A huge thank you to those original road surveyors who determined the path of least resistance was along the water’s edge! Fortunately, Lake Superior is one gigantic shoreline (2,726 mi or 4,387 km to be exact), where riders can give a nod to those that carved out 1,450 mi/2,333 km of sweet riding bliss. Here is a list of Ride Lake Superior’s Top 10 Roads (in no particular order) that you must experience when riding around the Big Lake.
1. H58 Grand Marais to Munising, Michigan
Ride Stats
Length: 50 mi / 80 km
Highlights: Quality of the pavement, Lack of traffic, Scenic overlooks in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Some riders have dubbed this newly surfaced section of asphalt the “Tail of the Dragon of the North”. Also known as the ‘Hurricane Highway’.
2. Highway 17 Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 140 mi / 225 km
Highlights: This stretch of road has been dubbed “One of the most scenic drives in Canada” by several media outlets. It delivers majestic views of the lake, rock cuts, and big sweeping curves.
3. Highway 17 Nipigon to Marathon, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 113 mi / 181 km
Highlights: Big rock cuts, massive views of Lake Superior, Neys Provincial Park, and true iconic Canadian wilderness.
4. M26-M41 Calumet to Copper Harbor Loop, Michigan
Ride Stats
Length: 78 mi / 125 km
Highlights: Spectacular shoreline views, scenic Copper & Eagle Harbor, and a very twisty route that you will want to turn around and do again and again.
5. South Boundary Road Porcupine Mountains State Park
Ride Stats
Length: 43 mi / 69 km
Highlights: This narrow super twisty road is unique because there is no development, no power lines, just mile after mile of good asphalt through a canopy of trees.
6. The Bridges – Duluth, Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin
Ride Stats
Length: 16 mi / 25 km
Highlights: Scenic viewpoints, ships, trains, industry, Anchor Bar & Grill, Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park, and Amsoil World Headquarters. If you are looking for a really great experience this is best ridden at night.
7. US 61 Duluth, Minnesota to Pigeon River, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 152 mi / 244 km
Highlights: Scenic Lake Superior overlooks, a tunnel, numerous State Parks, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais.
8. Mt McKay Lookout Drive Thunder Bay, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 3 mi / 5 km
Highlights: Incredible lookout over Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. The road up is steep, a fun adventure, and safe for all bike types.
9. 587 Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – Pass Lake to Silver Islet, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 24 mi / 38 km
Highlights: A super fun tight and twisty low-traffic road that ends in the historic town of Silver Islet. Watch for deer along the roadsides.
10. Highway 129 to Thessalon – Chapleau – Wawa, Ontario
Ride Stats
Length: 230 mi / 370 km
Highlights: Part of the larger Grand Algoma Tour this stretch of road snakes its way through the Mississagi Valley. Tight, tight twisties, and great river views, make you want to ride it over and over.
