Find the top rated hike trails in Republic, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Note all the other comments here are over a dozen years old.
We are lucky to have this trail! In the summer, I bicycle it at least once a week, especially on hot days when bicycling or walking under the shade of trees, along the water front is much cooler! and more quite than on the road side! It is also nice to bicycle and walk in cold weather to get out of the wind. The DNR repairs this trail after big floods, replacing culverts, digging ditches along side of the trail etc. It still needs work, but like everything else, it takes funding. If we had a trail authority including Chassell, Portage Township and the city of Houghton, they could apply for funding and really make some improvements to this trail. Chassell maintains their portion of the trail more every year. It would be nice if Portage Township would keep their portion mowed on the sides of the trail, and it would be nice if the City of Houghton replaced the deteriorating asphalt that has wide cracks and bumps and crumbled sides on the east end of their portion of trail. But overall, it is great to have this waterside rail trail available. Note, this is a non-motorized trail, ATVs and snowmobiles are not supposed to be on this trail. Homes are located very near the trail and loud ORVs and snowmobiles would make those homeowners very upset.
I tried out the trail in Watersmeet. Even my 700c by 45mm gravel tirees were no match for the loamy rutted ATV trail that was full of wash board bumps. The trail is so rough, even the local ATVers use the road instead wherever they can.
I’m not sure why there’s no reviews for this trail, but it’s very pretty with lots of history. It seems short, but on the Caspian end it hooks up with Heritage Trail taking you to Pentoga Park. It’s just over 9 miles one way. Very scenic and pretty (especially in Fall) runs along the road and crosses it several times. Whole way is paved with shady spots and benches.
This is an ATV trail which is NOT part of your description. I only went 20 miles on it and, even with the widest gravel tires the “rugged” disclaimer doesn’t suit the trail. There are huge holes left by atv tires. Most of the roads to cross were high up and I had to walk my bike up and down the sides of the intersection. The only people I met were on motor vehicles and I was covered in red dust by the time I returned to my car. Huge disappointment. Please fix your description ASAP!
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.
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!
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!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
