There is nowhere I'd rather be than on a fall afternoon hike: the cool breeze and crisp air as you make your way down the trail, the bursts of red and yellow catching your eye everywhere you look. It is like a fall wonderland as leaves fall around you. From Canyon Falls, to Lake of the Clouds, to Sugarloaf, and everything in between, these are the top fall hikes of the Upper Peninsula.
Hogback Mountain, Marquette,MI
The main trail is located off of M-550 on the Wetmore Pond trail. Just follow the signs to Hogback! This trail can get a little difficult at the top, where it is basically climbing up the sides of rocks. The hike is worth it though! You can see Northern Michigan University's superior dome, which is the largest wooden dome in the world. Look in another direction and you can see the vast waters of Lake Superior off of Presque Isle. Turn around and get an amazing look over Marquette county and the small towns that dot US 41, like Ishpeming and Negaunee. The hike is going to take around an hour and a half depending on how long you want to spend at the top.
Escarpment Trial, Porcupine Mountains
Located by Ontonagon, MI, in the beautiful Porcupine Mountains, this trail is four miles long and follows along the picturesque Lake of the Clouds. From the top, you can see both the Lake of the Clouds and Mother Superior. At the bottom, you can get an up close and personal look at Lake of the Clouds. Looking back up at the mountain, you can see a popular lookout spot for tourists.
Canyon Falls, Baraga, MI
Baraga is a small town that falls between Houghton and Marquette. This is a perfect rest stop hike. Only a short two miles in and out hike. This area is said to be the Grand Canyon of the UP. Canyon Falls is 15 feet tall and bottoms out in the gorge. This hike is perfect for those who want the views without the actual hike.
Bare Bluff, Copper Harbor, MI
This is said to be one of the hardest hikes in the UP, so if you are a beginner hiker, I suggest you don't start here. This three mile hike climbs about 30 stories as it snakes its way up the mountain. You can expect looks of ups and downs of rockslides and pass dried up waterfalls. The view is worth it at the top as you look out over Bete Grise Bay and the top of Keweenaw peninsula.
Mount Marquette, Marquette, MI
Mount Marquette does not actually have to be a hike, due to the fact that you can drive up a path to reach the top. Personally, I have run up the path a few time. It is really easy and follows a paved path, but it is all uphill to the top. Whether you choose to walk, or drive to the top, the view is definitely worth it. Looking over all of Marquette, you can see from the Ore docks out to Sugarloaf Mountain. I also suggest going up at night because there is nothing more peaceful than looking over a lit up Marquette. If the northern lights are out, this is also a prime location to watch them.
Summit Peak, Porcupine Mountains
This is the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains and the third highest in Michigan. What may shock most visitors is that the peak isn't a mountain as much as it is a wooden structure built 50 feet in the air. The structure sits on a plateau that overlooks the entire mountain range, no matter what side you look out from. On a clear day, you can see as far as 50 miles out and possibly be able to peek over the border into Wisconsin.
Brockway Mountain, Copper Harbor, MI
Like Mount Marquette, this trail is most popular by car. The nine mile trail slowly meanders up the mountain and from the top, you will find spectacular views of Lake Superior, Mount Baldy, Lake Bailey, Copper Harbor, and Eagle Harbor. On the drive up, you should stop along the way at the sanctuary trailhead. This trail is a little over a mile and a half and takes you to overlook the east side of the mountain.
Mount Houghton, Eagle Harbor, MI
This mountain is kind of the best keep secret in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Farther away from most of the other mountains that are popular in the peninsula, but it probably features one of the best views of the area. The trail isn't hard to find since it used to be an ATV trail. Most people don't frequent this hike because the road to the trail can get a little rough unless you have a car equipped for rough terrain.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette, MI
Sugarloaf is probably the most popular hike by Marquette tourists. I have been up the mountain more times than I can count and each time I am still blown away by the views from the top. There are two paths heading up to the top; one is basically just 300 stairs winding up the mountain. The other path is more advanced due to the rugged mountain forest. At the top is a wooden deck that offers panoramic views of Lake Superior, downtown Marquette and the surrounding forest. This hike is also another prime northern lights watching spot as long as you don't mind hiking in the middle of the night.
These hikes are only a fraction of what the UP has to offer. We have trails for every level of hiker and even some for those who can't make the walk up. If you haven't been on any of these hikes, then why are you even living in the upper peninsula? Seriously! Stop reading this and get out there and go explore everything Mother Nature has to offer!
