Explore the best rated trails in Baraga, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Gay - Mohawk Trail and Bill Nicholls Trail . With more than 20 trails covering 535 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Full disclosure, I haven't ridden this yet but plan to this summer. The reason for my review is that from Google Street and satellite view it appears there is a nice new paved path (so you can avoid riding on US 41) from Van Riper SP to Champion. This new trail (which just for fun I think they should name the Van Riper State Park/Greater Metropolitan Champion Intergalactic Intermodal Corridor because when typed out is nearly longer than the new trail itself) ends at Daliba Street which you can then take to where the R/CG trail begins behind the what now appears to be abandoned Mini-mart. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and 4 stars and update post ride. There also appears to be trailhead parking on the north of US 41 just to the west of the Van Riper SP entrance although for bathrooms and water you would have to go to the state park. Happy Trails.
We thought the trail was in great shape. We rode it in September of 2023 on gravel bikes. It was leaf covered which had us worried after the other reviews, but we did not encounter any ruts or washouts. There were a few short segments that were also ATV trails, but they were in great shape and not rutted. I would not ride a road bike on this trail, but it is great for any bike with wider tires—I think we have 34s on our gravel bikes. I submitted two pictures and accidentally said they were from October 2023 when they were really from late September 2023. We are camping and I haven’t been thinking about dates!
I've Ridden this trail in Sections Several Times during my Visits to Marquette. If You want to ride along the water, which is gorgeous, you can start on the IOHT south of town. There is a Parking lot off the to the left side of the main Hwy. You can then ride all the way up to Presque Isle Park and Back. I Highly Recommend This Route!.
The second Route Starts at the same place then stay on the IOHT when it splits off to the left once you get to town. To be Honest, I lost the Trail due to construction but picked it up again by the Stay Bridge Suites Hotel. It goes straight west out of town. As Mentioned by others, you experience and incline gradient at least until you get to the train trestle. Stop there for a moment because it's pretty neat. A lot of old Iron Ore Pellets are all over the ground. There are a number of Historical Markers and Art Works along the way after that. I highly recommend this and the other trails in the Marquette area. Thanks BN
I’ve traveled the route on a number of occasions between Land O’ Lakes and Watersmeet. This has to be one of the most torturous routes I’ve ever been on. Terribly washboarded, and apparently seldom maintained. Come on MI!
Mainly orv/snowmobile path. Along rivers and power lines. Be cautious of wolves in the area. Multiple small bridges over river crossings.
Awesome trail. Both paved and good gravel sections. We are five relatively fit men and women ages 64, 65, 66, 67, and 70. Our 70 year old rode a fat tire e-bike, but the rest of us had regular road bikes. We parked in Harvey and rode the trail to Negaunee and back, a 30-mile round trip. The constant uphill climb from Marquette into a breeze from the west was a challenge but the scenery is wonderful! We rested and ate lunch at a sweet café in Negaunee, the Midtown Bakery and Café, and then headed back. Since our return was pretty much all downhill, we finished 30 minutes faster than the first half of the ride. I really recommend this trail.
Riding a bike can be tough because the ATVs leave ruts which are hard to ride thru. Hiking, though, is nice. Different types of topography make it a very pleasant walk.
This is an ATV trail that “ doubles” as a bike trail. If you are a glutton for punishment, this is the trail for you. Ruts, loose sand, gravel, rocks, potholes. This trail has them all! We only went a short way, and decided cowardice was better than valor. Such a shame, because I am guessing it would be great scenery. Found a much better trail to ride further down Highway B.
I rode the Iron Ore trail from downtown Marquette west on a rented hybrid bike. I was unprepared for the constant upward grade. Once the trail turned from paved to gravel, it got more challenging. After about an hour, covered with sweat, I was still short of Negaunee, so I turned back. I coasted every one of many miles back, never pedaling, and always with the brake ready. If you're looking for a workout, this trail is for you. It isn't what I wanted on a hot July day.
I did appreciate the historic signage along the trail. It seems that the grade was deliberate. Iron ore would be loaded, first on a plank road, then on rail cars, and easily transported downhill to the port. Then empty cars would go back uphill for another load. Makes sense!
Rode from Ishpenning to the Iron Ore History Museum and back. The trail is paved, well maintained, shady and secluded with little traffic on a Tuesday morning in July. There is one long, moderate grade from the museum back toward Ishpenning but doable with good gears even for this elder amatuer. Signage for jogs through towns could be better but Google maps will set you straight.
West End Ski and Trail in Ishpenning were great for renting bikes. Excellent bikes and service and a friendly, home town, experience.
Rode from ishpeming to iron museum. Glad I read the reviews. Going up the steep section would've required dismounting. There was some confusion on signage since there were mtn bike and orv trails that intersected ioht. Loved the trail markers and the kiosks and interpretive signs were great. There is more parking than indicated in this writeup. Also more trailheads. Pleasant trail all around.
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