Trail questions - Rockland North

[Highflyer]

Hey guys,

Couple questions for you experts:

1.) How many miles by sled is Rockland to Houghton (Ramada Inn)?

2.) How many miles round trip by sled is Houghton to Copper Harbor and back?

I've never ridden this area (major bucket list item) and I'll be hitting the trails tomorrow. Suggestion on routes are always appreciated. And don't worry, I'm not looking for off trail secrets as I'm strictly a trail rider. I've just always wanted to do the Copper Harbor run and never had the time to go this far North. I've actually never rode North of South Range.

 

[firefighter1]

I rode from the Ramada to Rockland today and it was about 90 miles but we took two side loops also so probably less if you go a direct route. Houghton to Copper is about 60 miles one way. You could also ride other trails and make it longer. Roughly 120 round trip, very smooth except for a 5 mile stretch of trail 3.

 

[Highflyer]

I rode from the Ramada to Rockland today and it was about 90 miles but we took two side loops also so probably less if you go a direct route. Houghton to Copper is about 60 miles one way. You could also ride other trails and make it longer. Roughly 120 round trip, very smooth except for a 5 mile stretch of trail 3.

Hey man,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. That greatly helps out my planning. Looking at the trails now online.

 

[journeyman]

Rockland to the Ramada definitely isn't 90 miles. Firefighter must have taken the trail 13 back loop or the Freida loop to add that much. It's about 45 miles by car and it's not much more by sled. Most of it is the old railroad bed (trail 3) which is a pretty straight shot.

 

[Highflyer]

Rockland to the Ramada definitely isn't 90 miles. Firefighter must have taken the trail 13 back loop or the Freida loop to add that much. It's about 45 miles by car and it's not much more by sled. Most of it is the old railroad bed (trail 3) which is a pretty straight shot.

That's good to know. My buddies would probably be down for a longer route tomorrow. I've heard a lot about that Freda Loop on here. Is that a fun trail through the woods?

 

[sweeperguy]

That's good to know. My buddies would probably be down for a longer route tomorrow. I've heard a lot about that Freda Loop on here. Is that a fun trail through the woods?

I like the south side #120 better than the north, but Yes it is a Fun and Nice trail.

 

[garyl62]

Be sure to take 13 between Greenland and Twin Lakes, or to put some other names with that, stop and see Kip and everyone at Pat's in Greenland then take 13 north to Krupps in Twin Lakes. That will add a few miles, and some time instead of just shooting up 3 the whole way. You can easily make both those runs in day. Take the Freda loop on the way to Hancock, then between Hancock and Copper take as many of the side trails as you can. Shouldn't be bad traffic, but you can always shoot all the way up 3 to CP in the morning then stay off 3 in the afternoon as you hit the loops on the way back south. Stop at Zik's in CP, smaller place across the street from the Mariner, IMO a little more personable and friendly on that side of the street.

 

[Highflyer]

Thanks everyone. Leaving in a couple of hours. Look forward to seeing this part of the UP.

 

[packerlandrider]

I echo what Gary said - stop at Zik's if getting lunch in Copper Harbor, and yes shoot 3 up and then hit as many side loops as you want to on the way back.

 

[Skylar]

Rockland to the Ramada definitely isn't 90 miles. Firefighter must have taken the trail 13 back loop or the Freida loop to add that much. It's about 45 miles by car and it's not much more by sled. Most of it is the old railroad bed (trail 3) which is a pretty straight shot.

Yep, he said he took two side routes.

 

[snobuilder]

Logging on 13.

 

[Highflyer]

Logging on 13.

How long of stretch?

 

[firefighter1]

I did ride 120,121 and 13. That added a bunch of miles but we didn't want to be back to the truck until 3. The last half of 13 into Greenland was rough but not killer rough. We had been riding smooth trails for two days so it was noticeable.