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Print Friendly MapThe Western Gateway trail is part of the western portion of the greater Iron Belle Trail. It runs from Ironwood, on the Michigan-Wisconsin border, eastward to Ramsay, in Bessemer Township, Michigan. The multi-use pathway follows the old Soo Line Railroad right-of-way. Ironwood acts as a gateway to the Western Upper Peninsula (U.P.), famous for its diverse natural heritage and stunning beauty. Whether walking, biking or snowshoeing, the Western Gateway trail provides exceptional views of the trailhead towns and the surrounding woodlands.
Ironwood is "mile 0" of the Iron Belle Trail, which will provide a complete trail route across the state when the project is fully realized, terminating at Belle Isle, Detroit. Future plans include extending the Western Gateway Trail to the east out to Wakefield, as well as providing a seamless connection to the Iron Horse Trail in Hurley, Wisconsin to the west.
Traveling west on US Route 2, turn right onto Business US-2/Douglas Boulevard. Drive for 1/4 mile into Downtown Ironwood; parking is available at Depot Park trailhead, between Frederick Street and Ayer Street.
New, smooth blacktop, just finishing section to Ramsay, MI. About nine miles long from Ironwood. Through woods, wildflowers, sights of nearby forests and mountains. Also some wildlife and wetlands. A few mostly easy road crossings. Benches and information on railway history, easy access and parking at Depot Park. Mostly flat with a few fun hills. Not a perfect trail, but can be great for a 2-3 hour ride.
We had a perfect day for a ride. The trail is all paved and one of the nicest we have encountered. The trail is relatively flat, wide, and smooth. Wild flowers in abundance, and their fragrance was in the air. We saw deer, a beaver lodge, and a snake! We will definitely keep this one on our “ do again” list.
Great trail, little change in elevation, paved and well maintained. Some great views of the Goegbic Range from the bridges on the trail.
Bar none, this is the best trail surface in the USA. Not a crack or bump in it and the bridges are concrete decked with perfect approaches. They've outdone themselves with this one. Bring on the bikes, skate boards and roller blades, you won't be disappointed.
Very beautiful trail with plenty of benches and an occasional picnic table along the way. Gorgeous bridges, scenic overlooks and railroad informational signs along the way. You won't be disappointed after biking or walking this trail.
A wonderful trail to ride for exercise and a great route to get from home to downtown Ironwood or out to Walmart. Interesting railroad history on displays along the route to Bessemer and some nice scenery, wonderful old bridges and trestles, and varied landscape. There are few road crossings and little cross traffic, but the short stretch along U.S. 2 is a bit noisy.
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