Best (less known) hikes in Marquette, Michigan (2026 Guide)
If you’re planning a trip to Marquette and want to get out on the trails, you’ve got options, but not all hikes here are created equal.
This guide breaks down the best (less known) hikes in the area based on real, on-the-ground experience: what’s worth your time, what to expect, and how to choose the right hike for your ability level.
1. Sugarloaf to Wetmore
Everyone knows that if you only do one hike in Marquette, you do Sugarloaf. Problem is, everyone knows. Pair your Sugarloaf hike with a shoreline connecter to do something a little more unique.
Sugarloaf is short, steep, and ends with one of the best panoramic views in the Upper Peninsula. You’ll climb a series of wooden stairs to the summit, where you get a full view of Lake Superior, the city, and the surrounding forest. Drop off the back of the peak to connect with the North Country Trail and you’ll eventually hit the lakeshore at Wetmore Landing.
What to expect:
Short but physically demanding stair climb
Crowds, especially in summer
Wetmore Landing beachfront
Best for: First-time visitors, big views, an extension of what everyone else does
2. Chocolay River Bayou
A quieter, slower-paced option that offers a completely different feel from the more vertical hikes around Marquette. This hike is actually in Harvey and usually only done by locals.
The bayou area follows the lower Chocolay River as it winds towards Lake Superior with mostly flat trails, wetlands, and a mix of open and forested sections. The atmosphere in this space is truly what sets it apart because you’ll feel like you’re on a jungle in Marquette. There’s water, wildlife, and space to move without crowds.
What to expect:
Mostly flat, easy terrain
Wet or muddy sections depending on conditions
Local flora and fauna
Best for: Easy hikes, wildlife viewing, low-key exploration
3. Hogback Mountain and Top of the World
More rugged and less developed than Sugarloaf, Hogback still sees quite a few people. Top of the World though, is often less talked about and offers a more “UP-feeling” experience.
The trail is steeper, rougher, and less structured, but the payoff is a wide-open summit with fewer people and a more remote feel. People get lost out here every year so make sure you plan ahead.
What to expect:
Rooty, rocky trail
Steep sections
Fewer crowds
Best for: Experienced hikers, those looking to get off the beaten path, climbers and scramblers
4. Noquemanon Trail Network
If you want variety, this is where you go. If you’re not familiar with the trails, this one can get a little tricky. But, that’s the fun since wherever you’re at, you’re never too far from a notable landmark.
The NTN offers miles of interconnected trails through forests, hills, and ridgelines. You can build anything from a short loop to a full-day hike.
What to expect:
Extensive trail system
Mixed terrain
Navigation required on longer routes
Best for: Intermediate to advanced hikers, longer outings
5. Little Presque Isle Songbird trail
A quieter alternative to Presque Isle Park with a more remote feel. Most people pass the songbird trail on their way to Little Presque but they’re sleeping on one of the nicest hikes in Marquette.
The trail winds through mixed hardwoods and cedar groves, with occasional glimpses of Lake Superior from small clearings. True to its name, the area is alive with songbirds, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The interpretive signage is a fantastic edition to an already awesome hike.
What to expect:
Easy-to-moderate terrain
Less crowding
Great for wildlife viewing, birds, small mammals, and occasional deer
Best for: Easy hikes, families, birdwatchers, quite nature walks
Choosing the Right Hike
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Short on time: Sugarloaf Mountain
Want something easy: Chocolay River Bayou
Looking for a challenge: Hogback Mountain and TOTW
Want a longer hike: Noquemanon Trail Network
Prefer fewer people: Little Presque Isle Songbird Trail
A Quick Reality Check
Trails around Marquette can be more rugged than people expect.
Even shorter hikes can involve steep climbs, uneven footing, and limited signage. Weather can also shift quickly, especially near Lake Superior.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, planning matters.
Want a Local to Show You Around?
There’s a big difference between finding a trail and actually understanding the landscape you’re moving through.
Guided hikes are a way to:
Skip the guesswork
Learn the area’s history and terrain
Move confidently, even on less obvious routes
If that’s what you’re looking for, you can check out current guided hiking options here.
