BN Route

BN Route is a gravel trail that follows an old railroad bed southwest of Houghton, MI. It is part of the Michigan DNR trail system and requires a state OHV license to use. It is also known as the Bill Nicholls Route. The draw on this route is where the trail crosses the three branches of the Firesteel River using old steel trestle bridges. While the bridge structure is steel, the road surface is wood planks, and you can hear them creak and crack as you drive. The bridges are just wide enough for a full-size vehicle and roughly 60' above the ravine and river below. There are minimal camping opportunities along the route, but the trail goes through two small towns with small inns. About 1/2 through, the trail enters Twin Lakes, where there is a state campground and a fuel station. The southern end, right where the trail originates or terminates, depending on which direction you drive is the Adventure Mine. You can take an underground mine tour of a mine that began over 160 years ago.