Michigan Trail Tuesday: Hunter’s Point Park, Copper Harbor
Michigan Trail Tuesdays is a new feature that will showcase a different trail or trail segment each week. The Mitten State is home to thousands of miles of trails, including the new Iron Belle Trail that runs from Detroit in the southeast to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula.
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is full of miles of hiking trails that lead to beautiful scenery along the Lake Superior shoreline. In Copper Harbor, Hunter’s Point Park has a network of three intersecting trails that lead to long, unspoiled sections of rocky beach. This is a great place to observe the area’s geologic history, see wildlife, watch passing freighters, and views of the Copper Harbor Lighthouse.
Here’s a look at the park’s three trails:
North Shore Trail – “The north shore trail begins at the Harbor Coast Lane parking area and runs east along the north shore of Hunter’s Point. The trail borders the north shore beaches and provides a sheltered walk on stormy days. It joins the south shore trail midway before branching off to form a loop around the east end of Hunter’s Point. The mostly flat trail is .4 mile in length with a few rocky areas. Short feeder trails connect to the north and south beach trails.
South Shore Trail – “The south shore trail can be reached from the Marina Trail or the Harbor Coast Lane parking lot. It is .4 mile in length providing views of Copper Harbor from the south shore of Hunter’s Point. It is generally flat and connects to the north shore trail via short feeder trails.”
Marina Trail – “The marina trail extends from the Copper Harbor Marina and runs around the west end of Copper Harbor Bay connecting with the south shore trail. It is approximately .3 mile in length and joins the south shore trail near the Harbor Coast Lane parking lot. The trail offers scenic views of old growth cedar as well as Copper Harbor Bay, the Copper Harbor Marina and Copper Harbor.”
There is also a fully accessible boardwalk and viewing deck that was added in 2008. This is a great place to watch the fury of Lake Superior in action as it crashes against the rocky shoreline!
When we visited in June of 2020 this park was swarming with pesky flies. You’ll want to load up on bug spray and have sturdy hiking shoes or boots to really explore this park, but it’s worth it for the amazing views.
