Trail Report For: Keweenaw Peninsula / Houghton-Hancock, South Range, Copper Harbor - 04/05/2013
Trail Report: Keweenaw Peninsula / Houghton-Hancock, South Range, Copper Harbor
Reported By: Tammi the Trail Goddess at Dan’s Recreation in Houghton
Date of Report: 04/05/2013
Trail Conditions: Fair
Snow Cover: 24″- 48″ maybe more in snowbands
Area Report: Well, I hadn’t updated my trail report because it didn’t seem like anyone was heading up here anymore, so I apologize to the person looking for a trail report for our area!! The trails are no longer being groomed but are definitely rideable. Getting around in town is getting to be a pain. The gas station parking lots are bare as are the side of the roads and road crossings. The upper trail that goes through downtown Hancock still has snow on it and but is starting to get pretty low and another couple days of sun will doom it. The lower trail going through Dollar Bay was still in decent shape and snow covered. The trails going through Twin Lakes have a ton of snow as they got slammed in the last couple of snow falls. Haven’t heard much in the last few days about Copper Harbor way and up north, but there was plenty of snow on the trails a few days ago and I don’t see how it could have melted too much. It has been sunny and warmer during the day but temps at night have been super cold, 2 degrees the other night!! And, get ready for this— it is suppose to snow tomorrow again!! And not just a dusting– 7-10″. WHAT!!!?? Did someone forget to tell mother nature that the snow comes in December through March but can stop in April!! It’s showers time now. Guess she didn’t get the memo! So, the answer to the question is ” Yes, you can ride all over the area, and yes it will probably be June before you can’t!” Just plan ahead for gas and you will have an awesome time riding in the sun (or snow!).
News & Events:
Snowmobiling Information
Snow, snow everywhere is a good description of what fortunate snowmobilers encounter when they ride the scenic well-groomed trails of the Keweenaw Peninsula of U.P. Michigan. Couple an extensive trail system, enabling the avid rider to experience the splendor of this area, with plenty of the white stuff, and you have a fantastic winter wonderland. More than 200 inches of snow blanket this region every season allowing sno-riders up to 5 months to enjoy their favorite sport!
The Bill Nichols Trail heads north through majestic forests and over the three Firesteel Bridges which are old railroad trestles rising more than 100 feet above the Firesteel River. This trail provides a tour past the towns of Twin Lakes, Toivola and South Range as it continues on toward the panoramic twin cities of Houghton and Hancock. Delicious, varied dining and comfortable lodging choices abound in this winter wonderland along with any other services snowmobilers may need.
Trail 15 travels east from the Houghton area through Chassel to the Keweenaw Bay. Here it turns south, winding along the bay to Baraga on the southern tip of Keweenaw Bay.
Traveling north from Houghton and Hancock on Trail 3 you encounter many historic signs of the mining of years past. Magnificent rides through Ripley, Dollar Bay and Hubbell grace the trail on your way to the historic towns of Laurium and Calumet. Continuing north on Trail 3 through Mohawk and Phoenix riders can experience the peaceful Eagles Loop, which leads along Lake Superior to the charming towns of Eagle River and Eagle Harbor.
Trail 3 heads east on the Brockway Mountain Trail, which yields a spectacular view of Lake Superior. On a clear day you can see Canada to the North and to the south the breathtaking carpeted forests that surround you. Just a short jaunt from this splendor, riders find themselves in quaint Copper Harbor, an excellent place to enjoy a delicious meal and spend the night in one of the comfortable lodging establishments.
Truly the Keweenaw Peninsula is an adventure every snowmobiler should experience. With over 200 miles of smooth groomed trails connecting to 2500 miles of trails, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers the avid rider unlimited riding opportunities. There are numerous warm, welcoming hotels, resorts and delicious dining choices to make your trip a remembrance of a lifetime.