Hiking

Level: Easy

This preserve, protected by the Nature Conservancy, is a beautiful and geologically interesting area. It is a short walk through the woods emerging along the Lake Superior shoreline. Horseshoe is located a couple miles east of Copper Harbor on the same shoreline. There is a large basalt outcropping that allows a great vista for viewing Lake Superior. The woodland birds are abundant with many nesting warblers and other songbirds. Bald eagles are often seen soaring along the shoreline while Common Loons pass by. In the evenings, enjoy the Hermit Thrush whose beautiful song can be heard nightly in summer.

Learn More: Mary McDonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor

Level: Easy

Located just a mile south of town, this pristine, tiny lake warms up quickly and hosts the only sand beach in immediate proximity to Copper Harbor. It’s great on a hot summer day for swimming amidst on and in water recreating. Picnic tables and pit toilets are available too.

There is a trail along the shore of the lake and depending on the lake level, goes around the lake. The habitat in this area makes for great bird and wildlife watching. Eagles fish, loons hunt and you may see otters dining on crayfish in the lake.

Note: parking space is limited.

Featuring the highest paved road between the Rockies and the Alleghenies, this drive to the top of Brockway Mountain is ten-miles long and includes many pull-offs enabling visitors to stop and take in the incredible scenery.

Level: Moderate to Difficult

Nearly 40 miles of mix-use trails, the Copper Harbor Trails system features a diversity of hikes – from the rugged to the relaxed. Trail maps can be purchased at local businesses and the trailheads are located in downtown Copper Harbor at the Welcome Center and Trails End Campground. The trails are interlaced through the Keweenaw’s backcountry, a region that truly allows one to escape into a land that “time forgot.” Epic vistas, towering pines, babbling brooks and fantastic fungus abound in these enchanted forests. While almost all of this trail system is open to hikers (and some trails are hikers only), there are a hand-full of mountain bike/downhill-only trails that are too dangerous to share and must be avoided. Please read the signage at trail-heads and intersections for guidance. Learn more at Copper Harbor Trails Club

Level: Easy

An absolute favorite special spot in the area, Hunter’s Point is one of the few “flat” areas around and allows for an easy hike or snowshoe along both the Lake Superior and Harbor shores. There are 2 Trail-heads to Hunter’s Point Park. One is just left of the boat launch at the Copper Harbor Marina and the other is further west of the marina with signs leading the way down North Coast Shores Road, which will take you to a parking area and a handicap accessible viewing boardwalk.

Level: Moderate

This sanctuary, protected by the Michigan Nature Association, is one of the most popular hiking and snowshoeing in the Keweenaw. Located 2.5 miles south of Copper Harbor, this trail system is a great way to spend an afternoon. The trails consist of 2 loops; the Memorial and the Cathedral. Some of the trees are so big that 2 people can’t touch hands around one! There are numerous unusual plants and flowers as well as countless mushrooms to find. Pack a lunch and enjoy the grandeur and quiet of one of Michigan’s last stands of old growth white pine. Trails are narrow and hilly in spots and there are many roots to navigate.

Website || Facebook