Circle Michigan 2023 - 9

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Hike to Waterfalls, Kayak, and
Fish in Marquette
Those looking for a more remote escape will find plenty of water
adventure in and around Marquette in the Upper Peninsula. Along
the banks of Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes,
groups can choose from a variety of adventures, including hiking
along Lake Superior or kayaking on open water through the area's
many inland waterways.
" Lake Superior is something really special, " says Susan Estler,
executive director of Travel Marquette. " It's just a beautiful body
of water, and Lake Superior really is the underpinning for the
city of Marquette. Having that relationship with Lake Superior is
important for our locals and visitors, and she holds a very special
place in our hearts. She is to be revered and respected. "
Marquette County offers an abundance of trails to explore on
foot as well. The hardest part of the adventure is choosing which
trail to hike from the seemingly endless list of trail systems, hiking
routes, and public parks.
" There are so many different places that you can hike here that
provide amazing views of Lake Superior and surrounding nature
throughout the region, " Estler says. " There are the old familiar
places like Presque Isle and Sugarloaf Mountain. You could venture
out to Little Presque Isle or all the different little nooks and
crannies as you make your way up to Big Bay and Lake Independence.
There's also Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook, an accessible
trail leading to a large platform that gives hikers a beautiful view
toward the bay. "
Marquette is also known for its bounty of waterfalls. Hikers
can find more than 22 waterfalls along trails and in wilderness
areas throughout the region. Popular waterfall hikes include the
scenic 1.7-mile Dead River Falls trail; the 2.8-mile Morgan Falls
trail, which follows a flat and vehicle-free gravel road; or the
8-mile Little Garlic Falls.
For adventure-seeking groups that want to get out on the water,
Kayaking near Marquette;
Bottom: Sailing on the Wind
Dancer, Traverse City
fishing and kayaking on inland lakes make for popular outdoor
activities when visiting Marquette. " Teal Lake is an amazing place
to paddleboard, kayak, row, and fish, as it's a nonmotorized
lake, " Estler says.
Grand Traverse Bay. " Manitou, the company's tall ship, offers
a variety of group cruising experiences, including a morning
Blood Mary Cruise, afternoon Moomers Ice Cream Sails, and
its popular Evening Sail cruise. Optional add-on Dinner &
Sail Packages are also available, or groups can make a reservation
at nearby Harrington's By the Bay for dining before or
after their trip.
Other boat charters throughout the Grand Traverse Bay
region include catamaran sailing with Nauti-Cat Cruises,
Wind Dancer Charters, Third Coast Yacht Charters, and Discover
Cruises, among others.
Additionally, Tkach recommends a drive up Old Mission
Peninsula for spectacular views of both East and West bays
along the breathtaking scenic route. " It's a mesmerizing journey
driving from downtown Traverse City to the tip of Old
Mission Peninsula, " he says.
CIRCLEMICHIGAN.COM | 7
PHOTO TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM
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Circle Michigan 2023

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