Trail Map
IDNR's Pere Marquette trail map shows 10 named hiking trails, each with its own color code, from the quarter-mile Ridge and Oak trails to the 2 1/4-mile Fern Hollow Trail. IDNR describes about 12 miles of marked hiking trails in all. Pick up the paper map at the Visitor Center, where staff will also suggest a route.
The Trail System at a Glance
The 10 Trails on the IDNR Map
Lengths, colors and difficulty below are copied from the map key. "One way" means the map gives the length for one direction, so a there-and-back walk is about double.
- Goat Cliff Trail (yellow): moderate, 1 1/2 miles one way.
- Dogwood Trail (dark blue): moderate, 1/2 mile.
- Ridge Trail (light blue): listed as difficult, 1/4 mile one way.
- Ravine Trail (green): moderate, 1/2 mile one way.
- Hickory Trail (red): easy, 1/2 mile one way. The only trail the key rates easy.
- Hickory North Trail (red with a white bar): moderate, 1 mile one way.
- Hickory South Trail (red with a white circle): moderate, 1 1/4 miles one way.
- Fern Hollow Trail (orange): moderate, 2 1/4 miles. The longest named trail.
- Rattlesnake Trail (orange with a white bar): moderate, 1/4 mile one way.
- Oak Trail (pink): moderate, 1/4 mile one way.
Added up, the named trails on the key come to 8 1/4 miles.
What the Map Shows Along the Trails
- McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds, the bluff-top high points reached by the trails behind the Visitor Center. See McAdams Peak.
- Twin Shelter, Eagles Roost and the flag pole, stops with parking along the Scenic Drive.
- Lovers Leap, an overlook near the picnic area off Upper Park Road.
- Stump Lake, across Route 100, which IDNR names as a bird-watching spot.
- Scenic overlooks, picnic shelters, the lodge and cabins, the Class A campground and the Duncan Hill Youth Camp.
Where the Trails Start
The trail system climbs from the Visitor Center and lodge area on Route 100 up to the Scenic Drive along the ridge. If you want to start high and skip the climb, drive the Scenic Drive and park at Twin Shelter or Eagles Roost. If you want the full climb, start at the Visitor Center. See parking.
Trail Rules That Matter
- Open sunup to sundown.
- Dogs are welcome on a leash; pick up after them.
- No bikes on hiking trails: IDNR says it is illegal. Ride the paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail instead.
- Horses use the separate equestrian trail system off Graham Hollow Road. See horseback riding.
For which trail to pick, see hiking at Pere Marquette.
Trail Map FAQ
How many miles of trails are at Pere Marquette State Park?
IDNR describes about 12 miles of marked hiking trails, plus about 20 miles of equestrian trails. The 10 named trails on the map key add up to 8 1/4 miles.
What is the longest trail at Pere Marquette?
Fern Hollow Trail, 2 1/4 miles and marked in orange, according to the IDNR map.
Where can I get a Pere Marquette trail map?
At the Visitor Center on Route 100, inside and outside the building, or as a PDF on the IDNR park website.
Which Pere Marquette trail is easiest?
The Hickory Trail, marked red, is the only trail the IDNR map rates easy. It is 1/2 mile one way.
Are bikes allowed on Pere Marquette trails?
No. IDNR says biking on the hiking trails is illegal. The paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is the place to ride.