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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.
We rode the entire trail beginning at the train depot in Ironwood to Ramsay and then back to Ironwood. There are bathrooms and parking in Ironwood and a portable toilet in Bessemer. The entire trail is paved and very smooth. From Ironwood to Bessemer the trail is quite flat. After Bessemer and into Ramsay (about 7.5 mile mark) the trail gets hilly. The hills were manageable in low gear for my 60+ age. Use caution at the few street crossings; the cars do not give the bikes the right of way. Overall, it was a great ride.
Biked Ironwwod to Ramsey on this sweet PAVED trail teeming with wild flowers. At mile 3.5 it leaves Hwy 2 and becomes completely wooden. Saw a deer and beaver dam. Loved reading the historic signs.
We rode this trail from the Hurley trail head, very nice (and well maintained) black topped trail, mostly flat with interesting signs about the area’s history and some original railroad bridges. Some of the street transitions are rough and you don’t have the right of way so be careful when crossing the roads (there are stop signs to let you know). The trail runs parallel to the ATV trail and there are caution signs for crossing areas for them also. Very nice ride-would recommend.
We completed the 9.5 mile ride to Ramsey and returned back to Ironwood on July 22. It was a very pleasant ride through woods, wildflowers and small communities. Use caution at the road cossings and don't expect drivers to stop for you!
This trail is in excellent condition. So smooth and pretty shady for a summer ride. ATVs ride a trail beside and shared it for a few short paved sections. It’s up and down all the way to Ramsay. Plenty of benches, picnic tables and repair stations along the way. Lots of wildlife. We rode 4th of July weekend, pretty light traffic. Highly recommend!
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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