Review Date
June 16, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: bkribbs ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I have visited several times and feel the need to review it as a resource and testimony to how sick these trails are! The trail begins next to Marquette ski mountain at the head of 3 other excellent and well maintained trails. These are all top notch rides. Its a great way to get your feet wet with downhill / all mountain type riding. The above directions are good, and any local will be more than happy to show you and likely, even ride with you. The gravel drive referred to as Benson Grade is the neccessary hike (or shuttle) that gives you the option of the Pioneer Loop, Your Mom, Your Sister, and Flow. The trail enters next to a small pond along ragged bluff lines and beautiful dense forest. It winds through the trees along great hardpack that provides good traction. It is almost all singletrack and has not been degraded by motorized vehicles or "donkeys." This trail is a great warm up for some of the extreme rides like your mom, etc. and has enough to keep veteran and novice riders smiling for days. This trail is the epitomy of "roller coaster" single track. It has a great gradual downhill that seems to last much longer than a mountain with this elevation could allow. The trail feels like a giant rhythm section when you keep your speed up. This is the antecdotal trail for the disease that IS Midwestern mountain biking. Kudos to the volunteers, the city, and enthusiasts for making Marquette the mountain bike mecca that it is. Well worth the 7 hour drive from Chicago.

Recommended Route:
Find the Marquette Trail head next to the ski mountain and ask any of the exceptionally friendly locals where to go. Most trails are easy to find and well marked. There is only one way allowed: Hike up Benson Grade and ride down.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
All of the trails listed on MTBR under Marquette are right next to the ski mountain. Find the parking area and enjoy.