Jasper Knob

Jasper Knob, the world's largest gemstone, is made up of about 25 million tons of jaspilite. Jaspilite is made up of alternating layers of bluish-black hematite and red jasper. Jasper Knob's sides are covered with soil and vegetation, while the top is bald. The bluff abruptly falls off to a valley hundreds of feet below, giving visitors an excellent view of Ishpeming.

In 1846, an Indian named Madji-Gesick led Philo Everett, an explorer to a "shining mountain." This mountain was  a mass of ore measuring 180 feet high and 1,000 feet wide.

 Jasper Knob is owned by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. It is located near Hill and Jasper Street and can be accessed by a five-step opening in a rock wall. There are no road signs going to Jasper Knob, it isn't marked in anyway. Many Ishpeming residents do not even know of its existence.

Trails

Ishpeming has many trails that are convenient for recreational purposes. There are so many trails around the area that one could get anywhere in Ishpeming by using them. Some are official trails that are paved, but most are not. Many are just single or two-ruts trails twisting through the woods created by locals.

Trails are meants for snowmobiles and cross country skiing. Many of the roads were created during the mining boom and are no longer used by the mines. When using these trails, one can often see the signs of the mining long ago. One of the main trails through Ishpeming is an old railroad grade.

Activities on these miles of trails are dirtbiking, four-wheeling, running, walking, mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Activities depend on the season, but the trails are very popular year-round.

There is a new trail called the Heritage Trail.  It is a paved trail and no motor vehicles are permitted on it. The Heritage Trail runs through Ishpeming and Negaunee. The path is good for people that can't handle rougher hiking on the dirt trails. Many people walk their dogs or ride their bikes on this path.

For more information on the Heritage Trails, visit this site http://www.ironoreheritage.com/final/index.php