foodie's guide to marquette

DIRT DAYS

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, Marquette County has miles

of dialed trails to match your style and skill. But before you get out there, let’s talk trails, tips, and etiquette.

THE TRAILS

NOQUEMANON TRAIL NETWORK (NTN)

Most people refer to these trails as the Marquette “North” and “South” trails. They were designed with all rider styles and skills in mind. Follow the Dead River on the Northside of the city on flowy, intermediate, scenic trails. Or ride the South side’s purpose-built flow trails and techy lines where you’ll encounter gushing waterfalls and generous views. With an abundance of NTN trails and locations to choose from, you’re sure to find lines for the whole crew.

RANGE AREA MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION (RAMBA)

Ranked a Bronze Level IMBA Ride Center, RAMBA boasts miles of trails, thirty years in the making, on the West End with trailheads throughout the Iron Range. These handbuilt trails will take you on an old-school experience throughout the nestled hills of Negaunee and Ishpeming. You might even uncover some incredible remnants of the West End’s mining history while riding along the unexpected foundations and staircases strewed about Old Town Negaunee. For a truly local taste of the trails, join the club at West End Ski & Trail for its infamous Wednesday night group ride or Sunday morning “church ride.”

MARQUETTE MOUNTAIN

So far Marquette Mountain Bike Park has only been officially opened for one season (summer 2021), but it’s already gained big traction among local and visiting mountain bikers. Compared to other trails in the county, Marquette Mountain is said to be the most raw and technical of the area’s trail systems.

Whether you’re riding enduro or downhill, even the green-rated trails might feel more like a blue, but the mountain does have plans to expand and build beginner and amateur trails in the foreseeable future.

Before exploring the trails and testing your skills, you’ll need to sign a waiver and purchase a (lift access or non-lift access) day or season pass.

HARLOW LAKE AREA

Featuring some of the Midwest’s most difficult technical riding, many of the HLA trails are set on rock outcrops with punchy, technical climbs and rocky, steep declines. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views. This is an excellent place for avid adventurers, but ride at your own pace—take your time and pick good lines. Cell service can be spotty if not non-existent.

POWELL TOWNSHIP RECREATION AREA

Minutes from downtown Big Bay, Powell Township Recreation Area features over three miles of recently built mountainbike trails including the Sweet Pine Trail, a flowy green with a few features and optional lines, and the Ladyslipper (blue), which offers a little more backcountry feel with a challenging rock section and a couple of punchy climbs.

THE ETIQUETTE

+ Read the trailhead signs + Be aware of your surroundings on shared trails. Most trails are shared by hikers & bikers. While bikers are expected to yield to hikers, it’s typically safest and easiest for hikers to move out of the way of fast-approaching bikes. + Not all trails are dog-friendly. Check to make sure before bringing your pup along. By law, all dogs must be leashed in the state of Michigan (even the good ones). + Passing by? Be kind & say hi. + Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but tracks. + Our trails are open to the public. Ride away—but please consider giving back—make a donation, purchase a day pass, volunteer, or buy some gear. + Due to the remote location and limited cell phone service on some of these trails, it is recommended that one always ride with a partner. + Lastly, if you come across a local trail builder or volunteer, thank them for helping build and maintain our amazing trails.

THE EQUIPMENT

If you need gear before tearing it up on the trails, check out Sports Rack of Marquette, Downwind Sports, Lake Shore Bike and Quick Stop Bike Shop in Marquette or visit West End Ski & Trail over in Ishpeming.