Marquette, Michigan

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

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The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a good bet for a longer distance off-road running option in Marquette. The 47-mile multi-use trail follows mostly abandoned railroad corridors that were used to bring lumber to furnaces and forges and iron ore to the Lake Superior Harbor. The surface is a combination of paved and “crushed aggregate”. Some of the sections west of Ishpeming are less improved, but still runnable. This trail map has excellent information on the trail, segment distance options, and key sites and access points.

The southern end of the trail starts at Kawbawgam Rd. just south of Marquette, and the western end is in Republic. A good section to do is the nearly 20 miles between Marquette Commons and Ishpeming. The terrain is a combination of open and wooded, as the trail follows US HWY 41 for much of its length.

Essentials
  • Up to 47 miles. We've mapped 27.6 miles (44.4 km) between Marquette & Clarksburg
  • Climbs 700 feet over first 5.5 miles headed west, then fairly flat
  • Marquette Commons for Marquette access. South/East End: Gordon. West End: Republic.
  • 9 main access points/trailheads; Marquette Commons for Marquette access

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Essentials
  • Up to 47 miles. We've mapped 27.6 miles (44.4 km) between Marquette & Clarksburg
  • Climbs 700 feet over first 5.5 miles headed west, then fairly flat
  • Marquette Commons for Marquette access. South/East End: Gordon. West End: Republic.
  • 9 main access points/trailheads; Marquette Commons for Marquette access