Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail to Little Presque Isle Guide
Wetmore Landing is the perfect place to start your Marquette travel experience
Marquette is a city full of scenic hikes and a state of even more. Looks like you’re searching for a Michigan hike to get your dose of nature today eh?
Well follow along as we explore one of my favorite trails in Marquette, the Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail
Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail Hike Overview
Length: 3.6 Miles Out and Back Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Spectacular
Elevation Gain: 347 Feet
Pet Friendly: Dogs on Leash
Parking: Paid Lot/Roadside
Getting to Wetmore Landing
The Wetmore Landing Shoreline trail is one of the best hiking trails in Marquette.
The hike has two routes that you can choose from. These two routes are:
- Wetmore Landing to Little Presque Route (North Route) or
- Little Presque to Wetmore Landing (South Route)
The routes are identical because it is an out-and-back hike. The only difference is where you prefer to park your car.
Parking options are basically the same however, overflow parking at the Wetmore lot has easier road parking access.
Wetmore Landing Trailhead
Simply follow the only path from the parking lot down to Wetmore Landing (assuming we are taking the North Route). Once you have arrived at the trail, make a left and follow the trail hugging the shoreline.
You can also follow the path to the beach and walk left until the beach meets the shoreline too.
Hiking to Hidden Beach from Wetmore Landing
Continuing on the trail you will follow this for about 1 Mile before coming to a set of stairs. This is probably the hardest part of the hike but its incredibly easy.
However, before venturing up, take path to the right and make your way to the gorgeous and secluded, Hidden Beach. If you’re fortunate you might have it all to yourself.
Whether or not you go down to Hidden Beach, the trail must go on. Above the staircase and around the bend, is the glorious Hidden Beach Viewpoint. Stop for a few shots and keep cruising the trail.
You’ll eventually find yourself at another staircase that will lead you closer to Little Presque.
Hiking to Little Presque Isle
The trail will come to an end and a viewpoint of Little Presque Isle. Depending on the season and conditions, you might have a shot of making your way there but for as many times I’ve done this trail, I’ve never timed it right.
IF you decide to wade through the water to Little Presque Isle, make sure to be VERY CAREFUL. This section of water is known to change quickly and can easily become a riptide zone.
Stop and take in the scenery, reapply some sunscreen and head back on the same trail you came in on. I prefer this return hike as you get to look out towards Marquette and soak in a bit more scenery but too each their own.
If you want to test your stamina, you can extend your hike by following the North County Trail and hike up the backside of Sugarloaf Mountain. You could also start your hike at Sugarloaf and go up and over and continue all the way to Little Presque Isle.
Other Awesome places to explore around Wetmore Landing
If you’re already at Wetmore Landing and still have energy after your hike, make sure to walk down the North County Trail Path and explore Rum Runners Cove. The cove is only a few minutes away and another beautiful area to experience.
For the really adventurous folks or those who have had too much Marquette Coffee, hike up the backside of Sugarloaf Mountain (Most Tourists miss this)
Other awesome places up the County 550 Road include Echo Lake, Big Bay, Yellow Dog Falls, Little Garlic Falls and many more!
Other Hikes You Can't Miss in Marquette
Wetmore Landing is easily one of the most enjoyable places to enjoy while exploring Marquette, but don’t stop there.
Here are some of my other can’t-miss things when exploring this amazing city:
💦 Explore the Best Marquette Waterfalls
🚵🏻♂️ Bike Marquette’s Best Trails
🍻 Marquette has a thriving Beer scene that should be explored while in town.