Copper Peak demands your attention in autumn, transforming into a canvas of blazing reds, golds, and ambers. This isn’t just a ski jump; at 400 feet tall with a summit elevation around 1,300 feet, it offers a striking vantage point over Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula forests. The Fall Color Ride combines an easy hike with a chairlift ascent—ideal for adventurers who want vivid fall hues without overextending themselves.

The ride begins at the base with a chairlift that clings to the steep hillside, carrying you 1,200 feet above the tree line. From here, a short but invigorating trail leads you to the summit, where forested valleys dare your gaze downward and distant ridges push your sightline outward. The 0.5-mile hike pairs an elevation gain of about 150 feet with mixed terrain: packed dirt, rocky patches, and some wooden steps. These surfaces remind you that nature holds this space firmly, inviting respect rather than rush.

On the trail, birch and aspen stand ready to show off their fall colors, while maples throw sparks of red to the wind. The air often feels crisp and alive, filled with the crackle of leaves beneath your boots and the occasional flutter of chickadees darting through branches. At the summit, the expansive view includes the snow-dusted peaks of the Porcupine Mountains and the shimmering Lake Superior, whose waters seem to swell with the season’s mood.

Timing is everything. Peak color typically hits from late September to mid-October, depending on the year’s weather. Early mornings reward you with cool, still air, but the chairlift opens later in the day, pushing most visitors toward mid-morning or early afternoon. Bring layers for temperature shifts and prepare to keep hydrated—the climb, brief as it is, nudges your cardiovascular system to pay attention.

Footwear should be sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip; wet leaves can slick the path unexpectedly. The ride’s accessibility makes it suitable for casual hikers, families seeking manageable adventure, and more ambitious explorers wanting a quick infusion of color with a dose of challenge. The intimacy of the Copper Peak landscape, combined with its panoramic capture of fall color, creates an experience that balances thrill with a practical outing plan.

Remember to check weather and chairlift operating hours before your visit—Michigan weather can be fiercely changeable, particularly as fall progresses. Pack water, a snack, and maybe a camera to capture the shifting light and silhouettes of the ride. With its blend of ease and exposure, Copper Peak’s Fall Color Ride is one that boldly invites you out, promising vivid views and a dynamic dance with an autumn wilderness that’s actively unfolding around you.