7 beautiful Must-Sees in
Michigan's
Upper Peninsula
I recently took a solo road trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and absolutely loved it. The Upper Peninsula is full of breathtaking sights and I can’t wait to share some of my favorites.
⚠️ Please note that I took this trip in the spring (late April), instead of the recommended seasons: summer or fall. Many trees had not fully bloomed, but I did not think this took away from the beauty. The limited travelers also meant that the typically popular parks were almost empty, and I really enjoyed that aspect. In short, I don’t believe there is ever a bad time to visit the UP.
1. Porcupine Mountains
The so-called “Porkies” absolutely amazed me. The views felt incredible and the trails were lovely. The Lake of the Clouds are very popular, but understandably so. There is an easy loop to walk around and get different angles of this stunning lake. The Escarpment trail is also a popular and breathtaking trail. There is a trailhead at the Lake of the Clouds and extends to the Government Peak trailhead. It is long (about 8.4 miles there and back) and definitely for moderate or more advanced hikers, but highly recommended! It felt so rewarding for me. If you can, try to hike to the Cayahoga Peak. I cannot stress how amazing this view was. I can’t even imagine how it would look in the summer or fall.
⚠️ Note: Cell service is spotty. On some of the trails, I had 5G but not at Lake of the Clouds, for example. However, there are phones spread out across the park for emergencies. The locations of these phones are described in the trail information boards.
While you’re in the Porkies, I also highly recommend checking out the Presque Isle State Park! I’ve added some photos of this lovely park (with waterfalls!) in the images page.
2. Kewennaw Peninsula
I would definitely recommend the Kewennaw Peninsula for the hikers and nature lovers.
I’m kind of cheating by so broadly writing “Kewennaw Peninsula” when there are so many different places that are amazing in their own ways. Firstly, there are so many different trails to hike through and many of them start at the Monk Trailhead (it is off Eagle Harbor Rd and has a red gate). There are various paths to go on, and although there are signs, it can still get pretty confusing since there are so many.
I originally tried to hike through the Jacobs Falls Trail but actually got lost on the way. I found myself taking a really long route to eventually bump into the Jam Pot, a famous bakery near the end of Jacobs Falls. It is safe to say that it is famous for good reason. I highly, highly recommend the cupcakes and the wild thimbleberry jam. The employees also helped me find my way back!
So, following the advice from the employees, I scrambled up the side of Jacobs Falls and was able to continue down the trail back to the trailhead. I use the word scramble for a reason. Both hands and feet were used, and though it was very doable, I am really glad I was wearing quality hiking shoes. I must also say that the scramble was very worth it. The Jacobs Falls Trail was a slightly difficult hike, but absolutely beautiful. You walk along side Jacob’s creek that reveals multiple waterfalls on the way. Here, you are so liberatingly surrounded by nature and I was able to deeply tap into sensations like smell, sound, and sight.
Apart from Jacobs Falls, I also enjoyed the beautiful sights along Cat Beach, a walk through the charming town of Copper Harbor, and the majestic view from the top of the Brockway Mountain Drive. I highly recommend visiting all of the above.
I also wanted to mention Mt. Baldy. I did not get the chance to hike it due to time concerns, but I have heard and read about amazing experiences at Mt. Baldy. If I had to re-do this trip, hiking Mt. Baldy would probably be the only thing I’d change.
⚠️ Note: No cell phone service, even in Eagle Harbor or Copper Harbor. I recommend downloading or printing maps and trails.
3. Tahquamenon Falls
I enjoyed both the Upper and Lower Tahquemenon Falls more than I would’ve imagined! They are definitely must-sees in the Upper Peninsula. The Upper falls are breathtaking, and the lower falls are of course a bit smaller but just as incredible! If you would like to hike or walk a little bit, I recommend the trails at the Lower Falls. The trails take you through the charming, serene pine forests. Additionally, if you are interested and able, there is a longer trail (about 10 miles) from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls. I did not walk through this loop, but I’ve heard amazing things.
4. Presque Isle Park (Marquette)
To get any confusion out of the way, there is another Presque Isle park in the Porcupine Mountains. Both are amazing, but very different. This park just outside of Marquette is a small and drivable island with beautiful rocky beaches on Lake Superior. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic, hang out with friends or family, or enjoy the sunset!
5. Pictured Rocks
I’m sure that seeing the infamous Pictured Rocks are on everyone’s itinerary, but they truly are stunning. The colors and layers of rock built upon each other are both stunning and fascinating. While you’re here, I recommend walking down Twelve-mile beach and enjoying the sights of Lake Superior. There are so many outlooks and they gave me such an indescribable feeling of peace. I did not get the chance, but in the summer time, I’ve heard that a kayak or boat tour around the Pictured Rocks is incredible!
6. Canyon Falls
I loved Canyon Falls for the short and easy walk down to the Falls. It was beautiful trail along a river with fascinating rocks and whimsical looking trees. It truly feels so peaceful and is walkable by pretty much everyone. At the end of the trial, there is yet another fairly large waterfall and with a little bit of (careful) effort, you can get close enough to feel the water spraying you. I would have also loved to see the waterfall from a viewpoint across from it, but to the best of my knowledge there is no way to get there. Regardless, I still found Canyon Falls stunning and the walk very enjoyable.
7. Sable Falls
Sable Falls is a smaller site in the UP, but this short stop should definitely be added to your itinerary! It’s a beautiful cascading waterfall with stairs to walk down to. I will note that there are quite a few stairs. I believe it was around 160 to 180 steps. However, I really think the view at the bottom is worth it.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have enjoyed and maybe learned something!
Safe travels!!