Local mountain biking expert, Todd Poquette, has always been known as one to disappear into the woods. He began as an avid hiker and backpacker before he fell for the sport of cycling over a decade ago. Today, he works as the Director of Adventure for the 906 Adventure Team, a non-profit aimed at helping others discover themselves through outdoor adventure. Poquette is no stranger to the Marquette trails and he can even help you explore them too.

 

SKILL LEVEL

We’d say Todd’s an expert, but if you ask him, “No one is an expert.”

Biking Marquette

LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Mountain bikers seeking an extreme, old-school experience should visit the RAMBA Trails nestled in the hills around Negaunee and Ishpeming. They’ve been building trails for thirty years by hand! It won’t take long for you to pick up on the west end’s mining heritage. Abandoned towns reclaimed by mother nature, leave unexpected foundations and staircases scattered about the trail system. The Iron Range will leave you tired, out of breath—and beaming.

Get away from the crowds and explore the Harlow Lake area. Ride up and over rocky granite outcroppings and take in view after view of Lake Superior. The trails are rugged, rocky, and unforgiving. Take your time and pick good lines. Cell service can be spotty if not non-existent. An excellent place for adventurers.

Marquette's North Trails offer an array of single and double track options for riders of all ages and abilities. For those seeking an extensive adventure, you can connect a ride through the North Trails to Harlow Lake for the true Marquette experience. I’d recommend this area to families and folks seeking beginner to intermediate trails as there’s a ton of variety when it comes to distance and terrain.

 

DEGREE // DIFFICULTY

  • Iron Heritage Trail // Beginner. Great for all riders.
  • RAMBA Trails // Intermediate to Expert. Rocks, a lot of climbing, cliffs.
  • Harlow Lake Area // Intermediate to Expert. Rocks, a lot of climbing, remote.
  • North Trails // Beginner to Intermediate. Some elevation gains and tight single-track.

 

DISTANCE // ELEVATION

Marquette County hosts trail systems meticulously cared for by volunteer organizations. You could spend weeks riding new loops without riding the same trail twice. Visitors can ride from Marquette to Negaunee and Ishpeming on the West End via the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for the ultimate single-day experience, or they could sign up for the Marji Gesick—a one- hundred-mile mountain bike event that has been dubbed the hardest single-day mountain bike race in America.

* Visitors will immediately note feeling as though they are constantly climbing. It’s common to log 1,000+ feet of elevation gain in a 7-10 mile ride. Riding in Marquette County will challenge even the most experienced of riders. It’s a great place to visit and find your limits.
 

ONE WORD OF ADVICE

Once you visit Marquette you’ll want to live here – approach with caution. Also, feel free to follow the 906 Adventure Team on Facebook, or get ahold of Todd at todd@906adventureteam.com for “expert” help planning your next adventure.

 

LOCAL RENTALS // RETAILERS 

Marquette, MI
  • Sports Rack of Marquette
  • Downwind Sports
  • Lakeshore Bike
  • Quick Stop Bike Shop
Ishpeming, MI
  • West End Ski & Trail