Spring wildflowers, summer bike miles, fiery fall colors, and endless winter snow—Michigan’s UP is a four-season playground for Kingstar travelers. Whether you’re pulling an overland travel trailer, or rolling in a custom truck camper, these five destinations promise next-level UP adventures. We’ve scoped out trailheads, campgrounds, and local lore so you can experience Kingstar adventures all year long.
1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Summer Hiking & Mountain Biking)
Nestled along Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline, the Porkies (as locals call them) span over 60,000 acres of prime UP terrain. From late May through September, an intricate network of hiking and singletrack mountain bike trails winds beneath old-growth hemlock and maple. The Summit Peak Trail rewards you with panoramic views of vast lake expanses; the Nonesuch and Chief Solomon trails offer technical singletrack for seasoned riders.
- Campground tip: Union Bay Campground has pull-through sites and full hookups, perfect for your Kingstar overland travel trailer. Arrive early (midweek is quieter) to snag a site near the portage to Lake Superior.
- Route tip: For families, the Presque Isle River Trail is an easy 2-mile out-and-back, ending at a stunning falls overlook.
- Local lore: Look for remnants of 19th-century copper mines along the Brooks Lake Trail. The Porkies were once the epicenter of UP mining and the ghosts of prospectors still echo in the forest.
- Pro-packed checklist:
- Lightweight camp chairs (shoreline breezes can be brisk)
- Bug spray (mosquitoes peak in June–July)
- Compact repair kit for bikes or tack
- Reusable water bottles and a filter (streams run cold and clear
2. Marquette Iron Ore Heritage Trail (Fall Cycling & Camping)
When the UP ignites in reds, oranges, and golds, there’s no better way to soak it in than on two wheels. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail, 35 miles of paved, mostly flat path, traces the region’s mining legacy from Marquette to Negaunee. Cyclists glide past historic docks, iron ore docks repurposed as fishing piers, and scenic Lake Superior overlooks.
- Campground tip: Tourist Park Campgrounds (Marquette) is just minutes from the trailhead. You’ll enjoy full hookups and clean bathhouses. Park your overland travel trailer and then take a brief drive to downtown Marquette’s breweries and eateries.
- Route tip: Break the ride into a 15-mile round trip to avoid overextending. Stop at the North Country Trail segment near Buchanan Park for a short woodland spur.
- Local lore: Read the interpretive signs near Carp River Furnace Park. This 19th-century iron smelter was the first of its kind west of Lake Superior.
- Pro-packed checklist:
- Layered cycling jersey (fall mornings can be chilly)
- Reflective vest and lights (sun sets early after Labor Day)
- Snacks featuring local UP maple syrup (energy and flavor in one bite)
- Compact pump and patch kit
3. Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Spring Trek & Horseshoe Loop)
As snowmelt roars into the Tahquamenon River each April, the “Root Beer Falls” (lower falls) and the majestic upper falls become must-see cascades. Miles of intersecting trails, like the 13-mile Horseshoe Loop, thread through maple groves that burst with pastel blossoms. It’s prime time for two-wheeled exploration or a leisurely horseback ride.
- Campground tip: Lower Falls Campground has pull-through and back-in sites suitable for horse trailers and overland travel trailers.
- Route tip: Saddle up for a 5-mile equestrian loop near the upper falls parking area. If you’re hiking or biking, follow the River Trail for gentle riverside views.
- Local lore: Legend says the falls were named (in Ojibwe) “Taqua-menon,” meaning “Land of the Noisy Waters.” Early fur traders relied on these rapids to navigate the region.
- Pro-packed checklist:
- Water-resistant boots (mud season is real in spring)
- Extra horse tack ties and grooming kit
- Trail snacks featuring UP pasties (a hearty bite for humans)
- Camera or smartphone with waterproof case (mist from the falls is constant)
4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Summer & Early Fall Kayak/Bike Combo)
Cloaked in hues of ochre and emerald, the sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior are legendary. Paddlers launch from Munising to glide beneath sheer walls carved by wind and water, while cyclists can loop inland on the Miners Castle to Mosquito Falls road—then return to shoreline campsites for sunset views.
- Campground tip: Hurricane River Campground is RV-friendly with limited electric hookups. For a quieter vibe, try Twelvemile Beach Campground (primitive sites, first-come-first-served). Either is perfect for your overland travel trailer.
- Route tip: Launch kayaks from Miners Beach for a 4-mile paddle to Sand Point. When landlocked, hitch a ride via trail to Miners Castle overlook campground, you’ll catch dusk against dramatic cliffs.
- Local lore: The Ojibwe called this stretch “Minoka-Windigo-Siipi,” meaning “River of the Giant Monsters,” after tales of giant fish and spirits dwelling beneath the waves.
- Pro-packed checklist:
- Dry bags and a coast guard–approved life vest
- Bike panniers for camera gear (the colors here are worth the stops)
- Camping lantern (campsites have no ambient light—stars are unreal)
- Trail-friendly grab-and-go meals
5. Munising and Cherokee Winter Snowmobile Trails
When snowbanks swallow the UP from December through March, the region’s trail network transforms into a snowmobile mecca. The Tupelo Trail System (around Munising) links to hundreds of miles of groomed corridors—perfect for exploring frozen waterfalls and frozen Lake Superior vistas.
- Campground tip: Munising Tourist Park has a heated lodge, plug-ins for rig cosy-up, and quick access to trailheads. Cherokee Inn & Lodge offers slope-side convenience near the Porcupine Mountains’ snowmobile connectors.
- Route tip: Start at Munising’s Trail 6, head north to the Miners Castle spur, views of ice-encrusted cliffs are jaw-dropping. Plan for 50–60 miles per day to avoid staying out after dark.
- Local lore: In the 1930s, UP sawmill workers pioneered the first snowmobile trails here, originally called “motosski” tracks. Today’s groomers maintain their legacy for modern riders.
- Pro-packed checklist:
- Heated gear liners and extra goggles (wind chill can drop below –20°F)
- High-BTU hand warmers (fingers and toes need love)
- Spare belt and basic snowmobile toolkit
- Satellite messenger or two-way radio (cell coverage is spotty)
Wrapping Up Your UP Itinerary
From wildflower-lined spring trails to frozen winter corridors, these five destinations showcase why the 906 is a year-round haven for Kingstar travelers. Each locale offers trailer- or camper-friendly camping plus route tips and local lore that make every trip unforgettable.
So hitch up your overland travel trailer, rev your spirit, and let Michigan’s Upper Peninsula be your personal playground because with Kingstar gear, you’re always ready to “Live it. Ride it.”