Sixteen people, nine rigs, and three dogs set out for what became an unforgettable journey through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From the start, the mix of good company, scenic trails, and lakeshore beauty promised adventure—and it delivered every step of the way.
Day 1: The Road to Au Train
Fueled by excitement and coffee, we gathered in the morning and pointed our rigs north toward Michigan. The plan was to drive to the far end of the route first, so we could finish closer to home. A quick stop at Walmart in Ironwood gave us time to grab lunch and let the pups stretch their legs.
By evening, we rolled into Au Train and set up camp. The site was perfect—plenty of space for the group, a calm atmosphere, and the promise of a night under the stars. Dinner around the campfire sealed the day with getting to know each other, laughter and stories, the perfect beginning to the trip.
Day 2: Exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
With park passes in hand, we kicked off the day at Sable Falls. The 168 steps down led us to a double staircase waterfall framed by tall trees. From there, the trail opened onto a sand-and-rock beach, where the aqua-colored waves of Lake Superior crashed gently ashore.
Next, we visited the Log Slide Overlook, once used by loggers to send timber down the dunes to waiting sawmills. Today it offers sweeping vistas where dunes stretch to the horizon, with the Au Sable Light Tower visible in the distance.
We hiked the short trail to Miners Falls, where a powerful cascade poured into a rocky gorge, then continued on to Miners Castle, with its sandstone cliffs rising over a sheltered cove of turquoise water.
The day ended in Munising with the U.P.’s most iconic comfort food—hot, hearty pasties—before heading back to camp for much-needed rest.
Day 3: Hiking, Lookouts, and a Special Moment
The morning began at Harlow Lake, where still water mirrored the forested hillsides in perfect calm.
From there, we tackled the drive to Top of the World Lookout. The sandy, rutted roads proved too much for some—one Subaru, not in our group, wisely turned back—but those who pressed on were rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Superior framed by endless forest.
Our next stop was Dead River Falls, a trail that tested us with uneven footing and elevation changes but rewarded us with a series of cascading waterfalls tucked deep in the woods. From there, forest roads turned rougher—rockier with more washouts—keeping the adventure alive.
That evening we reached the Huron River Beach Campground, a rustic, first-come-first-serve site where the Huron River flows into Lake Superior. Surrounded by crashing waves and glowing sunset skies, the trip reached its most memorable moment: our son, Konnor, proposed to his now-fiancé, Megan. Cheers, laughter, and campfire stories carried long into the night as we celebrated a milestone none of us will forget.
Day 4: Trestles, Sunrise, and the Road Home
On our final morning, we woke early to watch the sunrise spill over the trees and lake, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. It was a majestic start to the day, a quiet moment of reflection before packing up camp.
From there, we drove out along the Bill Nichols Trail, where the fall colors were in full display—vibrant reds, oranges, and golds arching over the path. At the trestles, we paused to take in the sweeping views, letting the last quiet moments of the trip sink in before pointing our rigs toward home.
Closing Thoughts
This trip wasn’t just about the trails or the views, though both were unforgettable. It was about the people and pups who came along, the laughter around campfires, the challenges we tackled together, and the memories made at every stop.
From waterfalls to overlooks, from rustic beaches to a life-changing proposal, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gave us more than just a trip—it gave us a journey we’ll carry with us forever.
