Rock Hounding
Rocky Shores
Picking rocks along “the beach” is easy here, as most of the Lake Superior beaches are pebble, not sand. When paging through various maps and other media, you may see the words “Agate Beach”. This does not necessarily mean that is the beach’s name, it just means you may find agates there…and that’s good! The beaches is the area are full of treasure’s. Whether you are looking for specific types of rocks and minerals or just like picking pretty rocks, you will enjoy the many rocky beaches along the Lake Superior Shoreline in and around Copper Harbor. Rock hounding is relaxing and fun. It’s also a great form of “earthing” and is a great stress reliever. A warning though, it can be very addicting!
Horseshoe Harbor
•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
Hunter’s Point Park
•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.