Brockway Mountain Drive

Michigan's Most Scenic Byway

Ascend one of the most scenic driving ranges in the US, located in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The two-way, nine-mile Brockway Mountain Drive features several breathtaking viewing platforms and connects to numerous trails for mountain bikers and hikers. This picturesque mountain peak serves as a wildlife sanctuary, offering a serene retreat and an adventurous destination. Enjoy 360-degree views of Lake Superior, spotting passing freighters on the horizon.

In this article, you'll find helpful information like: 

• Can I drive up Brockway Mountain?
• What type of vehicle can I take up?
• Where are the entrances?
• What will I see along the way?
• What can I expect the roads to be like?
• How long is the drive?
• What's at the top of Brockway?
• Is there anything else to do on Brockway?
• Can I drive up Brockway in the winter?

FAST FACTS ABOUT BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN

Brockway Mountain Drive is the highest drive above sea-level between the Rockies and the Alleghenies. The nine-mile stretch snakes up Brockway Mountain and was constructed in the early 1930s as a Great Depression project to employ more workers and to create a valuable destination asset. This occurred around the same time as the construction of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. The surreal route takes you 1,320 feet above sea level and gives you uninterrupted views of the region. Its peak is 720 feet above Lake Superior.

If conditions allow, you can see Isle Royale National Park to the north from the top of Brockway Mountain. Brockway’s rocky range of elevation juts out from the Keweenaw Fault, which runs from Copper Harbor to the Porcupine Mountains. It cost $40,000 to build at the time and was finished by the Keweenaw County Road Commission on June 14, 1935.

Horses and manual labor were used to bring materials up the hill, and no survey tools were used. Leveling was done by hand and so was grading.

The site gets its name from Daniel D. Brockway, an early settler to the Keweenaw. Brockway Mountain Drive is mostly in Eagle Harbor Township and one end of the path ends up on US-41 in Copper Harbor.

At least one million people visited the drive in the first five years it was open.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drive up Brockway Mountain?

• Yes, you can take most automobiles up Brockway Mountain Drive. Generally speaking, most cars and passenger trucks can take the path just fine. The road is paved and winds its way up the sides of the rocky range and features two main viewing stations at each end. There is room for you to park and pull over around much of the road. Motorcycles can also reach the peak with ease.

What type of vehicle can I take up?

• Most automobiles can handle Brockway with ease, and motorcycles are allowed access.

• RVs are not allowed on Brockway Mountain Drive. Due to the steep grades exceeding 12 degrees this is not a place for heavy, long campers, RVs or buses.

• ORVs are prohibited by state law from riding on state highways, including M-26. Since Brockway Mountain Drive has two entry points along M-26, ORVs cannot legally access the drive.

• In the winter: snowmobile traffic is allowed and is the only way to summit the mountain other than snowshoe hiking.

Where are the entrances?

• Brockway Mountain Drive is a two-way scenic drive up Brockway Mountain and features two entrances: one at the mouth of Copper Harbor across from the marina and another in Eagle Harbor Township further down M-26. You can access it on the left by taking M-26 from Copper Harbor or look for the entrance on the right coming up from Eagle Harbor.

• If you’re looking to hike the mountain – Hunter’s Point Park is a great place to leave your vehicle and start.

What will I see along the way?

• Lake Superior: Brockway Mountain Drive offers some of the best views of Lake Superior as it is close to the shore. On a clear day, you’ll see Isle Royale to the northwest. Look for passing freighters from cities like Marquette, Duluth and Sault Ste. Marie on the horizon. 

• Copper Harbor: On the north end of Brockway Mountain Drive, a viewing platform walks you out to beautiful views of Copper Harbor. See the tall Mariner North standing proud on US-41 – one of Copper Harbor’s first businesses.

• Inland Lakes: The Keweenaw boasts a large number of gorgeous inland lakes. You can paddle, boat and fish at many of them. Look to the south of Brockway Mountain Drive and you will notice a large lake: Lake Medora. From the north viewing platform you will see Lake Fanny Hooe past Copper Harbor near Fort Wilkins State Park.

• Abundant Wildlife: Brockway Mountain is an epically picturesque drive that passes through four designated nature sanctuaries. In spring, it’s a prime place for birdwatching. Each year, many raptors like eagles and hawks migrate right over the mountain and fly close to its peak.

• Mountain Bikes & Hikers: There is a variety of trails that go up and around Brockway Mountain that can be explored by foot or bike. The most recent addition is the Copper Harbor Trails Club’s Berry Picker Trail. This up-hill only bike trail is the best way to ascend the mountain. Hikers can use this trail for up and down traffic.

What can I expect the roads to be like?

• Brockway Mountain Drive is paved but the road is in rough condition. Expect potholes, minimal shoulder space and blind corners in spots. Be sure that whatever mode of transportation you are using that you keep right and watch for posted speed limits. Keep your eyes peeled for the variety of pull-off points. Each offers unique perspectives and views of the region.

How long is the drive?

• Brockway Mountain Drive is roughly nine miles long and can take about 20-30 minutes to navigate without any stops. It is about 35 minutes north of Houghton and you could easily make a whole day out of exploring Brockway Mountain Drive and its surrounding trails.

What's at the top of Brockway?

• At the top of Brockway Mountain Drive you will be rewarded with a cool breeze, 360 views of the rugged Keweenaw Landscape and you will be at one of the Keweenaw’s highest natural peaks. There are many trailheads along the way and a bathroom is available to the public at the south viewing park. You will likely run into others enjoying the view so remember to practice the social principles of Leave No Trace in addition to packing in what you pack out.

Is there anything else to do on Brockway?

• Hike/Bike:

  • Brockway Mountain houses a variety of hiking and biking trails. Use an app like AllTrails to pick your next adventure on the Mountain. Some of the popular spots to check out can be found near the middle of the drive at the John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary or closer to the Copper Harbor end there are more bike trails. You could take Berry Picker trail up Brockway Mountain and then down

  • Try getting rentals from Keweenaw Adventure Company or the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge if you aren’t bringing your own.

• Bird Watch:

  • Bring your binoculars! Brockway Mountain Drive is one of the most prime spots in the Midwest for birding. If you happen to visit during spring, that is when a huge migration occurs. Some folks travel across the country just to birdwatch each spring.

• Fly a Kite:

  • Channel your inner kid or take your children to fly a kite on Brockway Mountain. With the high elevation and winds off Lake Superior, your kites will graze above the mountain with ease, making you feel the connection between you and the sky.

• Stargazing:

  • Brockway Mountain Drive brings an excellent night sky viewing experience. Find a quiet spot to pull over and stargaze for a chance at seeing the Milky Way, northern lights or constellations on a clear night. Bring blankets and comfy seating: but don’t forget camping is not allowed. Be cautious of cliff edges and be sure to stay in marked boundaries. Try going during daylight hours first.

  • Take a short jot down US-41 for the rest of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park: headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. This park extends hundreds of acres up to the mountain and has regular, educational workshops for those looking to learn more.

Can I drive up Brockway in the winter?

• Snowmobiles are the only way to drive up Brockway Mountain in the winter. You can get fuel from the Fuel Stop in Copper Harbor at the base of the trail. During the winter season, keep track of  trail conditions, weather, and Keweenaw County snow totals for your Keweenaw snowmobile escape!