Negaunee MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Negaunee, Michigan.
1. Iron Ore Heritage Trail
HISTORIC MULTI-USE TRAIL
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Negaunee is a 47-mile multi-use trail that traces the region's rich iron mining history. Walkers and bikers traverse scenic forests, historic mine sites, and charming Upper Peninsula towns along a well-maintained gravel surface. Interpretive signs along the way educate visitors on the area's unique industrial past while providing excellent year-round recreation.
2. Lakenenland Sculpture Park Trails
ARTFUL WOODLAND PATH
Lakenenland Sculpture Park Trails in Negaunee combine quirky art with easy hiking across wooded trails. Featuring over 100 metal sculptures, the route offers creative delight amid pines and wetlands. The trail is family- and dog-friendly, inviting a playful outdoor stroll for all ages.
3. Heritage Trail at Jackson Mine Park
MINING HISTORY WALK
The Heritage Trail at Jackson Mine Park lets visitors explore the historic site of Michigan's first iron mine. Meandering through forests and old mine ruins, this easy-to-moderate trail offers interpretive plaques detailing the area's legacy. Shaded paths and interesting relics make it a favorite for families and history buffs.
4. Wright Street Falls Trail
WATERFALL WOODLAND PATH
The Wright Street Falls Trail leads hikers to a charming, lesser-known waterfall on the Dead River. Picturesque forest scenery surrounds the gentle walk, which is suitable for most skill levels. It's particularly popular in spring and autumn, when the falls flow strong and foliage bursts with color.
5. Suicide Hill Hiking Trail
CHALLENGING FOREST ASCENT
Suicide Hill Hiking Trail offers a moderate climb up a steep wooded slope, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of Negaunee and the surrounding Upper Peninsula countryside. The trail is well-marked and known locally for both hiking and winter sports. It's an excellent spot for those seeking a brisk uphill adventure close to town.
6. Teal Lake Shoreline Trail
SCENIC LAKE LOOP
The Teal Lake Shoreline Trail in Negaunee circles the serene, spring-fed Teal Lake. This flat, accessible route features tranquil water views, excellent bird watching, and shaded woods. It's a pleasant choice for a peaceful walk, picnic, or sunrise hike.
7. Negaunee Township Nature Trail
LOCAL FOREST EXPLORATION
The Negaunee Township Nature Trail weaves through mixed forests, wetlands, and gentle hills just outside the city. Interpretive signs highlight local flora and fauna, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. The well-kept trail network offers varying loop lengths for a customizable exploration.
8. North Country National Scenic Trail (Negaunee segment)
NATIONAL SCENIC EXPERIENCE
The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Negaunee as part of its 4,800-mile traverse across the northern United States. This segment features mature forests, moose and deer sightings, and lush wildflowers in spring and summer. Ideal for long-distance hikers or day walkers alike, it offers varied scenery and quiet wilderness.
9. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail near Marquette, a short drive from Negaunee, is famous for its manageable climb and stunning summit vistas over Lake Superior. The well-maintained trail includes interpretive stops, stairs, and two scenic overlooks. It's a must-do for photographers and anyone seeking a classic Upper Peninsula lookout.
10. Presque Isle Park Loop
ISLAND PARK PATHWAY
The Presque Isle Park Loop in Marquette winds around a wooded peninsula jutting into Lake Superior. Popular with walkers and runners, the paved and gravel paths offer regular sightings of deer, waterfowl, and stunning coastal bluffs. Benches and picnic spots dot the route, making it ideal for a leisurely outdoor day.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses iconic trails found across the state, from sandy dune climbs to forested waterfall hikes. Popular options include Sleeping Bear Dunes, Porcupine Mountains, and the extensive North Country Trail, each offering breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems. Whether hiking along inland lakes or ascending rocky ridges, Michigan's top trails deliver a memorable experience in every season.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's famed beach and dune trails along the Great Lakes, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, Ludington State Park, and the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail. Hikers enjoy sandy pathways with sweeping lake views, wildlife-rich wetlands, and opportunities to explore hidden coves and scenic overlooks. These coastal routes are perfect for those seeking the beauty of Michigan's freshwater coastline and dynamic landscapes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUSION & WILDLIFE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails that offer peace, wildlife viewing, and unique natural features far from crowded paths. Choices like Leelanau State Park, Otter Creek Loop, and Port Oneida Beach provide tranquil settings framed by forests, lakes, and rich biodiversity. These spots are ideal for hikers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with Michigan's wild side.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights the state's best trails for spectacular fall colors, from hardwood forests to lakeside lookouts. Trails such as the Empire Bluffs, Porcupine Mountains, and Sugarloaf Mountain glow with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows each autumn. Visitors can enjoy crisp air, scenic foliage, and memorable photo opportunities while exploring Michigan's seasonal landscapes.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS TRAIL SYSTEM
Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula offers miles of hiking through pristine woodlands, waterfalls, and quiet lakeshores. Trails like the North Country National Scenic Trail, McCormick Wilderness, and Sturgeon Falls immerse hikers in rolling hills, towering pines, and abundant wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the sense of seclusion and the variety of natural beauty found in this vast national forest.