Explore Our Trails: Five Trails You Must See This Season
Spring has finally arrived and the weather is warming here in Gwinn, Michigan. This cozy town in the heart of the Upper Peninsula is home to numerous trails surrounded by luscious forests and lakes. Here are five well-loved trails that you won’t want to miss this season!
Peter Nordeen Park: 115 North Pine Street, Gwinn, MI 49841
This park in Gwinn features multiple trails that wind through its beautiful 2.5 acres. Enjoy sights of the Escanaba River during your walk or visit the farmers market on Thursdays in the summer! This park is the perfect family stop with multiple pavilions, clean restrooms, a playground, and a covered bridge.
Anderson Lake Pathway: Anderson Lake Lane, Gwinn, MI 49841
Here you can find six miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. There are three loops ranging from 2.5 to 4.3 miles in length, acting as the best spot for a leisurely morning stroll or a quiet afternoon run. Also, don’t miss the Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra this fall! You can register here.
Little Trout Lake: K. I. Sawyer, MI
This park is currently undergoing a remodel, and the grand-reopening is taking place on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12-4pm! Get there at the start and be a part of the ribbon cutting while also enjoying food trucks, live music, and a 5k. Little Trout Lake will have newly renovated pickleball, sand volleyball, and bag toss courts, along with a 1.5 mile trail, youth sand and water play areas, and fishing access.
Sugarloaf Mountain: Marquette, MI
A short drive away from Gwinn is Marquette’s popular Sugarloaf Mountain. This hike is 0.5 miles with 470 ft of elevation. There is an easier path with stairs and a more difficult route that is steeper. The trip to the top is so worth it… experience a full-circle view of the superior dome, upper ore dock, presque isle, and more.
Hogsback Mountain: Marquette, MI off County Road 550
This hike, another short drive from Gwinn, is known as the more difficult alternative to Sugarloaf. There are no stairs here! Hikers must take narrow trails through woodlands and some swampy areas for a total of 3 miles (about a 2 hour round trip). The summit is exposed rock with stunning views of Lake Superior and the Huron Mountains. Hike Hogsback if you want something a bit more challenging… but also less crowded.
Leave No Trace
When exploring the beauty of the wild, remember to leave no trace. Well prepare for your activity by looking at weather forecasts and common travel times. Stick to the trail, properly dispose of waste, and be considerate of others (that includes the wildlife)! Also be sure to leave any artifacts that you find to preserve the natural landscape.
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