Iron Ore Heritage Trail

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, year-round, multi-use trail that crosses the Marquette Iron Range in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, connecting the Lake Superior area around Marquette and Harvey with Negaunee, Ishpeming, and Republic.

The trail is open to bicyclists, walkers, runners, hikers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, cross-country skiers, and birdwatchers; however, not all sections of the trail are open to all users.

The trail follows mostly abandoned railroad corridors that once helped bring lumber to furnaces and forges and transport iron ore throughout the area. Iron mining transformed this part of the Upper Peninsula. Mines, furnaces, railroads, towns, and enormous ore docks developed to move ore from the Marquette Iron Range to Lake Superior and, ultimately, to industrial centers elsewhere in the United States. Along the trail, you’ll find educational markers highlighting various aspects of the area’s mining history.

I started my hike at the Marquette Welcome Center, located at 2201 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855. It is a great place to start or end a hike, as the welcome center has modern restroom facilities, telephones, picnic areas, a pet exercise area, and paved parking. Right behind the welcome center, you’ll find the trail and the shores of Lake Superior. I really enjoyed this section of the trail, as it was surrounded by the lake and lush green plants and trees.

If you find yourself in the area, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail is definitely worth checking out, whether you’re looking for a short hike or a longer adventure. It works well for both!

You can find a full list of trailheads for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail on the official Iron Ore Heritage Trail website.