Looking for the best trails around Iron River?

Explore the best rated trails in Iron River, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Plum Lake Trail and Iron Ore Heritage Trail . With more than 23 trails covering 663 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Heart of Vilas Bike Trail

Scenic Bike path

September, 2024 by dorac2830

We rode this trail in a couple of segments over 2 days. The first stint was from the trailhead just east of St. Germaine, parked on the street, 40 miles r/t. 2nd day started from the Trailhead at M & N, headed towards west, another 40 Mile day. The trail was very scenic and passed through Sayner and Boulder Junction. We got a bit turned around at Boulder Junction and headed north for 2.5 miles but doubled back and kept headed west. Well maintained trail and amenities. Highly recommended.

Heart of Vilas Bike Trail

Great Bike Path

September, 2024 by bobgraham65

So we stayed in Boulder Junction at the Big Bear Hideaway which I would highly recommend. What a wonderful place and in the middle of the bike path depending on how much of it you want to ride. We rode to Mercer day 1 which was about 25 miles one way and a wonderful ride, and the St. Germain on day 2 which is about the same distance one way. If you want to see beautiful country, wonderfully manicured trails and lots of places to stop and take a minute to take it all in or get a snack or just check out a body of water, this a great trail to do that. First time on this bike path and it will not be the last. Can’t wait to come again just for the beautiful scenery that is along the path.

Bergland to Sidnaw Rail-Trail

Ran/Walked the trail westbound

September, 2024 by quietglow

I ran (with a healthy dose of walking) the whole trail last weekend starting in Sidnaw. I found it to be a delightful trail, traversing many miles of northwoods with a few sections passing open farmland. I lost count of the apple trees (many with tasty apples) and grouse we spotted. There are opportunities for store stops in at least Bruce Crossing and Ewen (there's a good looking bar right on the trail in Ewen).

ORV traffic is definitely a thing, but we found people were 100% friendly and respectful to foot travelers. In fact, we were pretty sure that the word went out that we'd been on the trail all day and toward the western end people waved etc. Bring a bandana to deal with dust if it's been dry.

The surface is varied, but notably rocky in sections: wear shoes with a rock plate. I would not bike this trail on anything but a bike with 30+mm tires, and even then, it would likely be a slog. The highway is often nearby, but traffic is minimal and didn't bother me at all.

Agate Falls may be the most dramatic sight I've yet seen on a rail trail (and I have walked lots of the biggest rail trails). Absolutely stunning.

I would do this trail again (and hope to). Also note: the trail is 46mi long as measured by two Garmin GPS watches.

Accordion

State Line Trail

state trail

September, 2024 by registerednutrn

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.

Three Eagle Trail

Rode the trail today and was totally impressed ! Truly a northern wilderness feel . Great crushed stone surface that is well maintained. I would highly recommend this trail. Can be riden with a road bike.

September, 2024 by johnschloegl

Rode the trail today and was totally impressed ! Truly a northern wilderness feel . Great crushed stone surface that is well maintained. I would highly recommend this trail. Can be riden with a road bike.

Crystal Lake Trail

Lovely, forest and lake views

September, 2024 by coyote.naomi

Ignore warnings of it being too hard. Hills are very short and often loopy so you get momentum going down to go up. Lovely forest patches, quiet and pristine. Lake views have some picnic tables that are perfect. We started at Sayner

Plum Lake Trail

Lovely north wood biking

September, 2024 by coyote.naomi

We found the trail start a little confusing because you are along the highway for a very short time. Then you are on a bike trail with some fun loopy hills. Beautiful forest trails, lake views, perfect quality trails.

Conover-Phelps Trail

Nice Northwoods trail

August, 2024 by tpacetti610

Started in Phelps right next to Candy/IceCream store! Nice place to relax and overlook the lake with clean bathrooms. Rode to Conover and had a great time at Club 45 (great burgers) which was 1.5 miles off the trail. Nicely paved riding out of Phelps with fun hills and curves. Trail flattens out a few miles out of Phelps. Pretty ride to Conover through the woods.

Heart of Vilas Bike Trail

Fantastic Trail

August, 2024 by ranjanbow

We rode from Boulder Junction to Sayner. We had ice cream, which was delicious, and rode back to Boulder Junction. It was absolutely one of the best paved bike trail ever!!! Most of the trail is in the woods and we passed several beautiful lakes. The trail was not very busy. We started at 1:45. The ladies in the visitor center in Boulder Junction were very, very helpful.

Three Eagle Trail

Loved It

August, 2024 by the_masseuse

Awesome trail! It was scenic, curvy, n hilly (small hills). Parked at Don Burnside park In Three Lakes, it’s right by the trail head. Make sure to bring money for Eagle River! The Osprey nest was cool to see and hear! I thought the three bridges were super cool too.

Heart of Vilas Bike Trail

Loved It!

July, 2024 by the_masseuse

Awesome trails and camping! Was able to explore the northern part of the NHAL state forest. Crystal, Sandy Beach, and Starrett Lakes we camped at. Bike camped and was able to roll up day of n get sites. Crystal is one of the biggest and nosiest. The trail is super fun with rolling hills. The towns in between are very neat, ice cream in abundance lol. Couldn’t have had a better time.

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

Hilly and shady and educational!

July, 2024 by creischl

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!

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