Brockway Mountain

Overview

Brockway Mountain sits about as far north in Michigan as it could be without being in Lake Superior. Located just outside Copper Harbor, MI and topping out at a very proud 728 feet above the Lake, it is a very popular, but very scenic, area and is well worth the visit for the incredible views it offers of the Keweenaw and Lake Superior. Though a road traverses the mountain, there are hiking options in several places and one could also bike the summit.

The top of the mountain, most notably West Bluff, offers incredible panoramic views in all directions. You really feel like you are on the top of the world (though you are only at a relatively squatty 1328') To the west, Mount Baldy and Lake Bailey are readily visible. To the north is Lake Superior, commanding the majority of your view. To the south sits Lake Medora, a scenic lake outside of Copper Harbor. And to the east lies Copper Harbor and the tip of the Keweenaw. Plenty of other hills and features in the Keweenaw are visible too, and one could easily spend an hour or two just soaking in the various vistas available!

Getting There

Copper Harbor, MI is located at the tippy tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To gain access to Brockway from the east, head into town on US41 and turn left (west) at the blinking stop light onto M-26. Roughly half a mile later you will see signs for Brockway Mountain Drive. Turn left onto this road, and prepare to use your low gears!

Brockway Mountain Drive traverses the mountain and ends roughly 10 miles later east of Eagle Harbor. This drive is incredibly scenic and well worth the time it takes to complete it. As stated above, there are several options for getting out and stretching, including a couple hiking trails and lookout points.

Accessing the mountain from the west side would require driving north on M-26 instead of US41. Brockway Mountain Drive begins roughly 3 miles east of Eagle Harbor, MI. You can't miss the signs.

An important thing to note is that the road is not plowed in winter, and the large amount (250+ inches a year) of snow the area gets often ensure that the road is closed well into April. Snowmobiles can still access it, as well as people on XC skis and snowshoes.

Red Tape

None.

Camping

Nowhere to camp here...sorry. There are plenty of places in the area that one could easily pitch a tent at though. Ft. Wilkins State Park, east of Copper Harbor, and Lake Fanny Hooe Campground, south of town, offer traditional campgrounds.

External Links

Virtual Tour of Brockway Mountain Drive
Hunt's UP Guide entry on Brockway
Wikipedia entry

Images

View Brockway Mountain Image Gallery - 25 Images