Explore the best rated trails in Iron Mountain, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Felch Grade Trail . With more than 15 trails covering 484 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.
This trail was fun, beautiful, safe and right off Buffalo Campground. The trail was all paved, a few bumps here and there, it takes you through deep woods, over bridges and rivers to see from the bridges. Loved this bike path! If you’re in the area it’s definitely a must ride.
We rode the trail on a July morning--68 degrees and sunny, perfect for biking--from downtown Marquette to Ishpeming and back, a total of about 37 miles, with a side trip to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. This trail totally exceeded my expectations in terms of scenery and historical information. It had a terrific asphalt surface for 75% of the way and the gravel sections were smooth and easy. The first six miles out of Marquette are quite steep and there are many up and down sections along the whole trail. This only added interest and fun (compared to some flat, straight rail trails). We ride Class 1 e-bikes so we had assist when we needed it. Lots of benches and a few restrooms along the way. Encountered a charming group of children on decorated bikes parading through Negaunee along the way. Perfect!
Highly recommend the Midtown Bakery and Cafe in Check out the Herbed Lemonade--right along the main street across the street from the Love and Bicycles bike shop downtown. (One member of our group of 6 needed a wheel repair and the bike store had this done in two hours.). On the way back, we took the marked cut off to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum--an easy 1 mile track through the woods to an well-designed museum where we spent an hour learning lots about the region. Many well-composed trail signs along the way also offer historical information.
Marquette itself was a beautiful city with friendly people and many good restaurants and an easy-going vibe. We rode the Marquette Multi-Use Path along Lake Superior up to spectacular Presque Isle Park the next day, stopping at galleries along the way. Totally recommend this Michigan Upper Penninsula riding experience!
We tried to find this trail on the Iron Mountain end. No luck and disappointing that it isn't more clearly posted
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!
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.
Started in Cranston, the surface is terrible for Hybrid biking. ATVs use this trail, yet there is an ATV trail running parallel to this trail, on E Lakeview St. ?? I guess I would recommend a biking/hiking trail not be used by ATVs.
We started walking this trail in Gillett at the entrance in the industrial park off of W Park St. The trail is wide, flat and straight. It is well maintained. I noticed a few beer cans littered along the trail. But, mostly this is a VERY clean trail. We enjoyed the canopy covered parts of the trails through the woods, the open fields and the occasional creek or lake views. We went as far as Spice Lake and circled back. The surface of the trail was challenging and varied with different types of rock along the way. Most areas were loose rocks varying is size from tiny pebbles to 1-2" round. You don't get good traction. We only encountered a few ATVs and they were all very respectful...slowing down and allowing plenty of room to pass. Time of day: weekday morning.
Love this trail for our rides. It’s a very scenic route. We use it often to travel from the Long Lake area to Laona, Mountain and other areas, from which we depart this trail and travel other trail systems in Florence, Forest and Marinette counties. Think of it as an effective north/south “expressway” corridor route that gets you to other local areas for trail riding and sightseeing. A great ride! worhythe
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