Copper Harbor/Houghton/Keweenaw compared to Gogebic area

[Sledhead!]

All, have been doing the Gogebic area for a few years. Never have made it up to Houghton/Keweenaw area. Was thinking of making a trip up there but wanted to see what if any differences there are up in this area versus the Gogebic area?

Anything as far as trail conditions, places to stay, eat would be helpful. What I am really looking for is whether or not it is better/different enough to check out, or am I better off checking out someplace else?

Thanks for any insight!

 

[whitedust]

How long are you staying? How many miles a day? LG area is very nice but LG is a snomo hub area not good or bad just crossroads for north/south east/west trails & no comparison to Houghton as far as a city amenities. Are you interested in riding east to Mt Arvon, Big Bay if so you want to consider which side of the bridge is best for accomodations. I would say much more to see in the Keewee area.... after LOC & Lake G in LG area just big wide trails & woods some nice views of Superior but been there done that to me.

 

[Sledhead!]

3 full days of riding, 140-180 miles a day. We're from IL so I rent sleds up there. Was thinking of staying at Trailside Lodge, but I am not tied to anywhere. I just want to a decent place to lay our tired butts down for the night, get up and ride all day for 3 days straight.

 

[jedoyle]

Have your cake and eat it too. Ride up to CH, spend the night there and then spend the other couple of nights where you are familiar down in the LG area. From LG you are probably looking at 150 miles to CH. Tack on some of the beautiful side trails north of Calumet and explore the area a little bit and I bet you could avg 175/day heading up and back. You wouldn't have to take much stuff if only spending 1 night up there. We have ridden from Greenland to CH and back in the same day. It is something like 200 - 225 miles roundtrip from there and we always talk about how we should spend the night in CH because then we could take our time and hit all the side trails like down to Gay.

 

[frosty]

Roll out Lake Geogebic to Big Bay, stay the night, roll over to Copper from Big Bay, then back to Lake Geogebic. Bring 2 shirts, 2 pair of undies and some socks. Maybe a bathing suit if stay at the Best Western in Hancock to soak your bones in the hot tub.

Done, you will see all kinds of cool stuff along the way.

 

[Admin]

No comparison... The Keweenaw BLOWS away Lake Gogebic!


Just kidding. They are both great places to ride. Some great responses so far. I would say that the big differences between LG and the Keweenaw is there is no big lake to open it up on up this way. Some will cross the Portage Lake by the lift bridge, but it is only a quick stretch and nothing like LG. LG area has Lake of the Clouds, but other than that, not a ton of terrain changes. The Keweenaw does have quite a bit of terrain change, especially north of Mohawk. Plus, you can take the trail out to the very tip and be surrounded by water on 3 sides, or ride right up to a lighthouse in Eagle Habor. Brockway Mountain is a neat ride and view, very similar to Lake of the Clouds.

I guess the bottom line is, you will not be disappointed with the Keweenaw. It has a lot to offer as far as riding experiences and scenery. If you are looking for nightlife, stay in Houghton or Hancock. The university students will help entertain you! If you are looking for a more quiet, laid back stay, then anywhere else!

-John

 

[dcsnomo]

Have your cake and eat it too. Ride up to CH, spend the night there and then spend the other couple of nights where you are familiar down in the LG area. From LG you are probably looking at 150 miles to CH. Tack on some of the beautiful side trails north of Calumet and explore the area a little bit and I bet you could avg 175/day heading up and back. You wouldn't have to take much stuff if only spending 1 night up there. We have ridden from Greenland to CH and back in the same day. It is something like 200 - 225 miles roundtrip from there and we always talk about how we should spend the night in CH because then we could take our time and hit all the side trails like down to Gay.

Yeah, that's how my buddy and I answered that question. From The Timbers in Bergland to Copper is 150 miles. Nice ride, strudel along the way! Hole up first night in Copper, then play around and either go back to Bergland or stay in Hancock next night. For a nice ride head off to Big Bay and stay at the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay, then head to the Running Bear in Paulding, then back to Bergland

 

[whitedust]

Yeah, that's how my buddy and I answered that question. From The Timbers in Bergland to Copper is 150 miles. Nice ride, strudel along the way! Hole up first night in Copper, then play around and either go back to Bergland or stay in Hancock next night. For a nice ride head off to Big Bay and stay at the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay, then head to the Running Bear in Paulding, then back to Bergland

Lots of people miss the interior Republic,Champion, Amasa,Iron River perfect loop back from Big Bay to Paulding. Little to no traffic so need to know gas stops but the best twisty trails bar none.

 

[cooksend]

Roll out Lake Geogebic to Big Bay, stay the night, roll over to Copper from Big Bay, then back to Lake Geogebic. Bring 2 shirts, 2 pair of undies and some socks. Maybe a bathing suit if stay at the Best Western in Hancock to soak your bones in the hot tub.

Done, you will see all kinds of cool stuff along the way.

And an Epic Adventure that is. I send people from Eagle River to Big Bay then to Copper Harbor and then Silver City then back to Eagle Trip all the time!

 

[Woodtic]

You have to wear a swim suit in the hot tube? Well,that would explain the weird looks. Stay around the bridge,rent from M&M,take your time and explore the entire area. A lot of lodging options in the area.

 

[whitedust]

You have to wear a swim suit in the hot tube? Well,that would explain the weird looks. Stay around the bridge,rent from M&M,take your time and explore the entire area. A lot of lodging options in the area.

2nd that M& M good people will take care of you & your rentals. Ramada right there too.

 

[frosty]

Lots of people miss the interior Republic,Champion, Amasa,Iron River perfect loop back from Big Bay to Paulding. Little to no traffic so need to know gas stops but the best twisty trails bar none.

I use to do that loop from Amasa to Republic up to Michegamme then through Sidnaw back to Amasa.

Love me some cheese steak sandwich in Michegamme!

The only problem was their were logging the heck out the trail on the new trail out of Amasa to Republic. Also have to watch snow conditions, it can get pretty thin down by Escanaba as your looping up to Republic Gwinn area.

 

[whitedust]

I use to do that loop from Amasa to Republic up to Michegamme then through Sidnaw back to Amasa.

Love me some cheese steak sandwich in Michegamme!

The only problem was their were logging the heck out the trail on the new trail out of Amasa to Republic. Also have to watch snow conditions, it can get pretty thin down by Escanaba as your looping up to Republic Gwinn area.

Escanaba? Did you mean Iron River?

 

[Sledhead!]

Great info all. I think we will make LG our home base, take a day ride up to CH/Keweenaw, spend the night, ride back the next day.

Here is the next challenge:

I think making a loop up there would be the best (don't repeat the same trail back) So, what should we take up there? What should we take back that would give us a good snapshot of the area? Lastly, where can we crash for the night and how about a good watering hole and place for dinner?

Let the opinions begin..............

 

[jedoyle]

Could do...

Up - Trails 13, 3, 17, 3, 130 & 3.
I have heard really good things about The Mariner in CH. I know the food is good there & I hear it is a good place to stay.
Some stops along the way -> Henry's Inn (Rockland), Krupps (Twin Lakes), Mosquito Inn (Toivola) & Michigan House (Calumet) if you want food. I am not as familiar with the stops north of Calumet.

Down - Trails 3, 134, 124, 122, 3, 109 & 8 back to LG.
Some stops -> Gay Bar, some of the same places listed above, etc...
If you happen to go through Greenland either way the Pit Stop is a good place to eat/drink as well.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

Stay at the Mariner North, you have everything you need there. Gas up when you get to town before the only station closes.

I've done this route many times. I would take 13N and then the 13 loop from behind Pat's Yamaha up to Twin Lakes. Once you get up closer to Copper Harbor, take the Eagle River/Eagle Harbor loop, they are short, but very nice. You have to take Brockway Mountain in to CH and stop at the overlook above town. After you've checked in to the hotel, take a spin out to High Rock Point.

I like jedoyle's trip back down above, trail 109 is awesome just north of Sidnaw! The only issue is lots of rail grade on 8 back to Bergland, which I find boring after 10 miles. Another option would be to take 107 south through Watersmeet and up the south side of LG.

You will be very happy you are making this trip, it will be well worth it and you will do it again! When are you going? I have a group staying on LG from January 10th-13th and then heading up for an overnighter in CH.

 

[frosty]

Escanaba? Did you mean Iron River?

My bad, I meant Crsystal Falls. One of the trails loops down then up toward Republic.

- - - Updated - - -

Love me some Pit Stop Pizza!!!!

 

[dcsnomo]

Yup, it is a great trip, and the Mariner North is a good place to stay and eat.

 

[garyl62]

Good options so far, I haven't stayed in CH but if I was going to I'd look at the Pines instead of the Mariner. Just seems like we've switched from the Mariner to Zik's bar at the Pines and feel like it's more down home. Not as many people and the staff will interact with you like you're old friends. They really seem to appreciate your business and want to take time to get to know you and remember you when you come back. There right across the street from each other and are pretty much the only places in town so if you don't fit in at one, walk to the other.

 

[packerlandrider]

Good options so far, I haven't stayed in CH but if I was going to I'd look at the Pines instead of the Mariner. Just seems like we've switched from the Mariner to Zik's bar at the Pines and feel like it's more down home. Not as many people and the staff will interact with you like you're old friends. They really seem to appreciate your business and want to take time to get to know you and remember you when you come back. There right across the street from each other and are pretty much the only places in town so if you don't fit in at one, walk to the other.

I have been to each 4-5 times in the past five years and would tend to agree with this- much prefer the atmosphere/hospitality of Zik's. However, I'm not sure if this is just a summer thing, but they don't appear to serve supper. I was up in CH two of the busiest days of the summer (4th of July and Saturday of Labor Day), and neither time they were serving. Completely baffling considering the droves of people. My only thought is they prefer to be open to serve breakfast instead of supper???