Saux Head Trail

The Saux Head Trail is a part of the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) in the Marquette area.This is basically a cross country skiing trail that is open for hiking and biking in the summer. I would say that cross country skiing is its best use. It is an alright trail that is well maintained and well marked, but there really isn't anything stand out about it. I was expecting to see some nice views of Lake Superior, Saux Head Lake, Saux Head Hill, and what I think is Garlic Mountain off in the distance. However, there weren't really any views here. I only noticed one overlook and its view was obstructed with trees. If it had been unobstructed, it looked like it would've been a beautiful scene.

I did this trail with a friend who was mountain biking and he informed me that it wasn't really exceptional for mountain biking either. I would recommend this trail to those who are looking to get out and get some exercise (it is 12K of going up and down some good sized hills) or maybe those in the area who are obsessed with hiking every trail like myself. Also, anyone looking to cross country ski in the area should consider it an option. Keep in mind that an arm band is required to ski this trail and you can find more info about obtaining one on the NTN website. Here is a map of the trail.

Directions: From Marquette, take County Road 550 towards Big Bay for approximately 16 miles and turn right on Saux Head Lake Rd. Continue for 1 mile and turn left. The first parking lot is in 1/2 mile and the second parking is in 1 1/2 miles.

Rock River Falls

For my first post, I've randomly selected Rock River Falls. Rock River Falls are located near Chatham, MI and provide for a pleasant hike. In low water (which it was when I visited), the waterfall splits into two. In high water, which I haven't seen in person, the waterfall is much different. I feel that it had more character with low water and still provided for a beautiful scene. You can see it in high water here.

The trail is a pretty easy 1.2 mile trail that gradually descends down into the Rock River Canyon. One thing to note is that some of the trail is wet and muddy (even in late summer with a lack of rain), so you should consider wearing hiking boots or another waterproof option. It is likely that you won't encounter anyone else the entire time. The trail does not have any markers, but isn't too difficult to pick out.


Here is a map from the North Country Trail segment that shows where this trail starts. Look for the red trail. NCT Map

Directions: Reaching these falls requires a lot of time driving on old forest roads. From Chatham, head north on Rock River Road. After 4 miles, turn left on 2276. Proceed for 3.7 miles and then turn left on 2293. Take 2293 for .6 miles until there is a parking area on the left. The trail starts right at the parking area. Keep in mind that the forest roads are not plowed in the winter and reaching the trail by car is impossible in the winter or spring.

If you continue down the 2293 further, you will eventually come to what is said to be a gate but really looked like a mound of dirt and such. Behind this is the trail to Silver Bell Falls. The beavers had made this area very wet and my group was unable to cross it with just shoes on. Therefore, I have no further information on Silver Bell Falls.