COPPER HARBOR, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is famous for scenic drives. One that is beautiful in any season is the Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor.

The drive is 10 miles long and has several pull-offs enabling visitors to stop and take in the scenery. It is the highest paved road from the Rocky Mountains to the Allegheny Mountains. There are two nature preserves along the drive that are worth visiting as well.

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Brockway Mountain Drive is the highest paved road between the Rockies and the Alleghenies. Just outside Copper Harbor you will find a breathtaking 360° view of Lake Superior, the surrounding woodlands, and inland lakes. This lookout is 735 feet above the lake. On a clear day you can see Isle Royale about 50 miles away! At the other end is the West Bluff with more awesome views. One peculiar feature of the West Bluff is the condition of the oak trees. Due to poor soil and nearly constant winds, these oaks are stunted and have become twisted almost like Bonsai trees.

If you plan to ride Brockway by bicycle, be prepared for some extremely steep hills. It really is a mountain. In addition, the winds can be very strong, but the scenic overlooks along the way from the Copper Harbor Overlook all the way out to West Bluff, make it all worth it. You can enjoy a sunrise and a sunset from the same spot.

Please note, Brockway Mountain Drive is seasonal. It becomes part of the snowmobile trail system in the winter. The date it opens depends on the snowfall and the time road restrictions come off.