As winter was approaching, I wanted to get one last weekend with the guys. We decided to go to the best local off road trails that we knew of. Copper Harbor, Michigan. Just a weekend of offroading, exploring, and camping. The group consisted of Adam in his lifted Toyota Tundra, Andy in his stock GMC Yukon, Niko in his lifted Subaru Crosstrek, and myself in a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. We met up Thursday night, spent the weekend at a cabin, and then headed out Friday morning.
On Friday we spent the day doing some more mild trails, and finding this overlook. While the trail was a bit more mild, it was a good dip into what the rest of the weekend would be, and provided for some nice views. This was my first time doing any sort of “proper offroading”, so while exciting I was ready to get into some more rough stuff.
Vehicles are what allow us to travel to all of these places, but the people are what make it truly special.
Adam’s truck is such a visual masterpiece to photograph. Combination of the lift, 35″ tires, and the bedrack and front bumper stand out as the most “offroad” vehicle of the group.
Even though it was 3 weeks past peak color, there was just enough left to remind you of how beautiful the midwest is during the fall.
As we continued our way up towards Copper Harbor, we stopped as did a little sightseeing.Â
Lake Superior is a beautiful, yet powerful force. Some times you just need to stand quietly and take it in.
Hwy 26 along Lake Superior is a gorgeous drive. I HIGHLY reccomend taking Hwy 26 instead of Hwy 41 if possible.
After hanging out by the shore for a little while, we decided to head up to Brockway Mountain Drive. The first stop up the mountain overlooks Copper Harbor itself and the small town. It’s a perfect view of a quintessential Upper Peninsula town.
The top of the mountain offers an almost 360* view of the surrounding area.Â
As the sun was beginning to fall over the horizon, it was time to go find our camping spot. As it was late in the seaon, we took the risk and headed out to one of the more famous camping spots in the area. We rolled up right after it passed below the horizon. I snapped a few shots adn then setup camp.
Waking up feet from Lake Superior is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had while camping. The wind was strong and the temperature cold, but the beauty of the sunrise made up for it. We prepared for the day as we knew this was going to be a day full of wheeling.
Camp set up.
On the way to the trails we decided to pull a pitstop and check out this neat little spot.
After a little bit of exploring, it was time for some serious wheeling. Here is Adam in his Tundra catching a little bit of air.
Niko’s Crosstrek did really well for what the trails threw at it. A lift and some larger tires, and it was able to accomplish quite a bit.
Water crossings are some of the most fun.Â
We made it all the way through Keystone and out to the lake, and then headed back. This was an absolutely awesome trail, and it was impressive to see a stock Yukon make it without even a hickup.
Our group photo (The Crosstrek was left back at camp as the trails got a bit more difficult).
After completing Keystone, we went exploring and ended up finding some more trails.
The trail got narrow and muddy, but was an awesome time. Quite the stark difference seeing a lifted Tundra on 35’s and a stock Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on the same trail. But both handled the trail without issue.
After finishing up driving, we setup camp for the night and made some food. The weekend was a good one, and in the morning it was time to head home.
The next morning we packed up and got ready to head out. It was time to air up, throw out the garbage, and start the trek home.
Jeep Cherokee’s of my generation are known for their small gas tanks, so I had no choice but to fill up a bit. But with this ultra cool old school gas pump, it hurt a little bit less paying the exorbitant rates.
This abandoned silo had thousands of rounds of all different sizes spent behind it. Must be a popular place to come and fire off some rounds.
On our way back south, we came across an abandoned building right along side the road. IT was obvious that many people had been exploring these ruins for years. The graffiti strewn throughout ranged from ultra creative to obscene. We all had a good laugh and I needed to photograph a few of them. “Forg” still makes me laugh to this day.
EP releasing spring 2023.
Headed home.
Overall this was a weekend that sparked a new desire for me; to explore. Getting out into nature, away from technology and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is such a good way to reset mentally. Since this trip I have began getting all of the necessary items to really get the most out of exploring. From cooking equipment to water containers and recovery gear, it’s all of the little things that allow you to really push yourself. You really find yourself when you get out of your comfort zone.
– Andrew
