Brockway Mountain Drive
4.8(10)yelp
Road TripScenic LookoutSenior-FriendlyGolden HourOutdoorPhotography SpotMust-SeeMountain
Overview
Located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Copper Harbor, this spectacular 9.5-mile scenic highway is the highest above-sea-level drive between the Rockies and the Alleghenies. At the 1,328-foot summit, passengers enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Superior and dense northern forests.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeEarly October transforms this historic ridge highway into a breathtaking fall foliage masterpiece, standing as one of the highest scenic drives between the Rockies and Appalachians. Race up to the summit overlook between 5:30 PM and sunset; the blazing sun sinks into the infinite blue of Lake Superior, backlighting endless miles of exploding copper wilderness.
Getting TherePerched along the rocky mountain crest wrapping Copper Harbor, MI. This 9.5-mile scenic roadway requires personal vehicle travel. Take M-26 North all the way to its northern terminus, and follow explicit brown Department of Transportation signs split onto Brockway Mountain Drive. The summit ridge offers an open gravel lot that is entirely free for autumn motorists.
Travel Tips
- This 9.5-mile scenic drive features severe grades exceeding 15% with sharp hairpins, strictly banning vehicles over 30 feet in length; the entire mountain ridge route is physically gated and closed from November to mid-May.
- The 1,328-foot summit lookout directly faces severe polar winds off Lake Superior; ridge temperatures routinely register 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the base, requiring windproof parkas and heavily weighted tripods for sunset.
- Ensure your fuel tank is topped off at the M-26 intersection before ascending; the drive is a complete cell service blindspot. Drivers must shift into Low Gear (L/B) during descent to avoid catastrophic brake pad overheating.
Reviews
Positive
- As one of the most famous scenic drives in the US, the 180-degree summit views are breathtaking, overlooking Lake Superior and endless forests; the autumn foliage is legendary.
- The entire road is completely free to access, and the summit features a spacious viewing platform, ample free parking, and basic restroom facilities, maximizing value and convenience.
- It is a renowned raptor migration flyway, drawing numerous nature enthusiasts during spring and autumn to enjoy an authentic, non-commercialized sanctuary of tranquility.
- The steep terrain and unparalleled sunset panoramas offer an amazing experience for drivers and cyclists alike, making it a must-visit to experience Copper Harbor's raw beauty.
Heads up
- Road conditions heavily depend on weather, with occasional potholes and loose gravel; the steep grades and lack of guardrails in some sections cause anxiety for heights-sensitive guests.
- Due to severe winter weather, this scenic drive is completely closed to vehicles from winter to early spring, limiting the open season and causing disappointment for unprepared travelers.
- The summit only offers very primitive portable toilets, lacks wheelchair-accessible infrastructure or multilingual signage, and the facilities feel rugged under high winds.
- Crowd density skyrockets during peak autumn foliage, leading to traffic bottlenecks along the narrow loop, and the solitary rustic gift shop has limited, overpriced stock.