Ultimate Marquette Michigan Mountain Biking Guide (2023)

Marquette Michigan Mountain Biking is some of the best you can find in the Midwest & in the entire country. With Leisurely Lake Superior shoreline trails and advanced rugged & rooty single track, biking in Marquette has a perfect place for all levels!

Here is the 2023 Marquette Michigan Mountain biking guide for all of you pedal pushers.

Marquette Mountain Bike Guide Overview (2023)

• Beginner/Family-Friendly Trails
• Intermediate Bike Trails in Marquette
• Advanced MTB Trails
• Marquette MTB Maps
• Upper Peninsula Bike Trails Close to Marquette
• Marquette Bike Shops
• Mountain Bike Rentals in MQT
• MTB Guides in Marquette
• Winter Biking in the UP

Beginner Marquette Biking Trails

Presque Isle is always the first place I tell people to bike around when they come to town. Scenic, easy to get to, easy to bike around, it’s one of the best places to roll on two wheels around, especially if you are looking for something simple.

Marquette Multi-Use Path– Anywhere on the Multi-Use Path aka Lakeshore Boulevard, you will love it. The path hugs Lake Superior and weaves in and out of lovely stretches of nature. The trail also runs into the heart of Marquette only 1 block away so it’s easy to start or stop there for whatever you might be looking for. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple ride. You can also ride this stretch of the path for 17 miles if you’re feeling strong!

Iron Ore Heritage Trail – The Iron Ore Heritage Trail runs from Marquette to Ishpeming (or vice versa) and is a very well-maintained paved path. The ride is much easier from Ishpeming to Marquette as it’s downhill giving riders a much more enjoyable ride. The length of the ride is about 13 miles!

Morgan Creek Loop – This is a great ride to take down the Morgan Creek Waterfall and is an easy ride. The trail is narrow but the terrain is mild. For those who want an easier ride to the waterfall, take the utility road adjacent to the creek trail and enjoy the beauty surrounding you. This is a part of the South Trail Network system! (More STN info below)

Intermediate Marquette Biking

Noquemanon North Trails Network (NTN)

One part of the Noquemanon Trail Network is known as North Trails. North Trails are another amazing trail system that’s more tailored for cross country riders. The terrain isn’t very challenging but beginners might find some challenges with exposed roots and some rugged, rocky stretches.

The leisurely 10 miles of trails run along the Dead River and are easily accessible and intertwined. MARKED VERY WELL with a high frequency of labeled Maps at major intersections.

Notable Areas not to miss on North Trails include:

• Forrestville Dam – As you make your way up or down the Dead River, you will eventually end up at the Forrestville Dam. Enjoy the scenery from below or follow the Upper Blue Heron Trail for a higher perspective.
• Tourist Park – Start or end your ride at Tourist Park. Either way, take a breather or some pictures from the dock at this lovely lake/campground

Advanced Marquette Biking

Noquemanon South Trails Network (STN)

With more than 30 miles of some of Marquette’s best and most advanced terrain, Marquette’s South Trails is one of Michigan’s premier mountain biking destinations. South Trails provides Marquette Mtb riders with an abundance of varied terrain, primarily advanced/intermediate, but some mellow trails as well.

South Trails is divided into 2 main riding sections: Benson Grade & Mt. Marquette Overlook Side

• Benson Grade side is full of features, flow lines, steep berms, and jump lines. Riders must climb/push about 300 ft to reach the Benson Grade Overlook that serves as the main access to the west side of Marquette’s South Trails. This area has some of Marquette’s most popular downhill trails. Climbing time averages around 10 minutes.
• Mt. Marquette side provides steeper climbs, technical rocky trails, and milder enduro riding. A demanding 300 ft climb will lead you to the Mt Marquette Overlook. Riders can ride from the South Trails trailhead or endure a much more demanding Mt. Marquette road climb

Best South Trails Trails to not miss:

• Chunder Muffin (Double Black Diamond): VERY technical and extremely rocky trail that will definitely rock you in your place. Advanced riders need to give this one a lap or two.
• Down Dogger (Black Diamond): Down Dogger is one of the most popular routes off of the Benson Grade and rightfully so. Down Dogger is a flow trail consisting of steep berms, exposed trees, rock slabs, and outcroppings. This one will surely put a smile on your face after its completion.
• Bertha (Double Black Diamond) – Bertha has Marquette’s biggest features and is a definite must for any advanced riders.
• Pioneer Loop aka Red Loop – Pioneer Loop in Marquette is a cross-country and flow trail mix on South Trails west side. This two way trail has exceptional tree coverage & is advised to ride clockwise to enjoy the fun downhill of Freak N Nature. (Blue/Black Diamond difficulty)
• Zuegs Trail – Zuegs Trail is 2 miles of fun and flowy terrain featuring countless handmade rock features and a few punchy stretches. This is one of the most remote trails but worth every bit of effort

For me and most other mountain bikers in the area, South Trails are considered the best mountain bike trails in Marquette MI

If you’re looking for Directions to South Trails, use this address:

• 2375 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855 or Noquemanon South Trails Trailhead

Marquette Mountain Downhill Bike Park Trails

Marquette Mountain Ski Resort is another excellent trail network in Marquette! The Marquette Mountain Bike trails provide riders with two options; a Full-service chairlift to maximize time riding or climbing access where riders will have to earn their downhill rides. One of the best parts about riding on this property are the amazing views riders can experience from the summit.

Now you might be asking yourself, how much does it cost to mountain bike at mqt mountain?

• Day Passes are $35 with full lift access
• Season passes are $160 with full lift access.
• Season passes with no lift access will cost you $50!
• Full Day Bike Rentals: $70
• Half Day Bike Rentals: $50

Wondering what the best trails are at Marquette Mountain’s Downhill Bike Park? Here’s a brief overview of some can’t skip trails

• Jaw Bone – Jawbone is easily the most popular trail you can ride at the mountain and good reason why. Fast and flowy, this trail has tons of natural hits and features. More advanced riders will love the endless options, where beginners can easily roll through/around any intimidating sections.
• Original DH

Have an e-bike and curious about trail allowance? Class 1 E- Bikes are allowed at Marquette Mountain for the 2023 dry season!

Harlow Lake Mountain Bike Trails

Harlow lake offers close to 15 miles of some of the most advanced and technical terrain in Marquette. Not only is the terrain challenging and fun, but scenic. There are multiple vistas to enjoy Harlow Lake and Lake Superior. Some of the most natural and challenging terrain is out in this section of Marquette.

Here are some of the Best Trails in the Harlow Lake System:

Marquette Michigan Mountain Biking Trail Maps

There are plenty of other Marquette MTB trails to ride, but I haven’t included everything here yet. The places listed should scratch everyone’s itch, and provide more than enough riding for time being.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan Mountain Biking Spots Close to Marquette

Although Marquette is one of the premier spots to mountain bike in Michigan, there are plenty of other spots to keep on your radar. Here are some Upper Peninsula mountain biking spots to add to your list in 2021

Ishpeming Biking – R.A.M.B.A .TRAILS – (Range Area Mountain Bike Association)

Located in Ishpeming, about 20 minutes from Marquette, the RAMBA trails are another excellent area to get your pedal pushing in. There is some incredible terrain in this area and I highly recommend you ride here if you are available. Start here or from the Jackson Mine Park trailhead

Munising – Munising Bay Trail Network

Munising is east of Marquette by about 45 minutes and also is another fantastic place to ride. There are a few options at your disposal that include:

• Valley Spur Recreation Area – More than 11 miles of single track that is fun, flowy, and family-friendly. There are also an additional 26 miles to ride throughout the VSRA.
• Munising Mountain Bike Park – Right behind the Hillside Party Store, take a spin through the easily accessible mountain bike park in the heart of Munising
• Brunos Run – 13 miles South of Munising is Brunos Run. Brunos Run is a premiere 10-mile loop that offers exceptional terrain and scenery.

Grand Island Biking

Take the ferry to Grand Island from Munising and make the 21.2-mile loop. The terrain is uphill for most of the first 10 miles but it caters to beginners for the far majority of it. Keep your schedule in mind as ferry services only run at certain hours.

Copper Harbor Mountain Biking

One of the most popular and acclaimed riding spots in North America. Copper Harbor boasts dramatic single-track mountain biking and is an IMBA certified silver medal ride center.

Check Michigan Weather forecasts because the weather can change quickly on Lake Superior. Driving distances to Copper Harbor from Marquette is about 2 1/2 hours.

Marquette Michigan Mountain Biking Shops

Marquette has 6 bike shops within the county and are excellent options for all of your Midwest bike needs. Here is every shop in the area to familiarize yourself with:

• Sports Rack – Jim and the rest of the crew will get ya where ya need to be lickity split
• Down Wind Sports – Todd and the rest of the team here are well versed and located right in the heart of 3rd Street
• Lakeshore Bike – Bikes, surfboards & located right across the street from Lake Superior make this a convenient spot for a stop if riding right along Lakeshore boulevard.
• Quick Stop Bike Stop – Nevin, Eric & crew not only share a wall with the best restaurant in Marquette, but offer top notch bike services down third street.
• Love & Bicycles (Negaunee) – Easily accessible right off of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, this is another quality bike shop in Negaunee that will have the solution to any of your bike needs
• West End (Ishpeming) – Spencer and family just opened up a massive new bike space in downtown Ishpeming. Check out all the excellent gear and service they offer if you’re over riding R.A.M.B.A. trails

Mountain Bike Rentals in Marquette 2023 (UPDATED)

The mountain bike rental scene in Marquette is limited because of Covid-19. However, there is now a cruiser bike rental station along Lakeshore boulevard next to the ORE DOCK!

West End Bike is now offering daily mountain bike rentals from their Rocks Mountain Instinct Fleet!

Lakeshore Bike is offering rentals for riding on Lakeshore Boulevard for casual, cruising-type riding. Amidst covid, there were no shops in Marquette offering Bike Rentals with the COVID 19 pandemic. Quick Stop and Lakeshore used to but with surging demand and limited inventory, the script has flipped.

Need a Fat Bike rental while visiting or living in Marquette? Head over to West End in Ishpeming and rent a Rocky Mountain Fat Bike for the day, weekend, or however long scratches your itch.

Mountain Bike Guides in Marquette

Are you someone looking to experience the best mountain bike terrain in Marquette? Consider hiring a guide to show you the best of the best from the abundance of terrain we have up here.

Not only will a guide make the ride a lot more fun, they will guide you to all of the best things to do in Marquette post ride. Trust me, they’re worth it.

Marquette Winter Biking

Marquette’s riding doesn’t stop as the seasons change. The Fat Tire biking in Marquette is about as good as it gets. This place gets cold, so pack accordingly and have your fat tire bike ready to roll.

To get a sense of the bike scene, take a look at one of the reveled productions, Cold Rolled, that highlights the fat tire phenomenon here in Marquette. If you have the courage to race in a fat tire bike event, enter into Marquette’s, Polar Roll, which happens every winter.

Marquette Mountain Biking Races to Mark on Your Calendar

Ore to Shore

One of Marquette’s most popular bike races, the Ore to Shore, is a 48-mile bike race that starts in downtown Negaunee & ends at the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Superior! Be ready to sweat in the August heat!

Marji Gesick

The Marji Gesick is one of the most demanding bike races in the Midwest and the entire country. The 100-mile mind, body, and soul crusher is waiting for your sign-up. It will break you!

The Crusher

The Crusher isn’t a day or weekend bike race but is a self-supported punishing ride that you choose your distance on.

Decide between the 50 mile, 100 mile, or 225 mile track & pray to your divine spirit that you didn’t bite off more than you can chew.

Marquette Fall Enduro

Technical Trail riders mark your calendars for the Marquette Fall Enduro. Besides the cool crisp fall conditions, bask in the glory of the amazing fall colors that will surround you. Race day is October 2nd, 2021

Marquette Trails Festival

Come join the action for one of Marquette’s best mountain biking weekends on Jun 24-26. Trails Fest is easily a fan & biker favorite with easy access to view & some of Marquette’s best trails to be ridden.

Mountain Biking Marquette Info to Know

• TRAILS ARE VERY WELL MARKED – Don’t worry you won’t get lost
• Tire Pumps and Tools are available at the Trail heads for South Trails and North Trails.
• Keep 6 ft distance amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
• Parking Lots get busy, especially on weekends
• A majority of Marquette’s mountain biking terrain is ADVANCED and pretty technical.
• Hard tails & Full Suspensions will both handle well

Upper Peninsula Biking and More

Marquette is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. If you aren’t going to ride on some of the best mountain biking trails in Michigan, you can dive into a plethora of other outdoor activities.

Check out my Best Things to do in the Upper Peninsula guide or just go straight to one of the coolest sites up north aka Kitch Iti Kipi

For those who want some ideas for the best of the best in the area, take a look at the Michigan Guides I’ve created, while navigating throughout the area.

The region is synonymous with outdoor adventure. For those who love outdoor sports or want to be photographed biking (or other outdoor sports), check out my Outdoor Adventure Photography Gallery

Marquette Lodging & Food Post and Pre Ride

You might get hungry after all that riding or need a place to sleep when in town!

For those in need of a place to stay in Marquette, read the guide for Hotels in Marquette

For everything else you might need when exploring our amazing city, check out all of my guides to help you support the local businesses that keep this show on the road!

Best Restaurants to Eat at in Marquette
Photograph the Northern Lights in Marquette