What to do and see in Upper Peninsula, Upper Peninsula: The Best Hiking Trails

April 2, 2022 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in Upper Peninsula, United States including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Nahma Marsh Trail, Little Carp River Trail, Canyon Falls Trail, Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail, Marble Head Trail, Lake Superior Trail, The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk, Piers Gorge Trail, Iron Ore Heritage Trail.
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1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087 +1 906-885-5275 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.

Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States

Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.

2. Nahma Marsh Trail

Cty Rd. 497, Nahma, MI 49864 +1 906-789-7862 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This is a 0.3 Mile trail, 4 miles south US 2 on Cty Rd. 497 and is a very scenic trail.

3. Little Carp River Trail

Little Carp River Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49938
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Little Carp River Trail

Scenic hiking trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

4. Canyon Falls Trail

US-41, Covington, MI, L'Anse, MI 49919 http://gowaterfalling.com
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 97 reviews

Canyon Falls Trail

Reviewed By witchbroomstick - Bay City, United States

Beautiful place to stretch your legs. The walking path has rocks, roots and loose boards. Lots of photo opportunities.

5. Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail

150 N Lowell St, Ironwood, MI 49938-2032 http://ironbellewesterngateway.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - Western Gateway Trail

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail starts (going East) and ends (going West) in Downtown Ironwood at beautiful Depot Park! Enjoy hiking and biking along the miles of trail that run from Ironwood to Bessemer. And, while you are enjoying “mile 0” of the trail, stop into the historic Ironwood Depot Museum or walk a block more and explore historic Aurora street, downtown’s historic main thoroughfare.

Reviewed By AudgeL - Yorkville, United States

What a gem if you are in the Hurley, Ironwood, or Bessemer area. Bridges, wildflowers, birds, benches to sit on, garbage cans, and informational signs and mile markers are among the things you will see in this paved trail.

6. Marble Head Trail

Drummond Island, MI 49726 http://www.visitdrummondisland.com/off-roading.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Marble Head Trail

Reviewed By H7799RFtinas - Elkton, United States

Pretty amazing trail out to Marblehead on the UTV. Some parts of the trail were challenging, but it was a blast. Just FYI, very limited cell service out there. Be safe! A must see!

7. Lake Superior Trail

Ontonagon, MI
Excellent
70%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Lake Superior Trail

Sixteen-mile hiking trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

8. The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk

Manistique, MI http://www.visitmanistique.com/boardwalk.shtml
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk

Reviewed By cvgobux - Columbus, United States

We loved talking a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk with our friends and their dog. Beautiful scenery.

9. Piers Gorge Trail

Off route 8, Norway, MI
Excellent
62%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Piers Gorge Trail

Reviewed By ibDonnaI - Schaumburg, United States

If you are planing on white water rafting on the Menominee River, this is a great hike prior to rafting. It is a super easy hike up the river. If you are adventurous, you can walk and climb down near the river. If. you would like to see the rafters from Wildman Adventure, arrive at the top of the trail , there is a bench there and a Piers Gorge sign, so you know you are at the top. Arrive roughly between 10:30 and 11 am or between 3:30 -4:00pm and wait for the rafters. We really enjoyed this hike, great photo opportunities all along the way. I would allow an hour to 1.5 hours to do this hike. There is an outhouse prior to getting on the trail.

10. Iron Ore Heritage Trail

337 W Washington St, Marquette, MI 49855-4323 +1 906-235-2923 [email protected] http://www.ironoreheritage.com
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

Reviewed By RickB595 - Traverse City, United States

Totally impressed by the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The route passes through so many historic and interesting locations in Marquette and surrounding areas. Particularly impressive were the small touches they added, such as the iron rail mile markers along the route and art. Found the kiosks and displays very informative. One particular favorite site was the restored kiln. And if you've never seen an ore dock, you will be amazed by both the retired Lower Harbor and active Presque Isle Ore Docks.

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