WINMAN Mountain Biking, Hiking, and Cross Country Ski Trails

Much of the WINMAN trail system runs through public and paper company lands. These areas are quite remote and offer great opportunities to see wildlife and scenery. Areas of the WINMAN trail system are known for their mountain biking and have very challenging trails. The WINMAN trail also offers cross country skiing in the winter. The WINMAN trails are also very close to the Discovery Center which offer numerous family activities year round.

For more information, please visit: https://www.winmantrails.com

Town of Mercer Bike Trails

Mercer has many miles of paved trails for biking enjoyment. The trails start in Mercer near Snow’s grocery store and connect to the east with Winchester, southeast with Boulder Junction, and south to Manitowish Waters. The trails have a gentle grade and plenty of places to stop and rest along your way.

For more information, please visit: https://www.townofmercer.com/parks-trails/bike-trail/

Porcupine Mountains State Park

This is a very large wilderness park offering awesome views of the Porcupine Mountains, Lake Superior, and wilderness lakes. There are backpacking, hiking trails and old mining facilities you can visit. You can either enjoy a drive to the top to see the sights or you can take many trails depending on what you want to see. There are two entrances, the closest of which is about an hour drive. The main entrance is on the NE corner and adds another hour to your drive. This is a minimum full day trip and can easily be a full day trip if you bring a lunch. There is no internet or cell phone coverage in this area. There are several places to get ice cream on the drive home making this trip an even better treat!

More information can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79207_81180—,00.html

Copper Peak

This is the world’s tallest ski jump which has recently been restored for use. They offer tours where you can take the chairlift up about 2/3 of the way and then for the daring, you can walk the steps to the very top to enjoy an awesome panoramic view of the area’s mountains and Lake Superior. The entrance is at the south end of the hiking trails into the Black River Harbor area. There is a fee for admission and the typical visit takes about one hour, including a trip to the ski jump museum.

More information can be found at: https://copperpeak.net

Black River Harbor on Lake Superior

This is a wilderness area that is about an hour drive north of Paradise Point. There are multiple hiking trails around five waterfalls cascading over several miles down to Lake Superior. The Harbor is an old CCC facility with a large stone breakwater, crystal clear water, and beaches of flat rocks. This is a minimum half day trip and can easily be a full day trip if you bring a lunch. There is minimal internet and cell phone coverage in this area.

More information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ottawa/recarea/?recid=16846