Best UP Hikes

Presque Isle – Marquette Area Presque Isle is a scenic oval shaped peninsula situated a few miles north of Marquette. At 323 acres, there are many sights to behold including beaches, cliffs, and beautiful interior woodland home to more than 100 species of native plants. Presque Isle is best known for its northern most point which is called Black Rocks. It is a popular destination for impressive rocky coastal views and a great location for cliff jumping into Lake Superior…

Hogback Mountain – Marquette Area Hogback Mountain (referred by locals simply as Hogsback), is a challenging hike to a remote peak in the southern portion of the Huron Mountains. The 1,220 ft peak is absent of vegetation and exhibits granite slab outcroppings rewarding the strong hiker with 360 degrees of unobstructed views of Lake Superior to the east and endless stretches of undeveloped forest and hills to the north and west.  It’s one of the best views in the UP!…

Sugarloaf Mountain – Marquette Area Sugarloaf Mountain (1,070 ft) is a popular hike in the Marquette area and provides excellent 360 degree views of Lake Superior, several islands, the city of Marquette, and beautiful interior forests with sightlines to other popular granite speckled peaks including Hogsback Mountain and Top of the World. Trail Length: 0.9 Mile out and back (30 minutes to 1 hour)   Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate This short hike ascends 250 ft in about 1/2 of a mile.…

Mount Marquette – Marquette Area Mount Marquette is a great little hike that will take you to an amazing overlook of the city of Marquette and Lake Superior beyond. Originally called Mount Mesnard after the French Jesuit Missionary, Rene Mesnard, and later named Mount Marquette in the 1960s after the explorer Jacques Marquette, this 1,106 ft. peak near the shores of Lake Superior offers an amazing hike right near the city, winding its way to the overlook through beautiful mixed…

Bulldog Falls/ West Branch Yellow Dog Falls – McCormick Wilderness The majestic and quiet McCormick Wilderness Area in the Ottawa National Forest is one of those places you need to put in a little extra work to reap its rewards. Situated an hours drive North West of Marquette, this hike takes you into the North East quadrant of the McCormick which is home to two very special waterfalls, the West Branch of the Yellow Dog Falls and Bulldog Falls. You…

Little Garlic River and Falls – Marquette Area The Little Garlic River is a fantastic hike that takes you along the banks of a spectacular river under the canopy of  beautiful pine forest. The route along the river follows the North Country National Scenic Trail west and meanders both along the river and ascends to several higher outcroppings giving views of sandstone bedrock and the river valley. At the turnaround point, hikers are rewarded with a small but picturesque cascading…

Echo Lake Nature Preserve – Marquette Area This 480 acre natural area is located 10 miles northwest of Marquette. Featured at the preserve are impressive exposed granite rocks that sit above a majestic 70-ft deep lake. Impressive views from the top of an overlook trail give sightlines to Lake Superior, Little Presque Isle and the peaks of Hogsback and Sugarloaf mountains. It’s a wonderful place to spend a quiet morning or afternoon.   Trail Length: 2.5 miles out and back…