Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan, stands at 470 feet and is one of the most popular hikes in the Upper Peninsula. Locals and visitors alike make the short trek for its panoramic views of Lake Superior, the city of Marquette, and the rugged Huron Mountains. The rocky terrain, wooden staircases, and rewarding overlooks make it a bucket-list stop for anyone exploring Michigan’s U.P.
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Choosing Your Trail
The trail to the summit is only about a half-mile long, but don’t let the distance fool you. There are two routes: the “easy” way with gentler terrain and the “difficult” way that’s steeper and more direct. Both trails are well-marked and take 15–30 minutes to complete, depending on pace. Expect some stair climbing, stepping over rocks and roots, and a moderate level of difficulty overall.
My family of five learned the hard way about the two options—we unknowingly picked the challenging trail. By the time we reached the top, we were sweaty, dirty, and ready to collapse. At the summit, we discovered a group of cheerful, white-haired women who had breezed up the easier trail without breaking a sweat. Needless to say, we had a good laugh at our expense.
The Climb: Real-Life Family Moments
The “difficult” trail includes plenty of wooden steps and a steady uphill climb. My hiking poles became the running joke of the day—everyone teased me at first, but halfway up, they all wished they had brought their own.
Like any mom on the trail, I spent much of the climb reminding my fearless 11- and 15-year-olds to stay on the path instead of scrambling up the sides of the mountain. My middle son, who shares my cautious streak, stuck with me and provided good company (and plenty of mutual complaints) while the others bounded ahead.
Despite the huffing, puffing, and occasional meltdowns, the climb was worth every step.
Scenic Overlooks at the Summit
At the top, three different observation platforms make Sugarloaf Mountain unforgettable.
- South-facing deck: Views of Marquette landmarks like the Superior Dome, Upper Ore Dock, and Presque Isle Park.
- East-facing deck: A sweeping look at Lake Superior’s shoreline, including Wetmore Landing and Little Presque Isle.
- West-facing platform: A rugged horizon of the Huron Mountains and nearby Hogsback Mountain.
Standing at any of these overlooks, it’s easy to see why this short hike is one of the most beloved in Michigan. Photos don’t quite capture the feeling of standing above Lake Superior with the wind in your hair.
The Descent
The hike down is a breeze compared to the climb. With gravity on our side, we laughed about our sweaty ascent and took time to enjoy the forest scenery on the way back to the trailhead.
Before You Go
Sugarloaf Mountain is dog-friendly, and many hikers bring their pups along (on leashes, of course). The trail is also popular for trail running and can get busy during summer and fall weekends, so plan accordingly.
Directions: Google Maps Link to Sugarloaf Mountain
More resources: Check out a 360-degree video from the summit to preview the views.
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