Marquette, Michigan, on the southern shores of Lake Superior, is a great destination for mountain bike lovers of all ages and skill levels. From downtown trails along the lake shore to rugged off-road trails through the gentle mountain areas, Marquette offers something for everyone. Due to lengthy winters, many of the trails used for biking are multi-use trails available for cycling, walking and hiking in the summer and snowmobiles and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Blueberry Ridge Pathway
Southern Marquette features the Blueberry Ridge Pathway. This 12-mile, well-groomed trail is suitable for mountain biking, hiking, walking and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. It also has a 1.7-mile stretch of lighted pathway for bicycling at night. Located in the Escanaba State Forest, the Blueberry Ridge Pathway is a great way to check out the beauty of this natural area.
City of Marquette Bike Path
Cyclist wanting to take a break from the rigors of challenging trails should check out the City of Marquette Bike Path. This 12-mile path takes riders along the shoreline of Lake Superior with outstanding views of the lake, marina and through lovely wooded areas. The trail ends in Presque Isle Park, a perfect place to stop for a picnic, snack or stroll through this scenic wooded area. The bike path also provides easy access to downtown Marquette. Known for its eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and historical sights, Marquette is a great place to end a day of biking along the shoreline.
Noquemanon Trail Network
For riders interested in a variety of challenges and difficulty levels, consider the Noquemanon Trail Network. This network of trails stretches over 25 miles and features three trailheads, one of which has a paved parking area and restroom facilities. For the most part, heading west on the trails will take riders uphill and east heads downhill, so deciding ahead of time which way you want to start is a good idea.
Presque Isle Park and Upper Harbor Lighthouse
The Presque Isle Park and Upper Harbor Lighthouse is at the end of the City of Marquette Bike Path. Presque Isle Park is on a peninsula which extends onto Lake Superior. The park contains more than 300 acres of woods and trails and offers picnic areas, an outdoor pool and water slide and concession stands. There are several trails throughout the park for mountain biking in the summer. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior in this quiet, family-friendly park.
Cycling Tours
For mountain bikers wanting the most out of their trip to Marquette, consider taking a guided mountain bike tour. Tour companies specialize in guided tours to all the best mountain biking sites in near Lake Superior. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, and taking a guiding tour helps cyclists get an experience they’ll never forget. Guided tours include overnight trail stays and most guided bicycle tour companies custom design trips to meet the needs of your group.
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