By Jay Haven, Keweenaw Trailblaze/ Contributing Writer
Pack your compass, a miner’s lunch, and top off your fuel tanks – you’re ready to ride the Keweenaw. Stretching out into Lake Superior from Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula, the “Copper Island” offers adventure to those who seek it. This wild land is shaped by the glaciers and is dotted by quiet parks, cozy cabins and thick forests that engulf you in the outdoors at every turn. Imagine yourself navigating the rugged terrain, discovering hidden trails and basking in the serene beauty of this remote wilderness. It’s just you and your ORV in Michigan’s Copper Country this summer – get your Michigan ORV trail pass and book the trip with these tips in mind.
Where To Go
Looking to get off the beaten path? Try trailering to Calumet and embarking on a ride in the heart of the Keweenaw. You can park at the AmericInn on 6th Street. This charming town will welcome you with sights of tall, sandstone buildings and some of the hottest cups of coffee you can find. Head for a historic ride south to explore some of the region’s copper mining past. Take the new and improved trail out of Calumet for ORV riders: Trail BD through Lake Linden and Dollar Bay. You’ll pass by a variety of old mining buildings and machinery with waterfront views: like the Quincy Drege on Torch Lake in the community of Mason.
Continue along the canal and catch a scheduled escort across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge on your ORV. Inquire about the crossing schedule or request an escort at 906-482-2121 with the Houghton Police Department. Check out the following below the bridge: the Painesdale Mine and Twin Lakes State Park. Both are located along the Bill Nichols Trail which runs 41 miles from Houghton to Mass City. Look for the towering Painesdale Mine and Shaft House once you pass South Range and Trimountain. You can stop at the grounds to eat a lunch or book a historic tour on Saturdays in the afternoon.
Beat the heat and dip your toes at Twin Lakes State Park. It’s just across the street from a trailhead, a gas station, and the Parkview Lodge and Grill, which offers a great menu and family-friendly lodging. Arrive on your ORV from the north or use Twin Lakes State Park as your home base.
“Technically on Trail B”
“Most people go north up to Copper Harbor,” said Sue Buschong, owner of the Trailside Lodge in Calumet, Michigan. “Some people like to make it out to High Rock Bay. We are technically on Trail B – when you go north of us Trails B and BD meet again.”
You can make a circle from the Trailside Lodge down the Jack Stevens Trail to the city of Hancock and back up BD through Lake Linden before heading north for an alternative ride. The Trailside Lodge is comfortable and has rooms for a whole squad of riders. The property doubles for her ORV rental service: Copper Country Rentals. This excellent lodging option is past Calumet, giving you the true north feeling of the Keweenaw while still leaving many trails to explore. The Trailside Lodge gives a cabin vibe and the parking lot doubles as a trailhead. Check out the range of Can Ams on site for a side by side or four wheeler if you need a new set of wheels to rent for the day.
Another recommendation for big views is Cliff Drive near the lodge. This former mining town on a hill is long abandoned, but some ruins remain tucked away off in the woods. Be aware: there is minimal to no cell signal in this area and you must have a high clearance 4WD. Never ride above your ability and avoid going alone. Look for a two track path just off Cliff Drive near US-41. There may be some water pooling near the entrance but keep right along the trail and you’ll make it to a scenic lookout over the Cliff area and north to Pheonix. Historic graveyard enthusiasts: check the Alltrails app for a walking path to visit the Cliff Cemetery. Please be respectful if you choose to go to this spot.
Keweenaw County’s Last Frontier
Dial in your compass for true north to reach one of the Keweenaw’s most coveted spots. Here, you can see the northern lights and dream peacefully next to cobblestone beaches. Pack an overnight bag complete with a tent and some dinner and you’re ready to grip the challenging terrain to High Rock Bay. It’s another high-clearance ride over exposed rocky roads and is more than 7 miles from the end of US-41.
The Keweenaw is home to some of the darkest skies in the midwest. On a clear summer night at High Rock Bay, the stars and moon will light the sky. From the bay, you may spot Manitou Island and the smaller Gull Rock Lighthouse.
Far from amenities, you must follow leave no trace principles at these beloved destinations. Be prepared to pack out what you pack in and be mindful of noise pollution for other users. After the pavement ends in Copper Harbor, you enter a different world of wilderness, winding through the rolling hills of the Keweenaw. Enjoy the ride, take it slow and find your favorite spot on these trails. If you’re looking for a hike: stop at Horseshoe Harbor (shaped like a “U”). It’s a moderately easy half-mile roundtrip path to Lake Superior that brings you to a red stone beach with a magnificent stone wall formation protruding from the coast.
Rest Up and Ride Responsibly
After a long day of riding in the remote northern tip of Keweenaw County – stop at the Mariner North for a tasty fish dinner and other hot comfort food. The wooden interior and tall ceilings feature maritime decor and make you feel like a sailor docking at a port. The Mariner offers an incredible value on lodging with multiple bedroom cabins and comfortable kitchens. If you’re looking to camp with amenities you can try Fort Wilkins State Park or Lake Fanny Hooe Resort.
Avoid hot rodding in the Keweenaw – these trails can be tight, technical, and rough. However, they reward you with Lake Superior views, fresh air, and the thrill of riding 4WD through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Keweenaw County is calling you this summer to hitch up your trailers and ride Michigan’s northernmost trails. Make sure to pick up an ATV Map from a local welcome center or ATV business to ride with a physical copy. In the Keweenaw – you can ride to your heart’s content while enjoying peace and quiet at every stop. It’s a perfect ride for families, friend groups and a place to build your riding skills this summer. •