Why Nature Lovers Should Visit This Northern Michigan City

Marquette offers hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping for visitors of all abilities.

When it comes to natural knockout , Michigan’sdiverse geography has it all . border by the Great Lakes , the nation has severalnational lakeshores(and anational parking lot ) , stun natural wonders like guts dunes and waterfalls , and on the face of it endless forests and tilth . It ’s worth cover the whole state to see it all , but if you only have time to travel to one city , make itMarquette . Located in the state ’s picturesque Upper Peninsula , Marquette sits on the southerly shore of Lake Superior , the largest fresh water lake in the humans , and is home to lush forests , scenic mess , and more .

Marquette prosper in any time of year and in any weather . In wintertime , skiers and snowboarders take on the snow-white slopes ofMarquette Mountain , while summer is the perfect time to hit the beach of Lake Superior . The area might be at its best in fall , when beautiful fall foliation is at its peak . With over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails ( including manyaccessible options ) , as well as scenic overlooks and other natural wonder , Marquette is a must - call destination for any nature fan — or anyone just looking to get a break from urban center life . We ’ve pile up a guide to make this Northern Michigan city your next outdoorsy al-Qaida camp .

It’s a top spot for fall leaf-peeping

Thanks to its forested landscape , you may see surrender leafage just about anywhere you look in and around Marquette . But if you ’re look for the pure view , examine theCR 510 Bridge , approachable by gondola and located just alfresco of the urban center . The span hangs over the Dead River and offer perspective of a diachronic steel truss bridge that was raise in 1921 . With the river , bridge , and fall - colored forest as a backdrop , you ’ll make a picturesque , only - in - Michigan view . For bird’s-eye fall views of Lake Superior , visit theThomas Rock Scenic Overlook . There ’s an light trail that takes you on a short hike up to the top of Thomas Rock , where you’re able to see the lake , the Huron Mountains , and the lush autumn forests of Big Bay . Meanwhile , Sugarloaf Mountain(about six miles northwards of downtown Marquette ) proffer two half - land mile hikes to the top of the mountain , giving you the option between an easy pass and a more intense trek . No matter which itinerary you choose , you ’ll be greeted at the top with views of Lake Superior , Presque Isle Park , and more of Big Bay ’s woodland .

There are hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails

Hikers and rockers of all abilities will find no shortage of trails in the arena . The most renowned is theIron Ore Heritage Trail : a 47 - nautical mile , multiuse recreational and historical trail that spans several cities , including Marquette , Ishpeming , and Negaunee . The trail passes several unique Michigan locations , like 18th- and 19th - one C minelaying pits , sandstone structures , and , of trend , the Lake Superior shoreline . Walk , wheel , ski , or snowmobile on the track , and learn about the importance of iron ore excavation in Michigan with informational house along the way and at sites like theCliffs Shaft Mine Museum . For more track options ( that also provide great views ) , tryMarquette Mountain , a scenic expectation just five arcminute from downtown Marquette . ( Note that you must purchase a time of year or day pass to get to the mountain ’s trails . ) There are several trails on the mountain , graze in trouble from wanton to expert . Aside from hiking , you may also revel activities like mountain biking and disc golf in the warm weather or stumble the mountain ’s 20 - plus ski run in the winter .

You’ll find plenty of scenic waterfall views

Unique water formations come along all over Michigan and Marquette , thanks to the large glaciers that carve out the topography of the orbit long ago — include the Great Lakes . Many of the area ’s telling waterfall are easily accessible with a forgetful hike . From the Yellow Dog River in Big Bay , it ’s only a half - Roman mile walk toYellow Dog Falls . The falls are 50 feet wide-cut with a 30 - foot vertical drop and have a distinctive visual feature : one tumid , solitary boulder sits in the eye of the falls . About two miles south of Marquette , you ’ll findMorgan Falls , a 20 - human foot - marvelous falls that boom into the Carp River . If you ’re itching for a more difficult hike , tryPinnacle Falls , located just south-west of Yellow Dog Falls on Yellow Dog River . After a 15 - moment hike down a extortionate gorge , you ’ll be rewarded with a beautiful survey of the 25 - foot fall .

Post - adventure , reward yourself with a full-blooded meal at one of Marquette ’s manycafes , bakeries , or restaurants , or go bar - hopping around the area’sbreweries and distilleries . It ’s the sodding way to cap an active and memorable vacation .

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