The Houghton Waterfront Trail travels from Houghton to Chassell along a former rail line that dates back to the Keweenaw’s copper mining era. As you run, walk, or bike along the path, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Portage Lake.
About the Houghton Waterfront Trail
The Houghton Waterfront Trail is 9 miles long. The first 3.7 miles — Houghton Waterfront Park to Nara Nature Park — are paved. The remaining 5.3 miles are made from packed dirt.
- Multi-use path open to walkers, runners, and bikers
- Dogs are allowed, as long as you keep them leashed
- Trail passes four of the beaches near Houghton, MI
Where to Park
Looking for parking on the Houghton Waterfront Trail? Leave your car in these parking lots:
- Houghton Waterfront Park
- Under the Portage lift bridge
- Downtown Houghton
- East Houghton Waterfront Park
- Great Lakes Research Center (see restrictions)
- Nara Nature Park
- Centennial Park in Chassell
As a bonus, there are public bathrooms near most of these parking areas; most are seasonal. You can also access the trail from anywhere in downtown Houghton. If you’re on the Michigan Tech campus, there’s an access trail at the end of the Rozsa Center parking lot.
Sections of the Houghton Waterfront Trail
In the mood for an in-town stroll along the water? Prefer a peaceful run through the trees? Explore one of the main sections of the trail, or combine them to create your own route.
1. Houghton Waterfront Park to Downtown Houghton (0.8 mi.)
The trail starts at Houghton Waterfront Park and travels past the Chutes and Ladders play structure. As you head toward downtown, hop off the trail and walk along the City of Houghton Public Pier.
Points of interest:
- Roy’s Pasties & Bakery
- Copper Range Depot
- Portage lift bridge
- Bridgeview Park
- Huron Street Waterfront Park
- Mineral Range Railroad depot
This section of the trail has a rich history — during the copper-mining era, it was the end of the Copper Range Railroad line. Houghton Waterfront Park once held a roundhouse and a coal dock; the Copper Range Depot restaurant was once a railroad depot. You can also see the former depot for the Mineral Range Railroad across the street from Huron Street Waterfront Park (it’s now home to U.P. Kids).
Once you get to Huron Street Waterfront Park, all the businesses and restaurants in Houghton, MI, are just up the hill on Shelden Avenue.
2. Downtown Houghton to East Houghton Waterfront Park (0.4 mi.)
This super-short section makes the perfect short stroll. It takes just a few minutes to walk from Huron Street Waterfront Park to East Houghton Waterfront Park. There, you’ll find spectacular views of the water, Mont Ripley, and the Portage lift bridge. The park is also home to the Houghton Skate Park.
Our recommendation? Pick up takeout, and enjoy it at one of the park’s dockside picnic tables. The park has modern bathrooms and plenty of lush grass, so it’s a great spot for kids.
3. East Houghton Waterfront Park to Nara Nature Park (2.5 mi.)
From East Houghton Waterfront Park, the trail travels past a picturesque marina. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a long Michigan Tech parking lot; continue to the far end. Locals often park here to start their walks or runs. (You can do so after 4:00 p.m. without a permit; before then, park in the metered spots near the Great Lakes Research Center.)
This is one of the best sections of the Houghton Waterfront Trail — it leaves the traffic behind and travels next to Portage Lake, offering beautiful water views. Stop at Prince’s Point park for a swim or a rest. In the summer, you can pick thimbleberries near Prince’s Point.
After about 1.5 miles, the trail enters a long tunnel of trees. Enjoy the shade for about 1 mile until you reach Nara Nature Park. Ready for more? Take a side trip down the Nara boardwalks or the beautiful Peepsock Trail; they’re some of the most popular places for hiking near Houghton, MI. You’ll find a bathroom across the highway in the Nara chalet.
4. Nara Nature Park to Chassell Beach (5.3 mi.)
When the Houghton Waterfront Trail leaves Nara Nature Park, it changes to a dirt path. It’s wide and well-packed, but may not be a great option for all strollers. During the fall, the first 0.5 miles of this section is one of the most spectacular spots to see the changing leaves. (see photo above)
As you walk toward Chassell, the trail passes through trees and through a few sparse residential areas. Near the end, it essentially passes through a few backyards. Don’t worry; the route is open to the public, and residents are accustomed to foot traffic.
After 5.3 miles, you’ll arrive at Chassell Beach in Centennial Park. In the summer, the park offers modern bathrooms, a playground, and a family-friendly beach.
Is the Houghton Waterfront Trail Open in the Winter?
In the winter, the trail is a popular snowmobile route. You can use it safely at the beginning of the season — but when the snow gets deep enough for snowmobiles, it’s best to find a different route. The Michigan Tech Trails have several routes that are open to walkers, snowshoes, and dogs.