HIKING

Northern Wisconsin & Upper Michigan HIKING Options

Hiking in the Northwoods offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the natural beauty of our unique area. We are home to a variety of scenic trails that wind through lush forests, rolling hills, and alongside serene rivers.

Hiking Trails Near Hurley, WI

Iron County Forest
With a network of hiking trails, this area provides access to wildlife sightings, hidden streams, and secluded spots. Perfect for those seeking a more adventurous hiking experience in the heart of the Northwoods.

Hiking Trails Near Ironwood, MI

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (The Porkies)
With over 60 miles of hiking trails, the Porkies are a must-visit for outdoor lovers. The Escarpment Trail offers stunning views of Lake Superior, while the Summit Peak Trail takes you to one of the highest points in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, providing sweeping vistas of the region.

Ottawa National Forest
Known for its peaceful, remote hiking opportunities, the Ottawa National Forest offers trails that explore rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. It’s an ideal location for a quiet and immersive hiking experience.

Hiking Adventure Highlights

– Both Hurley and Ironwood offer trails for all levels, from easy hikes with scenic river views to more challenging backcountry adventures that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a more intense hiking experience, this region provides the perfect setting for outdoor exploration.

Hiking near Hurley and Ironwood offers a diverse range of trails, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Northwoods and Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty.

Featured image for “Bessemer Bluff”
Bessemer

Bessemer Bluff

Bluff Valley Park
– Situated at the base of a bluff overlooking the city of Bessemer
Amenities
– Pavilion with restroom
– Basketball and tennis courts
– Playground
Explore
– Large trees line the park, with a pond surrounded by a walking path
– Wooded walking trails lead to the bluff with panoramic views of Bessemer and Copper Peak
– Snowshoeing in the winter

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Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Black River Harbor

Access & Views
– Offers access to Lake Superior
– Walk across a suspension bridge to the beach
– Ideal for watching sunsets, rock picking, swimming, and beach bonfires
Scenic Features
– Picturesque hiking trails
– Waterfalls: Rainbow, Sandstone, Potawatomi (wheelchair access), Gorge and Great Conglomerate
Amenities
– Vault toilet
– Picnic area

COPPER PEAK
BLACK RIVER HARBOR INFO
FIND YOUR NORTH WATERFALL BROCHURE

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Featured image for “Copper Falls”
Mellen

Copper Falls

• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 40 feet


Features
– Ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls
– Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s
Activities
– Camping
– Hiking
– Bicycling
– Picnicking
– Fishing
– Swimming in Loon Lake
Highlights
– The 1.7-mile Doughboy’s Nature Trail along the Bad River is one of Wisconsin’s best hikes

DIRECTIONS
Take Hwy 13 to the north side of Mellen and turn northeast on Hwy 169. Travel 1.8 miles, the park entrance will be on the west side.
46.20518° 90.38340°

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Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Corrigan’s Lookout

Location
– Located in Iron County on Hwy 122
Views
– Upson Lake to the west
– Gogebic Range to the south
– Lake Superior to the north
Hike
– Short, quarter-mile trail leads to a scenic rock outcropping
Additional Note
– Ideal for photography, picnics, or simply enjoying the beauty of Wisconsin’s landscape

DIRECTIONS
Head north out of Upson on Hwy 122 (aka Hoyt Road). In about 2.5 miles, you’ll see a little white sign on the right sign of the road that says ‘Corrigan’s Lookout’. Turn left and head down the narrow, dirt road. It’s rocky and uneven, so drive with care! It’ll only take a few minutes before you reach an opening where you can park.

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Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Foster Falls

• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Difficult
• Height: 25 feet

Wren/Foster Falls Section Hike
Scenic Features
– Narrow single-track trail alongside two scenic rivers
– Passes two thundering waterfalls
– Views of Upson Lake from a bald rock perch 300 feet above
Historical & Natural Sites
– Five established primitive campsites
– Abandoned goldmine
Terrain & Elevation
– Climbs from marshy bottoms of the Iron County Forest
– Offers vast overlooks of the surrounding landscape

DIRECTIONS
From Upson head north on Hwy. 122 for 5.3 miles. Turn left (west) on Sullivan Rd, which is usually in pretty good condition. Go about 3 miles on this gravel road, and just before the road narrows and ends at the river, look for a short side road to the right that leads to a rustic campsite. Take that road and park near the campsite. It is a short walk from here.
46.420819° 90.459129°

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Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Gorge Falls

ATV/UTV Accessible via Road Routes

• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 24 feet


Location & Access
– Take the trail from Potawatomi Falls parking lot
– Trail leads along the river, offering views of the scenic river and falls
– Only a short distance north of Potawatomi Falls
– Accessible viewing platform

DIRECTIONS
Head up the scenic Route 513 from Bessemer and, about 10 miles past Big Powderhorn, there will be a drive to the right for Potawatomi and Gorge Falls. Turn here and park at the parking lot. Follow the trail to the river, watching for signs for Gorge Falls.
46.64018, -90.05028

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Featured image for “Great Conglomerate Falls”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Great Conglomerate Falls

ATV/UTV Accessible via Road Routes

• Trail difficulty: Easy-Strenuous (3/4 mile walk)
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 30 feet


Location & Features
– The uppermost and most impressive of the five Black River Falls
– River splits over a mound of conglomerate rock, forming two separate waterfalls
– Difficult to capture in a single shot due to the separation of the falls
Accessibility
– Boardwalks and a well-placed viewing platform make this an easy and worthwhile stop

DIRECTIONS
Head up the scenic Route 513 from Bessemer and, about 10 miles past Big Powderhorn, there will be a drive to the right for Potawatomi and Gorge Falls. Turn here and park at the parking lot. Follow the trail to the river, heading towards Potawatomi Falls, and then follow the path upstream to Great Conglomerate. (There is a separate parking area for Great Conglomerate Falls that you’ll pass before reaching Potawatomi/Gorge, though I’d recommend skipping it. The walk is about the same distance and, by stopping at the further one, you’ll be able to visit three waterfalls and only have to park once.)
46.63159, -90.05493

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Featured image for “Interstate Falls”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Interstate Falls

• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 18 feet


Location
– On the East Branch of the Montreal River
Explore
– Short 0.3-mile scenic walking trail along the river
– Two platforms offering breathtaking views of the 18-foot waterfall
– Peaceful spot for nature lovers and photographers

DIRECTIONS
Take U.S. 2 west of Hurley for 0.6 miles to gravel road at Interstate Falls sign. Continue for 0.3 miles and park at large parking area.
46.47552° 90.20085°

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Featured image for “Mecca Trails”
Mercer
Dogs Allowed

Mecca Trails

Mecca Trails
– Some of the most beautiful ski, snowshoe and hiking trails in Northern Wisconsin
– 21 Kilometers of groomed classic and skating x-country ski trails
– 3 1/2 miles of ungroomed snowshoe trails
– Open year round
– Donation
Amenities
– Heated chalet open daily during the winter season 8am-6pm
– Changing room, pit toilets

DIRECTIONS
US Highway 51 to Beachway Drive (across the highway from Dollar General). Follow the MECCA signs to 4686N Fierick Rd.
Physical Address: 4686N Fierick Road, Mercer WI 54547
N46.1472 W90.0549

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Featured image for “Montreal Ski Trails”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Montreal Ski Trails

– 11km of trails groomed for classic x-country skiing
– Dogs welcome
– Donation
Winter Activites
– X-country skiing and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and mountain biking
Trailheads
#1 – Rose Wreath
#2 – Old School
#3 – Pence

TRAIL MAPS

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Featured image for “Mt Zion”
Ironwood

Mt Zion

– Located on Gogebic Community College campus with panoramic views
– Functions as a laboratory for GCC’s nationally acclaimed Ski Area Management Program
Winter Activities
– Downhill skiing, snowboarding and X-country skiing
– Free X-Country Ski Trail
– Features 10 slopes and trails for all skill levels
– Senior citizens 62+ ski/snowboard free!
– Snow Tubing Park
Rentals
– Quality Downhill Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Summer Activities
– Beautiful vistas, mountain biking, and disc golf
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park”
Ontonagon
Dogs Allowed

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

“The Porkies”
– Michigan’s largest state park
– 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges
– Popular for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, and more
Natural Attractions
– Lake of the Clouds
– Scenic Presque Isle River corridor
– Summit Peak observation tower
– Roaring waterfalls and picturesque vistas
Recreational Features
– Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex
– Fall chairlift rides
– 18-hole disc golf course
– Porcupine Mountains Shooting Complex (managed by Lake Superior Sportsman Club)
Access
– ATV/UTV and snowmobile access
– Park roads, including County Road M-107 and South Boundary Road, close from Dec. 1 through late spring for safety
– During winter, closed roads become designated snowmobile trails and reopen when safe for vehicles, as determined by the Ontonagon County Road Commission


WATERFALL GUIDE

TRAILS
MAP
AREA GUIDE

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Featured image for “Potato River Falls”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Potato River Falls

ACCESS VIA ROUTES – ATV/UTV

• Trail difficulty:
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 90 feet


Potato River Falls
– Among the most spectacular waterfalls in Wisconsin
– Featuring two drops: Upper and Lower Potato River Falls
– The Potato River drops approximately 90 feet on its way to the Bad River before emptying into Lake Superior
Hiking Options
– From the parking area, choose one or both trails to reach observation decks:
– Lower Falls: Follow the trail to the right, marked “Lower Falls,” with 204 steps leading to the observation deck
– Upper Falls: Follow the trail to the left, marked “Upper Falls,” with 131 steps along the gorge to the lookout
Trail Details
– Hiking both trails totals just over a mile, but includes steep climbs to access the lookouts
– Adventurous visitors can climb to the base of the first drop to view the top of the second drop
Nearby Attraction
– Copper Falls State Park is another must-visit destination in the area

DIRECTIONS
Head south from US 2 on Hwy 169 for approximately 2.8 miles. Turn right on Potato River Falls Road, continue 1.5 miles. A town park with rustic campsites is available
46.461142° 90.53032°

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Featured image for “Potawatomi Falls”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Potawatomi Falls

ATV/UTV Accessible via Road Routes

• Trail difficulty: Easy (Wheelchair accessible)
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 30 feet


Potawatomi Falls
– Features a split drop over a dome of conglomerate rock, forming two tall, curving waterfalls
– The eastern bank channels much of the water, creating a wide, multi-tiered drop
– Smaller streams on the other side converge to produce a more direct plunge

DIRECTIONS
Head up the scenic Route 513 from Bessemer and, about 10 miles past Big Powderhorn, there will be a drive to the right for Potawatomi and Gorge Falls. Turn here and park at the parking lot. Follow the trail to the river, watching for signs for Potawatomi Falls, and you may need to go down toward Gorge Falls along the boardwalks a short distance to get a good viewing of this drop.
46.63787, -90.05153

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Featured image for “Presque Isle River Waterfalls”
Wakefield
Dogs Allowed

Presque Isle River Waterfalls

Presque Isle River Waterfalls
Manabezho Falls: The largest, featuring a dramatic 25-foot vertical drop
Manido Falls: Smaller but captivating with its dynamic flow
Nawadaha Falls: Adds charm to the river’s scenic allure
– A stunning display of natural beauty located on the eastern edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, near Wakefield, Michigan
Hiking Trails
– Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop: A 2.3-mile moderate trail along the river’s western side
– East River Trail: Offers alternative views of the river and waterfalls on the eastern side
– Trails include wooden steps, viewing platforms, and a bridge leading to an island for added adventure
– Open from May through October
Accessibility
– Trailhead located near a parking area, offering easy access for visitors of all skill levels
– Trails are well-maintained, providing excellent vantage points for photography and nature appreciation

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Featured image for “Rainbow Falls”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Rainbow Falls

ATV/UTV Accessible via Road Routes

• Trail difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 40 feet


Rainbow Falls
– The lowermost waterfall of the Black River Falls, located before the river enters Lake Superior
– A tall waterfall dropping over a conglomerate slide, ending in a sudden plunge into a deep pit, creating a powerful roar of foamy water
Wildlife Viewing
– In September, visitors can witness chinook and coho salmon making their upstream runs to the falls
Experience
– Known for its dramatic drop and the deep, foamy roar of the water
– A captivating spot for nature lovers, especially during the salmon run

Trail Options
#1. A 1/2 mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot to a stairway dropping down to an observation platform overlooking the scenic Black River and Rainbow Falls. The falling water creates a mist, and sometimes with the right angle of sunlight, produces a rainbow effect, which gives the falls its name.
#2. Rainbow Falls can also be viewed from the east side of the river. This side will provide the photographer with a better angle of the falls. Trail access to the east side begins after crossing the suspended foot bridge at Black River Harbor Picnic Area. This trail is 3/4 mile long via the North Country Trail.

DIRECTIONS
Head north from US-2 out of Bessemer onto Black River Road via N Moore Road. This route is also known as County Road 513 and should be well marked. Continue on Black River Road for 15 miles and park at the parking area.
46.65868, -90.04376

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Featured image for “Riverside Cemetery Trails”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Riverside Cemetery Trails

Winter Activities
– Free snowshoe trails along the Montreal River
– 3 active loops offering half-mile, 1-mile, and 1.5-mile routes
– Start at the Pure Michigan Welcome Center
– Explore open fields in the cemetery for a challenging workout
– Dog-friendly
Summer Activities
– 3 loops of hiking and biking trails starting at either the Pure Michigan Welcome Center or Riverside Cemetery
– Trails wind through the cemetery and along the Montreal River
– In the Spring, be prepared for muddy paths; wear hiking shoes or boots
– Continue south on Hemlock Street to connect to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, eventually reaching Downtown Ironwood

TRAIL MAP
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Rouse Falls”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Rouse Falls

• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Travel difficulty: Moderate
• Height: 15 feet

Rouse Falls spills over a large rock face about 15 feet high to the small creek below. There is not much water in the creek, so the waterfall is more dramatic in the spring. This is a wild and remote area.

DIRECTIONS
Travel west from Upson about 2.5 miles on Hwy. 77. Take a right on Casey Sag Rd. and follow 1 miles on this gravel road to a logging road on the left with a Rouse Falls sign.
Depending on road conditions, you may want to park here and walk to the falls. At the fork a few minutes up the road, take the left fork. It goes slightly uphill and is in better shape than going to the right. Continue on for a total of .75 miles from Casey Sag Road to a bridge over Rouse Creek. Cross the bridge and walk the rocky logging road to the right down the hill and soon you’ll hear and see Rouse Falls just downstream.
46.370681°90.479515°

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Featured image for “Sandstone Falls”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Sandstone Falls

ATV/UTV Accessible via Road Routes

• Trail difficulty: Strenuous (1/4 mile walk)
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 6 feet


Sandstone Falls
– A short but steep 1/4-mile trail with a series of steps leading to the falls
– Although not large, the falls are surrounded by stunning rock formations and hollows
– Carved out of sandstone and conglomerate rock by centuries of stream erosion
– A beautiful natural area worth visiting for its unique geological features

DIRECTIONS
Head north from US-2 out of Bessemer onto Black River Road via N Moore Road. This route is also known as County Road 513 and should be well marked. Continue on Black River Road for 14.4 miles and park at the parking area. This is the second-to-last riverside parking area south of the harbor, if you’d rather visit the mouth of the river first. Follow the trail down to the waterfall.
46.64997, -90.04758

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Featured image for “Split Rock Trails”
Wakefield
Dogs Allowed

Split Rock Trails

– Historic site of the Flink Location iron ore mine
– Trails offer a beautiful forest tour with scenic overlooks and various rock formations
– Explore remnants of a once-thriving U.P. mining town
Winter Activities
– Snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and Mountain Biking
Parking
– All-season parking lot located on Castile Rd, just before the turn onto Best Rd


TRAIL MAP
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Featured image for “Uller Trails”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Uller Trails

Trail Details
– 29km of trails near Weber Lake and Iron Belt, WI, offering a back-country, rustic experience
– Trails groomed for classic X-country skiing with space for snowshoers, walkers, and dogs
– Three consecutive loops of varying distances, with parking at Weber Lake
– Ultimate scenic beauty and challenge on the Uller Back Country Ski Trail (30 km) and Krankala Spur (5 km) through the Penokee Range
– All abilities welcome, ideal for those seeking remote rolling and hilly terrain
Amenities
– After the hike, build a fire in the warming cabin
Winter Activities
– X-country skiing and snowshoeing
Summer Activities
– Hiking and biking


TRAIL MAPS

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Featured image for “Winman Trails”
Mercer
Dogs Allowed

Winman Trails

Trail Access
– Convenient access from the main trailhead with ample parking
– Easy-to-follow signage along the trails for navigation
Winter Activities
– Perfect for X-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing
Scenic Views
– Trails pass through beautiful, quiet wooded winter landscaped
Trail Information
– Detailed maps provided at the trailhead
– Available updates and trail conditions available at the kiosk
Seasonal Information
– Open year-round, with trails groomed for winter sports
– Seasonal adjustments to trail conditions based on weather and snow levels


NORDIC SKI TRAILS
SNOWSHOE TRAILS
FAT TIRE BIKE TRAILS

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Wakefield
Dogs Allowed

Wolf Mountain

The Wolf Mountain Hiking Trail provides access to a diverse display of spring wildflowers and rock outcrop plants. The trail is short but quite steep. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view. Wolf Mountain is the highest point in Gogebic County.

DIRECTIONS
Wolf Mountain Hiking Trail is reached from US Highway 2, running between Wakefield and Marenisco, Michigan, in the western Upper Peninsula. Follow Forest Road 9300 north from Highway 2 for 3.1 miles, crossing a creek and two utility corridors, to where this native surface road ends in a turnaround loop. The trailhead is at the end of the loop and is marked with a small brown sign depicting a hiker.

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Featured image for “Wolverine Ski Trails”
Ironwood
Dogs Allowed

Wolverine Ski Trails

The warming shelter/chalet offers a view of the historic wooden ski jump structure that was part of the club’s original activities. Cookies and hot chocolate are available in the chalet, which is open from 8am to 6pm during the ski season.
Donation

Trailheads
#1. The main trailhead is at the chalet located at 5851 Sunset Road
#2. The hospital trail head is located behind Aspirus Hospital
#3. There is a trail head with a parking area off Summit Road west off Powderhorn Rd, which provides access to snow bike trails as well as ski and snowshoe trails

Winter Activities
– X-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking
Summer Activities
– Hiking and mountain biking

TRAIL MAPS
SISU DIRT CREW

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Featured image for “Wren Falls”
Hurley
Dogs Allowed

Wren Falls

• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Difficult
• Height: 15 feet

DIRECTIONS
From Foster Falls, turn around and go back to Casey Sag Rd and turn right for 1.8 miles. You will come to a big curve to the right. Turn left on the narrow dirt road here and it will lead you a few hundred yards to another road on the left with a Wren Falls sign. Turn left here for about 1.3 miles to a fork in the road. The road may be rough for spots. At the fork, park on the right near the Wren Falls sign. Walk up the hill and follow this path for a few minutes to a rustic campsite above Wren Falls. At the campsite, Wren Falls will be to your left and there is a great view from atop the canyon wall.
46.407357° 90.516937°

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