Amazing Marquette Hikes You Can't Miss Today (2024)

Looking for the best Hiking trails in Marquette MI today? Make sure to add all of these Marquette County hikes to your list!

hogback mountain summit
Hogback Mountain Vista

Enjoy the Best Hikes in Marquette, MI the right way this year. Stop wasting your time on the wrong trails and save this guide to make the most of your time on these unforgettable Upper Peninsula trails

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain Marquette Michigan fall drone
Sugarloaf Mountain in the Fall

Sugarloaf Mountain hike is easily the Best Hike near Marquette, MI! 

Only a 10 minute drive from downtown Marquette, you can casually summit Sugarloaf Mountain in only about 15 minutes!

It doesn’t require much effort but the scenery will take your breath away. 

If you need somewhere to start on your Marquette travel itinerary, start here. 

Be wary of timing on this hike because it can get crowded at the summit and on the trail.

Hiking Marquette’s Sugarloaf Mountain: Everything You Need to Know

Hogback Mountain

upper peninsula travel
Hogback Mountain Peak

Hogback Mountain is Marquette’s most challenging hike

This is also one of the best hikes in Michigan. Considerably more grueling than Sugarloaf, Hogback gets pretty tough near the peak where some sections do require 4 point stances

I highly recommend this one for anyone who wants a physical challenge

Important reminder – Hogback can be confusing as the signage isn’t always clear on what direction to go.

If you have ALLTRAILS, I would use it to ensure you’re heading the right way.

man watching northern lights in marquette michigan
See the Northern Lights in Marquette!

Presque Isle Loop - Best Family Hike in Marquette

upper peninsula travel
Presque Isle Marquette, MI

Presque Isle Loop is the best family hike in Marquette. 

The 2.2 mile loop is very easy but incredibly scenic. 

The majority of the trail hugs the coastline giving hikers rewarding views and countless places for photo opportunities. 

Another nice part about the hike is that if you want to venture off the exterior, you can navigate into the interior and follow multiple paths that cut across rather than around the island. 

Most people drive the car path and visit Sunset Point and the famous Blackrocks cliff jump, but hiking the loop is well worth your time.

Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail

Wetmore Landing
Wetmore Landing Summer Beach Day

The Wetmore Landing shoreline Trail to Little Presque Isle Hike is one of my favorite hikes in Marquette County. 

This stunning lakeshore hike, showcases the rugged coastline of Lake Superior. 

This flat hike hugs the coastline for the majority of the hike with one 200 foot staircase ascent. 

After meandering through lush woods and exposed roots, you will arrive to Little Presque Isle. 

Hikers can either start at Wetmore or Little Presque Isle.

Address: Wetmore Landing, Marquette, MI 49855

Dead River Falls - Best Waterfall Hike in Marquette

upper peninsula travel
Dead River Falls hike

The Dead River Falls Hike is the best waterfall hike in Marquette.

The hike includes 4 sets of waterfalls and is easily a crowd favorite for a hot day.

The beginning of this trail is a short but steep climb from the parking lot but don’t let it discourage you as the rest of the hike is a mix of flats and gradual ups and downs.

Didn’t make it on your summer trip? Don’t worry! 

Dead River falls is an amazing winter hike to experience in the colder months up here.

Address: Ambros Circle (Dead River Falls)

Mt. Marquette - Best View of Downtown Marquette

mt marquette hike fall overlook
Mt Marquette Hike Overlook in Fall

Mt Marquette Overlook is one of the best places to visit for an unbeatable view of downtown Marquette. 

You can hike up from the Noquemanon South Trails Parking lot or even drive up from the backside of the mountain.

Regardless of whether you hike or drive, this is one of the best places in Marquette to catch a sunrise/sunset.

Pro Tip: Don’t get this confused with the Marquette Mountain Ski Resort just 1 mile south of here.

Things to Bring on any Michigan Hike

Michigan has some amazing hikes that definitely don’t get enough love on the national radar. 

Whether that be a good or bad thing, here are some necessary items that you should always bring with you on the trail in Michigan. 

Warmer Michigan Months 

  • Bug Spray – Don’t bother going on a hike when the dreaded bugs are out and about in the Mitten state. Hand swatting can only do so much, and it will also drain your energy. Bring repellant!
  • Water – This is a given. Bring it because you will definitely need it!
  • Plan – Text someone your location and how long you plan to be out.

Explore More Marquette County Gems

These Marquette MI hikes are surely going to make your trip that much better. 

Make sure to add all of these activities to your list when traveling throughout Northern Michigan. 

Laughing Whitefish Falls – An unforgettable waterfall hike near Marquette you should definitely visit!

These are my TOP and favorite travel resources for Marquette Michigan:

Fall Colors Tour – Marquette is one of the best Upper Peninsula Travel destinations to experience peak colors during the fall

Great Lakes Surfing – Great Lakes surfers really come out to play when fall rolls around. Make sure to keep your eyes open for Marquette’s Surfer Dan.