What to do and see in Upper Peninsula, Upper Peninsula: The Best Outdoor Activities

October 1, 2021 Leida Jutras

Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Little Carp River Trail, Rapid River Ski Trail, Swedetown Ski Trails, Copper Harbor Bike Trail System, ABR Trails, Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway, Canyon Falls Trail, Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail, Marble Head Trail.
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1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

2. Little Carp River Trail

Little Carp River Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49938
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Little Carp River Trail

Scenic hiking trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

3. Rapid River Ski Trail

Us 41, Rapid River, MI 49878 +1 906-789-7862 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Rapid River Ski Trail

The Rapid River ski trail offers five loops suitable for hiking and biking. The trail is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Upper Peninsula, as it winds thru towering pine-covered ridges and drops into thick lowland swamps, offering a wide variety of challenges, from gentle, flat terrain to long, steep hills. The trailhead is located six miles north of Rapid River on US Highway 41.

4. Swedetown Ski Trails

Osceola Rd, Calumet, MI +1 906-369-7001 [email protected] http://www.keweenawtrails.com/swedetown/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Swedetown Ski Trails

Reviewed By Stonecroft7 - Rexburg, United States

We had a nice gathering of friends at the chalet at the top of the sledding hills. The place is not fancy, but was warm on a day when temperature was in the teens. Folks had reserved the second floor , where there is a little cafe run by a nice lady—you can buy simple foods. Sodas, warm beverages, etc. Our hosts had brought pizza and treats, which is also allowed. The kids had a blast on the well groomed hills. This is a great place!

5. Copper Harbor Bike Trail System

Copper Harbor, MI http://www.copperharbortrails.org
Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Copper Harbor Bike Trail System

Reviewed By andrearG2868LQ

Well maintained trails with excellent signage. We road up and then down without missing a turn. Highly recommend

6. ABR Trails

E5299 W Pioneer Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938-9699 +1 906-932-3502 http://www.abrski.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

ABR Trails

Reviewed By WiOutdoorGirl - Madison, United States

Skied here over the New Year holiday and was delighted by all the snow and well- groomed trails. I wasn't sure how I would like not having the warming shelter open, but it wasn't really an issue. We just used our car as a warm up shelter. I would recommend ABR for skiing. It was worth the trip for the snow and the well-groomed trails.

7. Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Brimley, MI http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=18187
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Reviewed By amyadamy - Lansing, United States

It's a beautiful drive along Michigan's lakeshore with plenty of stop off's to either go for a swim or just dip your toes into Lake Superior. It's a quiet, two lane drive with tall trees and views of the water for miles. If you're in the area, take the up north way of life route and slow down for a gorgeous drive.

8. Canyon Falls Trail

US-41, Covington, MI, L'Anse, MI 49919 http://gowaterfalling.com
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 97 reviews

Canyon Falls Trail

Reviewed By witchbroomstick - Bay City, United States

Beautiful place to stretch your legs. The walking path has rocks, roots and loose boards. Lots of photo opportunities.

9. Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail

150 N Lowell St, Ironwood, MI 49938-2032 http://ironbellewesterngateway.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail starts (going East) and ends (going West) in Downtown Ironwood at beautiful Depot Park! Enjoy hiking and biking along the miles of trail that run from Ironwood to Bessemer. And, while you are enjoying “mile 0” of the trail, stop into the historic Ironwood Depot Museum or walk a block more and explore historic Aurora street, downtown’s historic main thoroughfare.

Reviewed By AudgeL - Yorkville, United States

What a gem if you are in the Hurley, Ironwood, or Bessemer area. Bridges, wildflowers, birds, benches to sit on, garbage cans, and informational signs and mile markers are among the things you will see in this paved trail.

10. Marble Head Trail

Drummond Island, MI 49726 http://www.visitdrummondisland.com/off-roading.html
Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Marble Head Trail

Reviewed By H7799RFtinas - Elkton, United States

Pretty amazing trail out to Marblehead on the UTV. Some parts of the trail were challenging, but it was a blast. Just FYI, very limited cell service out there. Be safe! A must see!

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