Explore the best rated trails in Crystal Falls, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Watersmeet to Land O'Lakes Trail and Iron Ore Heritage Trail . With more than 20 trails covering 616 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 tried to find this trail on the Iron Mountain end. No luck and disappointing that it isn't more clearly posted
This is a beautiful trail and well maintained. We rode from our cabin just outside of Phelps to Conover. The trail was quiet and peaceful. Lunch at the Boathouse in Conover was delicious and the service and atmosphere outstanding. The return ride was equally enjoyable. Perfect on a beautiful fall day.
We camped in Tourist Park and biked to the trail from one of the city trails. The first day, we biked up to Presque Isle Park on the city trail before heading south along the lake to the actual trail. You’re biking along Lake Superior on both the city and Iron Ore trails. The Iron Ore continues along the lake for quite a few miles before going into wooded area. We turned back when reaching Harvey. The next day we biked downtown on the city trails, then headed west on the Iron Ore Trail, a gradual incline trail. I eventually used my e-assist when the pavement changed to a crushed stone, not knowing how much longer I would be climbing. It wasn’t much further, becoming a less strenuous ride. We stopped in Negaunee at the Upper Peninsula Brewery for some refreshments. The return trip was all downhill, allowing lots of coasting. Our second stop was at Barrel & Beam, before coasting back to town where more breweries await!
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 took a few rides on the trail segments between Laona and Wabeno, and riders should know that although this is a mixed use trail, its primary purpose is unquestionably to serve the ATV riding community. I would not even attempt a ride with anything less than really wide mountain bike tires, and if I had to do it again, I'd prefer using a fat bike. The surface where I rode is a groomed and coarse gravel/sand combination which makes things pretty "floaty," if you know what I mean. If you stick close to the trail edges, you'll do much better. Also, your best bet is to ride no more than two days after a rainfall, otherwise it'll be a bit of a dusty ride when ATVs go cruising by.
If you are looking for a straight, flat trail with large and loose gravel, this one is a solid 10, but in reality, I don't thing many cyclist (of any style) would enjoy themselves on it and would rate it a 2 or 3.
On a more positive note, there were tons of singing birds!
Beautiful Northwoods bike trail. Lots of wildflowers blooming in the open areas. The last couple of miles riding into Phelps is hilly & paved-ends at the lakefront & treated ourselves to ice cream with homemade waffle cones
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!
63 year old couple. In two weeks we rode 11 different trails in Michigan and Wisconsin and this was our favorite of the trip. Although not paved it was very smooth. The leaves that covered the trail seemed like riding on a carpet. Everyone should ride this trail. If it could be rated higher than five stars we would.
We rode it yesterday and really liked the undulating trail. So much better than an abandoned railroad trail. There are quite a few metal barriers to keep cars and atvs off the trail with just enough space for a biker to get thru. The one off trail section is hilly
Mainly orv/snowmobile path. Along rivers and power lines. Be cautious of wolves in the area. Multiple small bridges over river crossings.
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