Explore the best rated trails in West Ishpeming, MI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Tyoga Historical Pathway . With more than 15 trails covering 474 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Tried this east of Coalwood but gave up after a mile so don't know if the rest is better. Deep sand and deep ruts from all terrain vehicles. Signs implied it was only open to off road vehicles although did not explicitly ban pedal bikes. I was riding a mountain bike with 2.3" tires but still kept sinking into the sand. Would not recommend.
The trail is very rustic and hardly groomed but well marked with blue spray paint. If you are hoping to see ruins if historical significance then you will be disappointed. There are signs with pictures describing what is believed was once there. It’s very buggy so spray down completely before you go. It’s also muddy so you will want hiking boots. Anything of real concern, though, has wooden planks. It has tons of roots so watch your step. I have no idea how anyone skis that path.
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