Brockway Mountain

This 20-mile loop is not the longest, but is sure to be a ride that’s always remembered. It combines a scenic “warm up” spin along Lake Superior on the Lakeshore Drive with the highest paved road between the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. At 10 miles, riders will encounter the west end of Brockway Mountain Drive. Believe it or not, this is the “easy” way up, as most of the real steep sections are located on the mountain’s eastern end. After an 800’ climb over 6 miles, riders are rewarded with a scenic, 360-degree panoramic view of the peninsula and Lake Superior in the distance below. A series of steep hills, up and down, wind along the mountain’s edge and include many scenic view points along the way. Riders will want to ensure their brakes are in good working condition prior to the final 300’ switchback turn leading back to M-26 and Copper Harbor.

The Keweenaw 100

The Keweenaw 100 showcases the varied topography, unique geology and the region’s historic past on this one hundred-mile epic ride. Ultimately a journey between Copper Harbor and the Keweenaw’s “gateway” community of Hancock, a counter-clockwise direction along the peninsula’s north and south shores is recommended.

If staging your ride from Copper Harbor, head west on M-26 on the Lakeshore Drive. While taking advantage of the scenic roadside parks and waterfalls along the way, ride to Eagle Harbor, where a side trip to the historic lighthouse is a must. Continue west past Cat Harbor (population 3) and Great Sand Bay before passing the monastery of the Society of St. John’s. Stay on M-26 to Eagle River; the county seat and home to the oldest operating courthouse in Michigan. A side trip 3 blocks to the lakeshore is suggested before crossing the impressive bridge over the Eagle River Gorge and great view of the waterfall below. Continue west approx. ½ mile and turn right on the (county) Five Mile Point Road. Stay on this road until you approach the village of Ahmeek and meet up with US 41. Ride south about 10 miles to the village limit of Calumet and turn right on M-203. Calumet’s historic downtown was once the heart of the Copper Mining district. A side trip loop up 6th Street, past the theatre, highlights the antiquated skyline and a return down the original cobble-stone 5th Street (one way) is a unique excursion that will drop riders back onto M-203 again. Turn left off 5th Street and head towards McClain State Park. Some great views at “the Breakers” at the north Portage Entry await within the Park. After the side trip option at McClain’s, turn right again on to M-203 and continue to ride along the scenic Portage Canal until in the city of Hancock. Join up with US 41 again and stay right on to M-26, just prior to crossing the bridge….riders do not cross need to cross the bridge, unless stopping in Houghton! Ride past Mont Ripley, the historic mining remnants along the Canal and eventually to Dollar Bay, Hubbell and then to Lake Linden. When in Lake Linden, turn right onto Bootjack Road, which eventually turns left into the Traprock Valley, towards the village of Gay. Once in Gay, stay on the county road to Lac La Belle, while taking in the south shore’s breathtaking scenery. Turn left at the “T” intersection in Lac La Belle at the base of Mt. Bohemia and granny down for a big climb. Continue ~ 4 miles to the next “T” intersection with US 41. Turn right and continue cautiously through the “Tunnel of Trees” for 11 miles back to Copper Harbor.

Many other routes for road bike rides exist along the Lake Superior shore, including the Cliff Drive, inland county roads and utilize several sections of the aforementioned rides. Points of interest include high-point overlooks, ghost towns, waterfalls, numerous road-side parks and scenic inland lakes.