Michigan Trails

South Marblehead Loop

5/5 (3 reviews)

Drummond Island, Michigan (Chippewa County)

Last Updated: 11/18/2020

Trail Information

Highlights

Forest

Scenic

Water

Winding its way along the eastern shoreline of Drummond Island, Marblehead Road is a perfect taste of all the trails here. While driving through the dense forest there are deep muddy puddles, a few small rock obstacles, and then “The Steps at Marblehead” right before reaching the lookout. This is the only named obstacle and requires a good vehicle and driver to get down and back up. Marblehead sits a little over 100’ feet above the water and the limestone that makes up most of the island is exposed here, creating drama along this shoreline. This limestone is part of what’s known as the Niagara Escarpment, a natural rock formation that stretches for over 900 miles and is actually part of Niagara Falls. Do not miss the Steps at Marblehead or this trail in general, it really is a gem within the trail system.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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JD Marshall

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

This straight-through trail connects Glen Cove Road to the Marblehead lookout. There are a number of deep mud puddles along the way and some rocks though the only major obstacle of note is at Waypoint 11. There are easier paths down this obstacle and most experienced drivers can navigate this trail easily with a solid 4x4.

You cannot drive up to Marblehead anymore. The parking area is well defined at Waypoint 12.

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 1: Trailhead

The trailhead is just off of Glen Cove Road.

2. Glen Cove Walking Trail - Stay Right (0.09 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 2: Glen Cove Walking Trail - Stay Right

Stay right at the Glen Cove walking trail. There is a gate here but places to park if you want to walk that cove.

3. Rock & Muddy Pools Start (0.39 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 3: Rock & Muddy Pools Start

This trail has a number of these rocky sections that contain muddy pits along the way.

4. Bridge (2.04 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 4: Bridge

Stay straight over this wood & metal bridge.

5. Start Lakeshore - Stay Right (2.18 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 5: Start Lakeshore - Stay Right

Stay right at the start of the lakeshore. You're welcome to get out and walk along the beach but remember that driving along the beach is illegal. Stay the trail! Overlanders will find amazing campsites perfect for parking along this beach and up until Waypoint 6.

6. End Lakeshore Area - Stay Right (2.5 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 6: End Lakeshore Area - Stay Right

Stay right at the end of this lakeshore area. There are multiple paths down towards the beach, just don't drive onto the beach or into the water itself.

7. Deep Water & Ledges (2.95 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 7: Deep Water & Ledges

This part of the trail has a few of these areas of deep water that usually have some ledges while getting into or driving through them. Typically, what looks like the bypass is the more shallow route but that is NOT always the case. Your best bet before tackling any water past this point is to probe the water for depth with a stick or pole. Be cautious and prepared.

8. Unknown Spur - Stay Left (3.3 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 8: Unknown Spur - Stay Left

Stay left at this unknown spur.

9. Stone's Throw - Stay Left (3.45 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 9: Stone's Throw - Stay Left

Stay left at this intersection with Stone's Throw. This moderate trail takes you back towards Shale Beach and the difficult East Marblehead Loop.

10. First Ledges (3.6 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 10: First Ledges

These ledges are a small step down in the trail but do not pose any major risks. Taking your time over this should make it an easy climb down and back up when you're done at the beach.

11. The Steps at Marblehead (3.93 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 11: The Steps at Marblehead

This obstacle is what is most well known about this trail and it has multiple lines to the bottom. When traveling towards the beach, the rightmost path is the easiest and it gets more difficult the further to the left you go. The rightmost path can be taken with a stock Jeep with larger tires, but the leftmost path will require a 4x4 with serious modifications to get through safely. You will need to climb this on the way back out of the trail so keep that in mind while going down this waypoint.

12. End of Trail at Marblehead (4 mi)

South Marblehead Loop - Waypoint 12: End of Trail at Marblehead

The trail ends at Marblehead, the island's most easterly point. This outcropping of rocks sits about 100 feet above the water and has sweeping views of the beach below and Canada across the water if you look real close. Return the way you came.

Trail Reviews

5/5 (3)

James P Corrigan

1200

Open

Visited: 07/09/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Perfect sunny day and no one else around until I was almost back out. Special views and the trail had it all in challenges. Took some time at the steps with no spotter.

JD Marshall

Official Crew

113250

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/02/2020

Loved, loved, loved this trail! This was a great mix of technical stuff, some water, and that beautiful shoreline. On our way back the sun came out for a little bit and gave us some great views of the bay. I actually recommend doing this trail before the Marblehead Loop since that trail can really beat you up.

Jen Marshall

Official Crew

3500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/25/2020

This whole island is stunning! This trail was a lot of fun and ends at a beautiful scenic overlook at the lake. Highly suggest visiting the island! If you like a lot of water this area is for you!

South Marblehead Loop

Trail Information

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Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Glen Cove Walking Trail - Stay Right (0.09 mi)

3. Rock & Muddy Pools Start (0.39 mi)

4. Bridge (2.04 mi)

5. Start Lakeshore - Stay Right (2.18 mi)

6. End Lakeshore Area - Stay Right (2.5 mi)

7. Deep Water & Ledges (2.95 mi)

8. Unknown Spur - Stay Left (3.3 mi)

9. Stone's Throw - Stay Left (3.45 mi)

10. First Ledges (3.6 mi)

11. The Steps at Marblehead (3.93 mi)

12. End of Trail at Marblehead (4 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

JD Marshall

South Marblehead Loop

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

0 votes

1 votes

0 votes

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Glen Cove Walking Trail - Stay Right (0.09 mi)

3. Rock & Muddy Pools Start (0.39 mi)

4. Bridge (2.04 mi)

5. Start Lakeshore - Stay Right (2.18 mi)

6. End Lakeshore Area - Stay Right (2.5 mi)

7. Deep Water & Ledges (2.95 mi)

8. Unknown Spur - Stay Left (3.3 mi)

9. Stone's Throw - Stay Left (3.45 mi)

10. First Ledges (3.6 mi)

11. The Steps at Marblehead (3.93 mi)

12. End of Trail at Marblehead (4 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

JD Marshall

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