linden Village Park - Located on M-26, this park is open Memorial Day to September 30. Situated on Torch Lake, this village park offers camping, playground, sandy swimming beach, dock and boat launch. Phone: 906-296-9911.

Schoolcraft Township Park - Located on Big Traverse Bay Road. This county day-use park is located on Lake Superior east of Lake Linden on Mink Farm Road. From Lake Linden take the Bootjack Road to the Rice Lake Road to the Big Traverse Bay Road and follow this to the park; from Gay, take the Gay-Lake Linden Road to the Big Traverse Bay Road. There is a beautiful sandy swimming beach and a picnic area with tables, grills, restrooms and water.

TOIVOLA

Agate Beach Park - Located 25 miles southwest of Houghton, off M-26, this Stanton Township park offers primitive campsites, swimming, picnic facilities and sandy beach.Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

TWIN LAKES

Emily Lake Campground- This Copper Country State Forest campground on Emily Lake is 2.5 miles south of the Twin Lakes State Park off M-26 and offers camping, fishing, and a carry-in boat launch.

THE KEWEENAW WATERTRAIL

The Keweenaw Water Trail is a designated route established in 1995 for paddlers of sea kayaks and canoes. Nicknamed “A Superior Sports Port” by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, the Water Trail exemplifies the Keweenaw Peninsula in the most literal sense. The Keweenaw offers a rugged coastline that competes with that of the legendary Isle Royale, only without the ferryboat ride. It highlights a mixture of uninhabited wilderness areas, intermittent parks and nature preserves and sheltered harbors that offer the weary paddler the option for a hot meal, a hot shower or lodging at a comfy inn. The Keweenaw Water Trail is unique because it allows the ability to paddle a loop and return to your point of origin without having to backtrack. There is no need for two vehicles or shuttles for those paddling the entire route. The Keweenaw paddler can be totally self-sufficient. The entire route can be covered by the average paddler in 6 to 8 days, but you should allow a few extra days in your itinerary to compensate for being wind-bound. Gradually becoming more discovered, the Keweenaw Water Trail likely soon will be Michigan’s top paddling destination. In addition to doing the entire circumnavigation of the “Copper Island”, it provides plenty of opportunity for shorter overnights or day trips without compromising either scenery or safety. The many moods of Lake Superior can change in short order. Although the Keweenaw receives a strong signal from NOAA weather radio at 162.4 Mhz – channel 2, paddlers need to be aware of strong winds that can arise with no forewarning. Additionally, quick moving thunderstorms can combine with heavy rain, lightning and/or high winds producing quick-brewed waves. Paddlers should be familiar with potential landing sites along the route as steep, rocky shorelines or cliffs and private property issues can be encountered. Cold water temperatures cool the air in the summer and a 10-degree temperature difference from the inland temperature and should be expected. Hypothermia and cold water immersion is the number one hazard for paddlers on Lake Superior. Water temperatures even during a hot day in August average only in the low to mid 50’s and the Lake is colder than that during most paddling season. The cold water creates even more of a need to wear a life vest (PFD) as the frigid water can quickly deplete motor skills if immersed in the event of a capsize. Most paddlers wear wetsuits for added protection. Paddlers should be competent with their rescue skills, familiar with the use of safety and signaling devices and know their abilities and limitations before venturing out of protected areas. Much of the Keweenaw’s shoreline not owned by the State is either in private conservancy land or is registered as Commercial Forest Reserve (CFR) land. This land is valuable to the owners and their generosity should not be infringed upon by the negligent use of the land. The Horseshoe Harbor Nature Conservancy Preserve is designated as day use only. Most other areas that are not posted are open to “Leave No Trace” primitive camping. “Leave No Trace” consists of these seven basic principles: 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. Pack out what you pack in. Bury human waste at least 100’ from any water source. 4. Leave what you find….take only pictures, leave only footprints. 5. Minimize impacts of campfires. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of other visitors. The practice of these principles in the Keweenaw are important to help to ensure that the land stays in its present status and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy Eco-system. Private land is encountered all along the peninsula. Please respect private ownership by not camping without direct permission from the owner and by obeying sign postings. It is recommended that paddlers obtain the official Keweenaw Water Trail Map and camp only at areas that are indicated. Water-proof/tear-proof KWT maps are available by mail for $5.00, + $1.00 postage, from the Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce call toll free 866-304-5722.