Michigan Trail Tuesday is our attempt to showcase a different trail or trail segment each week. The Mitten State is home to thousands of miles of trails, including the new Iron Belle Trail that runs from Detroit in the southeast to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula and more miles of the North Country Trail than any other state.

The drive north on CR-550 from Marquette to Big Bay offers access to some of the area’s best hiking trails: Sugarloaf Mountain, Little Presque Isle, Harlow Lake, Echo Lake, Thomas Rock Overlook, Alder Falls, and more. The Wetmore Pond Nature Trails are close to Sugarloaf Mountain and give visitors a chance to take a short hike with scenic views of a pond, bog, and rock outcroppings, or tackle a much more difficult hike up Hogback Mountain. We’ve visited a few times in spring and summer, and today we will let you know how to get there and what to expect when you visit.

There is a small loop drive and parking area here, and a trailhead sign that shows a map of the area and trail lengths. If you’re just looking to visit Wetmore Pond, head straight on the main trail and follow the colored blazes. The trail passes through the woods before it eventually reaches a platform overlooking the pond.

When we recently visited in June of 2024, the approach to the platform was submerged so we backtracked to a spot where we could hike up onto the rock outcroppings for a better view.

I had previously visited in the spring a few years ago, and was lucky enough to do so with my friend Paul who was familiar with the area. He showed me the trails as well as the bog, which features spongy moss that moves and bounces when you walk on it.

This year we saw some pitcher plants along the trail. We were surprise to not see more birds or small mammals here during our visit since there were only a few other cars in the parking lot.

In addition to the short trail to Wetmore Pond, you can also check out the Lily Pond Trail on the other side of an old railroad grade, the Old Growth Trail (half mile), and the Hogback Mountain Trail. We have yet to tackle Hogback Mountain, but recommend you read up on the hike before attempting it.

This is a great place for some quieter hiking, and it does not draw the crowds that Sugarloaf Mountain does. From Marquette, head north on CR-550 for five and a half miles, and look for the sign on the left directing you to the Wetmore Pond Nature Trails (shortly after the two parking areas for Sugarloaf Mountain).