Sugarloaf Mountain Observation Decks

There are options for climbing and descending, two levels of difficulty. The easier trail has a lot of boardwalks and stairs, while the more difficult trail has uneven ground, rocks, and roots to avoid.

There's a good reason it's on the short list of places to go in Marquette! Two options for the hike up, one "improved" trail with stairs to make it easier and one "unimproved" trail. We parked at the gravel lot which starts you halfway up the improved trail and makes it quite a short trip to a fantastic view at the top!

We went on a sunny warm Saturday and many other people had the same idea to climb Sugarloaf. And it is worth the effort. Fantastic 360 degree views. Lots of thought placed observation decks and as many or more naturally provided viewpoints. It’s a strenuous climb so take your time if you’re struggling. Dog friendly. Pit toilet in the south parking lot.

GRUELING march up countless stairs to the top. But worth EVERY step for the view!

Nice, quick hike with some great views of Lake Superior. WARNING: Google Maps (and maybe other apps) show a trail that is not on the map that goes from the observation area to the water below. Do not try to take this trail. It doesn't exist and it is an extremely steep and dangerous trek down to the water, and once down there, you're basically stuck with an even worse climb back up. There are cougars in the area.

Amazing views, however lots (I mean, LOTS) of steps to ascend to the top. The views are worth the effort. There were quite a few people when we went, but you just gotta be respectful and take turns at the various viewpoints.

What a spot to go and see this beautiful panoramic scenery and unbelievable view 🌅 Walk to the top max 20 minutes with some pictures stop, but many steps before you on the top, well worth it, and big recommended for everyone

What an amazing view from the top! The hike up was a bit rough. There were roughly 300+ stairs not including all the hiking in between. (Stopped counting after 300). On top of that it was 90°+ outside.. All in all I would definitely recommend this hike. The view from the top is 100% worth it!

Some of these reviews made me a little nervous about the hike up, and maybe that made it more tolerable, but I thought it was pretty pleasant. Yes there were so many stairs, but lots of benches and pretty forest along the way, and informative signs about Sugarloaf.

We parked at the gravel parking lot which I believe means we took the "improved trail" but that was all pretty confusing to decipher so I can't be totally sure. The only problem I had was that at a certain point the one and only trail marker we saw seemed very... ambiguous with the directions it was pointing and what exactly it was pointing at. However, we just kept following the most upward-looking path and made it up just fine.

Absolutely incredible views, worth every step.

Really fantastic overlook. To the north and east you've got the coast and Superior and several islands. To the south and west... trees forever. Probably a pretty cool place to view a sunrise or sunset.
The hike from the lot almost due south was about a mile or so round-trip, a little shorter than if you park at the lot a little more to the north/west along Big Bay Rd. Several flights of stairs to climb, but generally painless.
Fun fact we learned at the top: the obelisk is a monument to Bartlett King, an assistant scoutmaster who helped establish the local troop, which claims to be the first Boy Scout troop in the US. He died fighting in WWI, after which the troop constructed the memorial.

The views from Sugarloaf Mountan observation places are amazing. Quite few steps to climb up to get to the high points. We did few stops on the way up to take breaks. But its all worth it. God is Great. Beautiful areas. Going down hill is much easier.

A nice walk/brief hike up Sugarloaf is always what the doctor orders! I like visiting Sugarloaf year round, but especially in fall. It's a short and easy, family friendly hike. I definitely recommend when people are visiting. During the summer, expect bugs. During the winter the snow/ice can be tricky, hike with friends. There is an easy trail with stairs and a difficult one without. Both are good and not too hard.

Spectacular views! Hike up was a little muddy and buggy, but it had just rained.

Be prepared for a hike. Tons of stairs, or you can avoid the stairs and climb along the beaten paths to the top of the mountain.
There is a rewarding view once you reach the top.

One of our favorites. Super easy quick hike ( we love to go off trail, up the rocks, but also has an easy option with staircases the whole way up) for a great view.

2nd time less than 2 miles walk and hike to the top. Beautiful scenery and refreshing view of the UP as well as lake superior.

Get ready to climb some stairs and somewhat uneven trails (you're walking up a mountain after all). But once you make it up to the observation deck the views of the land and lake are incredible.

Absolutely stunning views and they keep improving parking and trails. It's a must see if you visit Marquette. Lots of stairs and a few places the trail is slightly uneven but is generally an easy hike.

Great setup and some really nice views. I can imagine this being popular in good weather. I was there on a rainy day and had it to myself

What could be better than nature, being above trees and seeing the entire state with the most beautiful sights is such a blessing