Munising and east - sites, stops, recommendations

[T-Rod]

Heading to Munising Feb 4-8 looking for some recommendations. We have stayed in the Keweenaw for 10+ yrs. but looking for a change of scenery.

Any historically rough trails to avoid or sites that we shouldn't miss (i.e. hotdog stand on the trail - - 443)? Just looking at recent postings it looks like we will plan on heading east towards Paradise and points north of that.

Thanks!!

 

[Polarice]

I'll be up there on the 6th also. We have a place there.

I recommend visiting the Kitch i tipi (sp) or Big Springs. It's Southeast of Munising. Kind of neat. The trail goes right to it. Also Miner's Castle Northeast of Munising is awesome.

Historically trail 8 is rough but it is the main trail that runs West/East. If they groom like they're supposed to it'll be alright. Last year they didn't know how to groom and were driving 15mph trying to groom. It didn't work. They've been doing a LOT better this year and even later last year. They're also supposed to grate the trail in the summer. If you ride on it in the summer it's an extremely bumpy ride. Even worse than winter moguls.

 

[Polarice]

Forgot to mention Camel Riders. It's a restaurant South as well. Best food hands down I've ever had in the UP. You need to call and make reservations though.

 

[T-Rod]

Thanks POLARICE! Can't wait ride! Hoping the snow keeps coming and we are able to ride south (Camel Riders) - it would just give us another option.

Is a day trip from Munising to Paradise doable - any rough estimates on mileage?

 

[Mattarsc]

Camel Riders for lunch, Buckhorn at some point, Kitchi ta Kipi (BIG SPRING!!) get a seconded by me. Awesome. Eben Ice caves are close enough to that area I would say that is worth the quick detour and check them out.

 

[Polarice]

Thanks POLARICE! Can't wait ride! Hoping the snow keeps coming and we are able to ride south (Camel Riders) - it would just give us another option.

Is a day trip from Munising to Paradise doable - any rough estimates on mileage?

I'm not sure. I think you're pushing well over 200 miles one way.

 

[buddah2]

I'm not sure. I think you're pushing well over 200 miles one way.

You got to knock off the extra miles from down here by us.......it's 25 mi. by trail into Wetmore......16 by road......but Paradise and back in one day would be a H*LL of an "adventure".

 

[russholio]

Ditto on Miner's Castle and Big Spring. Been to Miner's Castle many times but visited Big Spring for the first time last year. It's pretty cool. Tahquamenon Falls would be another consideration but as others have stated, would be a long round-trip ride from Munising.

 

[Polarice]

You got to knock off the extra miles from down here by us.......it's 25 mi. by trail into Wetmore......16 by road......but Paradise and back in one day would be a H*LL of an "adventure".

That's true. I always forget how far it actually is to get into town. I can usually get there pretty quick though

 

[T-Rod]

Great - this is the kind of info. i was looking for. Miner's Castle, Tahquamenon Falls, Big Spring, Eben Ice Caves. I see that trails run to the first three sites, but is there a trail that runs to Eben Ice Cave or signs identifying it??

Looks like I may just have plan a 2nd trip to newberry and paradise area for later in the month - wife will love that, but it sounds like alot of ground to cover in a day. It wouldn't be my plan to nascar over there and back anyways - gotta hit some sites on the way!

 

[440_chazz]

Munising to Grand Marais is a day trip. Considering the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is about 50 miles long and runs from Munising to Grand Marais, with stops you can do that run in a day. Run the crazy 8's in Grand Marais. Very nice trails up that way. Sites you can visit during that run include Miner's Castle, Hurricane River and the Au Sable Light (there is a gate but with the snow depth I have seen it buried, sleds go over it and take the path to the lighthouse), the Log Slide, and Au Sable Falls. Gas in Grand Marais will be a wait, guaranteed. Don't forget to stop at the Bear Trap for something to eat. Total sled bar.

 

[russholio]

Munising to Grand Marais is a day trip. Considering the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is about 50 miles long and runs from Munising to Grand Marais, with stops you can do that run in a day. Run the crazy 8's in Grand Marais. Very nice trails up that way. Sites you can visit during that run include Miner's Castle, Hurricane River and the Au Sable Light (there is a gate but with the snow depth I have seen it buried, sleds go over it and take the path to the lighthouse), the Log Slide, and Au Sable Falls. Gas in Grand Marais will be a wait, guaranteed. Don't forget to stop at the Bear Trap for something to eat. Total sled bar.

Indeed.

 

[Jonger1150]

I rode all these areas from Sat to Monday... Snow is probably even better now. More snow than we knew what to do with it.

 

[buddah2]

I see that trails run to the first three sites, but is there a trail that runs to Eben Ice Cave or signs identifying it??

I don't recall any signs but take Trail 8 west from Munising through Chatam. Eben is about 3 mi. west of Chatam. When you get to the Snack Bar in Eben take the road that it is on to the north......that would be your right if you are headed toward Gwinn.......it's down that road something like a mile or something.......

 

[440_chazz]

The Snack Bar is next to a school which is on Eben Road. You want to take Eben Road north to Frey Road. Turn RIGHT on Frey heading east, Frey road bends north, keep going east until you reach the woods. Walk to the caves from there. Watch out for dogs darting out at your sled while traveling down the road.

 

[joks79]

Miners Falls (it's a little walk), the Log Slide on the way to Grand Marais

 

[russholio]

You want to take Eben Road north to Frey Road. Turn left on Frey heading east, Frey road bends north, keep going east until you reach the woods.

It's early in the morning and I haven't had my full complement of coffee, so I'm probably missing something, but......if one heads north and then turns left, wouldn't one be heading west?

 

[dooforme]

I cant believe no one has said the Kingston Plains. Corner of trail 8 and H58. Its acres of open play area. One of our groups favs. Just keep your compass with you, easy to get turned around.

 

[peter]

I agree with everything mentioned above. No one mentioned lakenland off trail 417 headed towards marquette. Thats a must to stop by.

couple pics of ice caves

 

[dooforme]

Good call Peter, forgot that one!