Marquette MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Marquette, Michigan.
1. Sugarloaf Mountain
ICONIC MARQUETTE SUMMIT
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Marquette's most popular and accessible hiking destinations, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Superior and the surrounding forests. The well-marked trail features wooden staircases and informative signs, making it suitable for families and hikers of all ages. At the summit, multiple viewing platforms provide unforgettable photo opportunities and a true taste of Upper Peninsula beauty.
2. Hogback Mountain
CHALLENGING SCENIC PEAK
Hogback Mountain offers rugged, rewarding hiking near Marquette for those seeking a physical challenge and dramatic vistas. The trail ascends through forest and rocky outcrops, with a steep, hands-on climb near the top leading to sweeping views over the region. This trail is best for experienced hikers looking for adventure and a sense of accomplishment at the summit.
3. Presque Isle Loop
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE TRAIL
Presque Isle Loop is a gentle, scenic 2.2-mile hike that wraps around Marquette's beloved Presque Isle Park peninsula. The trail stays close to Lake Superior, offering dramatic shoreline views, wildlife spotting, and easy access for visitors of all ages. It's a top pick for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful stroll with abundant natural beauty.
4. Dead River Falls
WATERFALL CASCADE HIKE
Dead River Falls is a favorite among hikers looking to experience a series of stunning waterfalls set within a wild, wooded gorge just minutes from downtown Marquette. The moderately challenging trail follows the river upstream, revealing multiple cascades and serene pools along rugged terrain. Adventurers are rewarded with natural beauty and the soothing sounds of falling water throughout the hike.
5. Morgan Falls
EASY WATERFALL WALK
Morgan Falls is an accessible 2.8-mile trail just outside Marquette, leading hikers through forested surroundings to a picturesque 20-foot waterfall and a tranquil pool below. The clearly marked route is family- and dog-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely outdoors experience. Its proximity to the city and gentle terrain make Morgan Falls a go-to for quick escapes into nature.
6. Yellow Dog River Falls
SECLUDED RIVER BEAUTY
Yellow Dog River Falls sits northwest of Marquette, accessible by an easy, peaceful hike through lush forests popular with families and nature lovers. The trail leads to tumbling cascades and a pristine river setting, perfect for quiet reflection or a picnic by the water. Its less-traveled location offers a tranquil alternative to busier hiking destinations nearby.
7. Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail
PRISTINE COASTAL BLUFFS
Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail features dramatic bluffs, sandy beaches, and uninterrupted views of Lake Superior just a short drive from Marquette. The trail winds along the coast, providing access to rock formations, secluded coves, and scenic picnic spots. It's an excellent hike for those who appreciate lake breezes and panoramic scenery.
8. Mount Marquette
PANORAMIC CITY OVERLOOK
Mount Marquette stands south of the city, offering both a rewarding climb and a stunning overlook that captures the city, Lake Superior, and surrounding wilderness. The trail to the summit is moderately challenging and attracts hikers who want to appreciate the vast expanse of the Upper Peninsula. At the top, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
9. Noquemanon Trail Network
EXTENSIVE MULTI-USE TRAILS
The Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) offers a sprawling system of interconnected trails around Marquette, ideal for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. Trails range from easy loops to more rugged routes, traversing dense woods, streams, and scenic vistas. NTN provides year-round access to outdoor adventure for all skill levels.
10. Little Presque Isle
UNIQUE LAKESIDE ESCAPE
Little Presque Isle is a beloved natural area just north of Marquette, featuring sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and forested paths with lake views. Hikers can enjoy exploring diverse trails that wind through varied terrain and lead to tranquil spots on Lake Superior's shore. It's a must-visit for those seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty close to the city.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking represents the state's most remarkable and celebrated trails, traversing a variety of terrains from rugged mountains and deep forests to riversides and lakeshores. These trails showcase Michigan's natural diversity, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas, wildlife encounters, and unique geological features. Exploring these top-rated paths is an essential experience for any outdoor enthusiast visiting the Great Lakes State.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SUPERIOR COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the breathtaking coastal trails that trace the state's extensive freshwater beaches and dramatic cliffs, particularly along Lake Superior. These routes offer hikers scenic waterfront views, sandy stretches, and the sound of waves, creating a perfect setting for beachcombing and relaxation. Coastal hiking in Michigan is ideal for those who love expansive water vistas and the unique charm of the Great Lakes' shores.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems refers to the more remote and lesser-known trails in the state, celebrated for their solitude, pristine environments, and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. These paths wind through quiet forests, wetlands, and rolling hills, providing a sense of discovery away from the crowds. For hikers seeking tranquility and immersion in nature, these off-the-beaten-path destinations offer an unparalleled experience.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's vibrant fall color season with trails that wind through forests ablaze with crimson, gold, and orange. These hikes range from short loops to longer backcountry treks, each offering spectacular foliage viewing and crisp autumn air. Experiencing fall in Michigan's woodlands is a highlight for visitors and locals alike, providing postcard-perfect sights at every turn.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest covers nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering hikers an extensive network of trails through towering pines, sparkling lakes, and untouched wilderness. Popular routes wind past waterfalls, historic sites, and wildlife-rich habitats, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the forest's natural beauty. It's a premier destination for those seeking long hikes, backpacking, and solitude in the heart of Michigan's wildlands.