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Hiking in the Keweenaw
biking | hiking | additional links | recreation & sports | skiing
Copper Harbor | Eagle River & Eagle Harbor | Gratiot
Lac LaBelle & Bette GriseCalumet | Hancock | Houghton | Twin Lakes
Chassell | Ontonagon | driving distances
Getting Started
If you need any outdoor supplies, as a Michigan Tech student, you may rent from the Tech Adventures Rental Center, which is apart of the Outdoor Adventure Program. In Copper Harbor, the Keweenaw Adventure Company has rentals for bikes, kayaks, and much more.
Disclaimer: All outdoor activities bear some inherent risk. Changing weather and trail conditions can pose hazards to an unprepared person. It is the responsibility of the viewer of the website (not Michigan Tech) to realize this and prepare adequately for any trail activity. Considerations include, but are not limited to, food, water, weather information, suitable clothing, and proper physical conditioning. Think ahead, be safe, and enjoy the U.P.!
Be safe! Let someone know where you are going. Wear safety equipment and attire suitable to your activity. Carry plenty of water. Be prepared for changing weather.
Observe trail rules and regulations. These may differ from trail to trail. Stay on designated trails. Taking shortcuts can damage natural features.
Please respect the environment. Help preserve the beauty of the Upper Peninsula for all to enjoy. Pack out what you pack in, including trash.
Practice trail courtesy. Travel quietly in the backcountry.
[taken from Lake Superior Press/Keweenaw Convention & Tourist Bureau]
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The Keweenaw Peninsula includes Keweenaw and Houghton Counties. The main highway, running down the middle of the Peninsula, is U.S. Highway 41.
U.S. Highway 41 starts at the tip of Copper Harbor and technically heads 1,990 miles to Florida. Getting out of Copper Harbor, you have the option of taking U.S. 41, which heads south, or taking scenic M26, which heads west, going through Eagle River.
Fun Factoid: The 60-mile drive from Hancock to Copper Harbor to Houghton was listed as #15 in America's Top 25 Performance Roads in the June 2006 issue of Popular Mechanics.
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Hiking [top]
General trail information from Michigan.Org
Trail maps from Keweenaw Trails
Copper Harbor | Eagle River & Eagle Harbor | Lac LaBelle & Bette Grise | Calumet
Hancock | Houghton | Twin Lakes | Chassell | Ontonagon
Keweenaw Peninsula (top)
◊ map from uptrails.org
◊ Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
◊ Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau (virtual Keweenaw - flash map)
◊ information from the Keweenaw dot com
◊ information from the Nature Conservancy
◊ information from Exploring the North (traveler) (mountain biking)
◊ information from Wikipedia
◊ information from Superior Sights
◊ information from Hunt's Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula
◊ park information from National Park Service
◊ ship wrecks of Keweenaw County
Copper Harbor Area google map
Brockway Mountain Wildlife/Nature Sanctuary (Oren Krumm Trail) [top]
The Brockway Mountain Nature Sanctuary has a walking trail approachable from Brockway Mountain Drive. The Oren Krumm Trail starts at the parking area on Brockway Mountain Drive and is about a quarter of a mile long ending at a lookout point with a long view of the wooded hills to the south. (a total of a 1.6 mile hiking trail to be enjoyed) Brockway Mountain Nature Sanctuary encompasses 78 acres below the east end of Brockway Mountain and protects some important species of plants that are unique to Michigan only in Keweenaw County.
◊ trail information-1 from Michigan.Org
◊ trail information-2 from Michigan.Org
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
◊ information from Department of Natural Resources
◊ about Brockway Mountain Drive from Hunt's Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula
◊ article from the Battle Creek Enquire
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary [top]
The Estivant Pines, MNA's first sanctuary in the Keweenaw, is one of the largest tracts of old-growth white pine in the United States, east of the Mississippi River. In addition to the 500-year-old white pines which tower 100 feet above the ground, the Estivant Pines sanctuary boasts eighty-five species of birds and a variety of northern boreal plants. Home to hundreds of 300 to 500-year-old white pine, Michigan’s state tree, they averaging 110 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet in diameter, and make up one of the largest old-growth white pine stands in the United States.
◊ Located 3 miles south of Copper Harbor
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ information from Michigan.Org
◊ information from Michigan Nature Association
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Fort Wilkins Foot Trail [top]
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail map from UP Trails.Org
◊ information from Michigan.Org
◊ information from Department of Natural Resources
Fort Wilkins State Park [top]
◊ map (pdf) from Department of Natural Resources
◊ information from Copper Harbor
◊ information from Department of Natural Resources
◊ information from Michigan.Org
◊ information from Michigan.gov
◊ information from Exploring the North
◊ information from Copper Country.com
◊ information from Wikipedia
◊ Fort Wilkins Natural History Association
Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary [top]
◊ trail information from uptrails.org
Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve [top]
If you plan to visit, take Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor, there is a little turn off on the side of the road, right next to a Preserve sign that offers a spectacular view of Mt. Baldy.
Hunter's Point Park [top]
Hunter's Point is a narrow finger of land that protects Copper Harbor from the storms of Lake Superior. Access is a well-worn hiking trail that traverses the western edge of the Harbor and begins at the Copper Harbor Marina. It leads to scenic overlooks and entrances that lead to a long, angular beaches stretching over 4,800 feet and presently taking up 9.4 acres. Hunter's Point is a prime location to observe natural history, birds, plants and animals, excellent geology structure, and whatever else these beveled edges are inclined to reveal to the visitor.
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
James Dorian Rooks Brockway Mountain Sanctuary [top]
Located on US-41, south of Copper Harbor. This is a 1.6 mile hiking trail at the James Dorian Rooks Brockway Mountain Memorial Nature Sanctuary begins just off of US-41 south of Copper Harbor just past the Copper Harbor cemetery and runs along the Garden Brook. (No parking available at trailhead)
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary [top]
The three quarter of a 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.
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
◊ trail information from Copper Country.com
Eagle River & Eagle Harbor Area google map
Eagle Harbor Environs [top]
The Eagle Harbor Environs encompass the Eagle Harbor Red Pines & Cy Clark Memorial Nature Sanctuaries. The approximately 8 mile trail (there are several loop options) begins .85 miles west of the historic Eagle Harbor Store on the south side of M-26. Trail is easy to moderate with flat rolling terrain. Parts of the trail are on private property. Features include Long Lake, dunes, marsh areas and surrounding bluffs.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
Esrey Park/Upson Lake Sanctuary [top]
Located along M-26, east of Eagle Harbor. This is a 1 mile long trail. Esrey Park Nature Sanctuary trail begins on the south side of M-26 across from Keweenaw County's Esrey Park and leads south across Brockway Mountain Drive to the Lake Upson Nature Sanctuary. It is one way to Brockway and is intermediate to difficult with some hills. This trail crosses some of the Keweenaw's best geological examples.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Lake Bailey Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary [top]
The Lake Bailey Audubon Sanctuary is located just 3.5 miles east of Eagle Harbor along M-26, just past the Lake Bailey public access at the east end of Lake Bailey. There is a large sign and parking area on the south side of the road. A hiking trail is about 2 miles up and back and goes through dense woods. Views are spectacular and birds abundant. The sanctuary is entirely wooded by a mixture of northern conifers & hardwoods. Twinflower, many orchids, plants of rock outcrops and wet forest floor are common. Notable are rare and threatened plants.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
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Lake Bailey Trailhead |
Redwyn's Dunes Nature Sanctuary (top)
Redwyn's Dunes Nature Sanctuary is located 3.5 miles east of Eagle River and 4 miles west of Eagle Harbor at Great Sand Bay along M-26. The Redwyn's Dunes Nature Sanctuary has a new one-mile trail along two dune ponds and out to the shore of Lake Superior.
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Gratiot Lake google map
Gratiot Lake Nature Sanctuary [top]
Located at Gratiot Lake, off US-41 near Central.
The 100 acre Michigan Nature Association Gratiot Lake Sanctuary is located across the road from the Gratiot Lake public access site, off US-41 near Central. The nature trail goes through the second growth open hardwood forest to views of a waterfall on Eister Creek and an overlook of Gratiot Lake from a high bluff. This moderately strenuous trail includes a gradual 400 foot climb.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Gratiot River North (top)
Contains 495 acres including miles of hiking and biking trails and 4,988’ of Lake Superior agate-rich cobble shoreline.
◊ trail information from North Woods Conservancy
Lac LaBelle & Bette Grise Area google map
Bete Grise Preserve [top]
The Bete Grise Preserve, a Nature protected area, is a wetland area stretching along Lake Superior from Bete Grise to Point Isabelle along the Gay-Lac La Belle Road on the Keweenaw's south shore. Open year round to foot travel and other types of passive recreational use such as hiking, fishing, non-groomed cross country ski trails, snowshoeing and the like.
This 3 mile long trail (loops are marked by blue and yellow tags)is extremely difficult and not for those not in good shape. The terrain is very hilly and rugged with cliff edges and no protective walls or fences. Be careful and come equipped with good boots, snacks, liquids and 2 to 6 hours. Access to the trailhead begins by going 3 miles east of Lac La Belle on the paved road to the gravel Smith Fisheries Road.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
Calumet Area google map
Black Creek Nature Sanctuary [top]
The Black Creek Nature Sanctuary is a 241 acre Michigan Nature Association Sanctuary with 1500 feet of Lake Superior shoreline. The trailhead sign for the 2.5 mile trail is located about a quarter of a mile from the end of the Sedar Bay Road, off M-203 and the Tamarack Waterworks Road west of Calumet. Trail difficulty is moderate with gently sloping terrain and features panoramic views of Lake Superior, wildlife, and beaver ponds
◊ information from Michigan Nature Association
◊ information from CopperCountry.com
Gardner's Creek Nature Trail [top]
Across the street from Calumet Waterworks is the Gardner's Creek Nature Trail which goes through the woods with displays explaining the conservation efforts put in place in the area. The trail is about 1 mile long, and is an easy hike. Take US 41 north from Houghton to M-203. Follow M-203 north to Lakeshore Drive. This a mile long trail of moderate difficulty with gently slopping hills. Along the wooded trail are markers identifying local plants, berries and trees, Gardeners Creek, cedar forests, some wetlands and some wildlife.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Maasto Hiihto Trail [top]
The City of Hancock’s trail, includes approximately 7-km of hiking on the northern edge of town. There are two trail heads, one at the city’s Driving Park and the other next to the DPW garage on Tomasi Road. The trail is groomed Monday through Friday. Home to the Portage Health Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival [top]
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail condition as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Community Foundation
◊ trail information from Trails.com
◊ trail information from CopperCountry.com
◊ 2007 pictures from Keweenaw Trails
Seven Mile Point
◊ trail information from North Woods Conservancy
Swedetown Trail [top] google map
The trails are the site for the annual Great Bear Chase Ski Race and Great Deer Chase Mountain Bike Race.
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail condition as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ general information from Exploring the North
◊ general information from Michigan.org
◊ general information from MI Mountain Biking Association
Lake Linden Area google map
Lake Linden-Hubbell School Forest (top)
A 400 acre school forest that has 4 trails open to non-motorized traffic on a year round basis. Camping is available north of the parking area, but no trash pickup or drinking water is available.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hancock Area google map
Churning Rapids [top] google map
Offers a back country experience. Much of the land is part of a nature conservancy. The trailhead is at Christsen Road, located about seven miles north of Hancock on M-203. Home to the Portage Health Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival [top]
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail condition as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Community Foundation
◊ trail information from Trails.com
◊ trail information from CopperCountry.com
◊ 2007 pictures from Keweenaw Trails
McLain Park Nature Trail [top] google map
The F. J. McLain State Park, located 9 miles north of Hancock on M-203, has 2 trails, each 2 miles long. This is easy to moderate walking on flat, gently rolling terrain along Lake Superior and Bear Lake. Interpretive signs are posted.
◊ map (pdf) from uptrails.org
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Paavola Wetlands Preserve [top] google map
The Copper Country Masonic Lodge donated 40 acres to KLT a number of years ago to establish our Paavola Wetlands preserve just north of Hancock. This preserve includes part of a beaver pond and provides a good example of wetland succession to the surrounding upland community.
◊ trail information from uptrails.org
◊ information from the Keweenaw Land Trust
Houghton Area
Bill Nicholls Trail [top]
This 37-mile multi-use trail from Mass City to Houghton on the Keewanaw Peninsula has a rough surface so is only suitable for mountain bikes.
◊ map from Fishweb.com
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Exploring the North
Houghton Waterfront Trail [top]
Located on Portage Lake, the Houghton Waterfront Trail stretches the entire city limits. The trail is paved which is great for other activities like rollerblading, etc. A Recreation area on the west end offers RV camping, picnic area with BBQ grills, restrooms, concession stand, sandy swimming beach and "Chutes & Ladders" play area.
◊ trail pictures from Michigan Tech College of Engineering
◊ historical information from City of Houghton
◊ park information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ general information from City of Houghton
◊ general information from Exploring the North
◊ Bridgefest information
Houghton Portage Township School Forest [ top]
Located on Gundlach Road in Houghton next to the High School. This 27 acre school forest has a barrier free nature trail with three interpretive themes. Access is on Gundlach Road, off Sharon Avenue in Houghton.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Michigan Tech Forest Recreation Trails - home [top]
◊ trail map from Michigan Tech
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail data from MTU Forest Resources and Environmental Science
◊ trail condition as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
picture taken from College of Engineering
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Nara Nature Park [top]
Located at the east end of Houghton's paved recreation trail, it includes the Peepsock Trail, a three quarters of a mile trail along Portage Lake that begins near Pilgrim Terrace Industries & the Nara Nature Trail, a 6 ft. wide, 2300 ft. long elevated boardwalk with 5 fishing sites that begins across from the Pilgrim River Steak- house and runs along the Pilgrim River to its mouth.
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Twin Lakes Area google map
Bill Nicholls Trail [top]
This 37-mile multi-use trail from Mass City to Houghton on the Keewanaw Peninsula has a rough surface so is only suitable for mountain bikes.
◊ map from Fishweb.com
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Exploring the North
Twin Lakes Nature Trail [top] google map
◊ map from MI Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Exploring the North
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Twin Lakes State Park [top] google map
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ general information from CopperCountry.com
◊ general information from MI Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Michigan.org
◊ general information from Wildernet
◊ general information from Hunt's Guide to MI Upper Peninsula
◊ general information from Exploring the North
◊ general information from MiSeasons
◊ city information from Hunt's Guide to MI Upper Peninsula
Chassell Area google map
Bert DeVriendt Nature Trail [top]
The Sturgeon Sloughs Wildlife Area/Bert deVriendt Nature Trail is 1.5 miles of flat, easy terrain located 2.5 miles south of Chassell along US-41.
Chassell Trail [top] google map
◊ trail map from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail condition as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information as reported from Keweenaw Trails
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention and Tourist Bureau
◊ trail information from CopperCountry.com
◊ trail information from Exploring the North
◊ trail information from Michigan.org
◊ trail information from the Einerlei.com
◊ Chassell Parks and Recreation Page
Sturgeon River Sloughs [top]
◊ trail information from Michigan.Org
◊ general information from MI Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Hunt's Guide to MI Upper Peninsula
◊ general information from Keweenaw Convention and Tourist Bureau
Baraga Area google map
Sturgeon Falls Trail [top]
◊ general information from Hunt's Guide to MI Upper Peninsula
◊ general information from UP Heritage
Ontonagon Area google map
Bergland to Sidnaw Rail Trail [top]
◊ general information from Hunt's Guide to MI Upper Peninsula
Bill Nicholls Trail [top]
This 37-mile multi-use trail from Mass City to Houghton on the Keewanaw Peninsula has a rough surface so is only suitable for mountain bikes.
◊ map from Fishweb.com
◊ trail information from Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
◊ trail information from Department of Natural Resources
◊ general information from Exploring the North
 North Country Trail - Ontonagon/Kenton [top]
The North Country National Scenic Trail is a premier footpath that stretches for about 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states.
◊ main page
◊ trail conditions as reported to North Country Trail Association
◊ general information from GORP
Additional Links [top]
• Article by Daily Mining Gazette: a short summary of activities to do
• Copper Country dot com: hiking trails of the copper country
• Copper Harbor dot org: detailed hiking page; also has links to other activities and recreation
• Eagle Harbor Inn: Food & Spirits
attractions and hiking trails
• Explore the North dot com: towns and cities of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• Hunts' Guide to Michigan Upper Peninsula: region Copper Harbor
• Great Lakes Circle Tour: provided by the Great Lakes Information Network, links some vague sites to navigate the Lake Superior Tour
• Keweenaw Adventure Company: specializing in sea kayak instruction and rentals, bike rentals and tours, etc.
• Keweenaw Adventure Company: sea kayak outfitting
• Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce: north isn't just a direction, it's a destination, too.
• Keweenaw Peninsula Hiking Activities: listing trails located in nature sanctuaries within in the Keweenaw
• Keweenaw Trails: the information is up to date and current about trail conditions and about upcoming events; links to many trails
• Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary: a hike that originates in Eagle Harbor
• Michigan Backroads: information to Michigan vacations, terrific towns, and getaways
• Michigan dot org: info about Keweenaw Bear Track Eco Tours
• Michigan dot org: information about Houghton County
• Michigan dot org: a blurb from the state about some activities to do in the local area
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• Michigan Nature Association: links to sanctuaries and other very useful Keweenaw links
• Michigan Tech Humanities: info about the great outdoors in the Keweenaw
• Michigan Trail Maps: lists trails by county [ Keweenaw County]
• Michigan Vactions.com: info on area average weather and attractions
• National Park Service: attractions of the Keweenaw
• National Park Service: Things to do in the Keweenaw National Historic Park
• National Geographic Adventure Magazine: Houghton, Michigan A superior sports port
• Parks and Campgrounds dot com: links to campsite webpages
• Raisanen's Lake Superior Cottage: great picture of cliff drive
• Student Local Resource Guide: highlighting some of the longer hiking excursions
• Sulekha Travelers: lists state parks of the entire Upper Peninsula
• Superior Trails dot com: linking to the circle tour, contains good pictures and information about some good key spots
• Things to do dot com: highlights Michigan National Parks and links to more information
• Topozone dot com: links to many trail maps (topo and aerial) in Michigan, the Keweenaw links appear to be of Isle Royale only.
• Trails dot com: hiking in the western Upper Peninsula
• Trails dot com: hiking in the Porkies
• Trail Report from Learn and Serve: lists trails, type of trail, trail difficulty, but not location
• UP Travel.com: info on Keweenaw County
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*Michigan Tech is located in the City of Houghton, which is in Houghton County. Keweenaw County is to the north, encompassing all the most northern part of Michigan. Baraga County is to the east and Ontonagon County is to the west.
Neighboring cities include:
(to the south east) Chassell [7.3 mi], Baraga [27.0]
(to the south) Huron Town [1.7 mi], Dodgeville [3.2 mi], Atlantic Mine [4.6 mi], South Range [6.5 mi], TriMountain [7.9 mi], Painesdale [9.0 mi], Toivola [15.1]
(to the north) Hancock [1.7 mi], Calumet [14.1 mi], Laurium [14.5]
(to the north east) Ripley [2.6 mi], Dollar Bay [4.4 mi], Hubbell [9.9 mi], Lake Linden [11.8 mi]
Copper Harbor | Eagle River & Eagle Harbor | Lac LaBelle & Bette Grise | Calumet
Hancock | Houghton | Twin Lakes | Chassell | Ontonagon
driving distances
biking | hiking | additional links | recreation & sports | skiing
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