Mount Marquette Scenic Overlook and Drive

October 30, 2024

It was my fifth visit to Marquette when I learned of Mount Marquette. This 1,200 ft Michigan mountain provides views of downtown Marquette, the Upper and Lower Ore Docks, Presque Isle, the Lake Superior shoreline, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and both Sugarloaf and Hogback Mountain peaks! The panoramic view is quite special because it overlooks many, if not all, of the main Marquette attractions from the south side of town.

Heading towards Marquette for the day, I only knew this captivating overlook by name and as a pin on a map. Though I didn’t know the way up, I was determined to reach a lookout spot for fall views. I thought my partner and I could easily hike an AllTrails loop called “Gorge-ous, Doctors and Grom Loop Trail”. It turns out the first 0.4 miles are a wide bike path from one parking lot to a cabin resort area and campground, at which point different trails diverge. We were confused by the AllTrails route but attempted again to continue 0.6 miles more up to the viewpoint. This is when we realized that cars could drive up to the viewpoint but also that we were on the wrong side of the one-way mountain drive. We hiked on a bike path, then a jeep trail and then met back up with the AllTrails route on the main road. People were driving quickly down the mountain after enjoying the overlook and we decided before going too much further that it wasn’t safe to hike up Mount Marquette Road.

Ultimately, to reach these gorgeous views, I would recommend mountain biking the trails or driving the Mount Marquette Road. The trails are part of the Noquemanon Trail Network’s (NTN) South Trails. They are well maintained but better suited for bikers than hikers. On the NTN’s website they state that “NTN is a 501C-3 non-profit with a mission to secure, develop, maintain and promote the use of a non-motorized trail network throughout the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan”. The NTN provides opportunities for recreation through hiking, trail running, mountain biking, cross country skiing, skijoring and snowshoeing. I'm excited to explore NTN's 125 km (78 miles) of nordic ski trails this winter!

As far as the Mount Marquette drive goes… This is quite literally the steepest road I’ve ever driven in Michigan!

Here’s what to know before you go:

- Watch for bikers

- Have strong tires/traction

- This is a one-way road

- The road is unpaved with some ruts but relatively smooth

- The road is seasonal; only drive in good weather

- No RVs, buses or trailers should take this road

Directions to enter the Mount Marquette scenic drive:

After giving up on our hiking plans, I used a map to look more closely and locate the entrance for the scenic drive. Heading south from downtown, you’ll want to find Front Street (also marked as M-28/US-41). Soon after leaving the downtown area on this road heading south, you’ll continue straight through a three-way roundabout. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto Cliff Power Road just before the Carp River bridge. Immediately, take the next left onto a dirt road with a blue sign directing you to Mount Marquette South Trails in ½ mile. Follow the blue signs guiding you to the Mount Marquette drive. The last group of signs you encounter before entering the drive are warning signs: a yellow sign reading ‘very steep grades’ above a black and white ‘one way’ reminder. There is another blue sign with an arrow pointing to Mount Marquette and above that a list of prohibited vehicles (RVs, buses, trailers).

The drive is short but incredibly steep and not one to be underestimated. Give space on the road for other drivers and maintain a consistent speed to make it up each hill. Some hills were so steep that we doubted our truck at times! You’ll climb for nine minutes in your car until you come to the first lookout parking area on the right. This parking lot is small and only suitable for a handful of vehicles to park. Both the first and second lookouts are natural rock ledges that you walk up to admire Marquette from; it is not strenuous but wearing tennis shoes would be better than flip flops!

The next lookout is just up another hill from the first. It has a larger parking area, and the viewpoint features a metal railing that you can stand in front of or easily walk around. Across from the second viewpoint and up a larger hill, I noticed a family walking down from what could be a third viewpoint. When I go back next, I’ll have to check this path out; on AllTrails, it looks like the Mount Marquette peak! From the second stop, you’ll start heading down the other side of the mountain. 

I truly cannot believe this location has remained hidden from me until this visit to Marquette! Compared to the herds of people hiking Sugarloaf on any given day, this drive seems like a relatively quiet spot offering the best view of town that I’ve seen. The day we visited showcased peak fall color conditions in the area and made for the perfect afternoon activity after we finally figured out how to access the drive! Since you’re reading this blog and viewing the map I made, you’ll surely make it to the viewpoints on your first attempt! Soak up the sights and feel free to tag me in your stories/posts if these directions were helpful to you!

Thanks for reading! 

-Jess