Hogback Mountain Trail Head

Best hike that is close to Marquette. Very rocky, especially near the summit but it's an excellent challenge and it's only a short of hike of 1.5 or so miles one way. Views are spectacular from the summit!

Amazing view from the top. Took about 50min to an hour to get to the summit. Trail is well marked. Mosquitoes were pretty bad.

We walked just a few miles on this extensive trail network. We found the posted maps to be hard to follow so I suggest you find anther map source or use AllTrails — but download your trails before arriving as signal spotty. We tried to hike to the Lookout which was signed on a trail but didn’t find it.

Fun hike and mostly well marked but one path that can be easy to go off trail in a densely wooded area.

Hike was easy to navigate until around the summit where scuttling was required. Have proper footwear and bring a lunch to enjoy on the summit.

I can only speak to the hiking trail...I'm a novice "hiker"...AKA, I'm an overweight 43 year old local housewife with the time to kill myself doing things well above my skill level. But I also have ADHD and zero fear so I take risks no matter what. If you hike a lot, this will be a challenging course. It took me just under 2 hours to scale this.
If you are simply looking for something to do while visiting Marquette, go to Sugarloaf - while Sugarloaf has lots of stairs, Sugarloaf has...stairs, that's a big perk. They also have bathrooms, trashcans, and benches. Hogback, not Hogsback, is primitive. No camping.
It's 1.9 miles to the top through incredibly steep and, at times, treacherous territory (see photos). But...if you're young or fit or just simply have the desire to kill yourself or at the very least, meet God at the top, I step aside and welcome you up.
The "kill yourself" is of course in jest but also, true. Fall of 2021 a local man passed away on his hike up Hogback. So please be sure you want to do this hike. This is NOT a family event with small children. It's just not - go to Sugarloaf.
It's gorgeous up here and filled with lots of bilberries and thimbleberries when in season. Because of its difficulty, it is not often hiked by many.
You will leave hot, sweaty, tired, rubber legged and so incredibly proud of yourself. The views reach to Big Bay to the north (and on very clear days the Keweenaw Penninsula can be seen - bring some binoculars) and virtually all of Marquette City to the south. Areas west are quite visible as well.
Is it worth it? Yes. Resounding YES! It is the quintessential representation of God's Country.

Rocky and a lot of roots so take your time. But the hike is all in the trees until the top. A moderate hike about 1.75 miles and the views are beautiful. Lake Superior coast line in the distance.

July 18 2020, my wife and our dog attemped the Hogback Mountain but stopped just short due to the rocks and our dog. Sunny, muggy and a great hike! We did the Red Trail and took the shortcut then made a loop on the way out. Trail is rugged but manageable. 2 hours and 4 miles round trip with breaks and pictures. Take a pic of the trail map or use Alltrails before starting.

Great hike, and amazing views from the summit. It's not too challenging of a hike when it's dry and light out.

Excellent hiking trails with a great view at the top. If you are looking for a manicured scenic trail this is not for you. Some sections are challenging.

Natural progression after checking out Sugarloaf. Much more difficult and on our particular day the mosquitos chased us back to the parking lot. We also brought 2 cars so we could hike from one parking lot to the other. Was blown away from trailhead to peak the whole experience was awesome.

Follow the path. In the fall when the leaves have fallen its tricky to follow. There are multiple ways to go. Some are definitely easier than others so choose wisely.

This is the trailhead for the southern and (allegedly) easier approach to Hogback mountain. Follow white blazes until the trail temporarily runs with the North Country Trail, and blazes become blue with a white inset. Keep to right /north on the white blazes as some branch south and to I don't know where. When the trail parys from NCT you'll once again be following white blazes. No dogs per trailhead signage, but the unleashed hound of a North Face-warrior couple charged me so beware. Bring water, but there's a creek and a brook along the way that look to be serviceable in case of emergency.

Great view a the top, beautiful hike through the forest. Gets a little steep right at the end but our 6 y/o handled it well enough, but other than that, it's a pretty easy hike. Make sure to follow the white things on trees, otherwise you might go on a wrong fork.

Extraordinary views with a beautiful hike to the summit. There is a parking lot at this location as well as across the street (the latter of which was far more crowded). The trail is well marked with blue paint. There is a bit of a rock scramble towards the top and you would probably have great difficulty if you have knee problems.

Notably, do NOT go immediately after a rain in the summer. Rain was just ceasing as we began our ascent and the hike was absolutely grueling. There was no wind until the summit and the most mosquitoes I've ever encountered - I could easily see about 30 swarming my wife's legs at any given moment while large flies circled our heads.

We got to the summit, sat for about 30 mins, then began our descent. The descent was practically an entirely different experience - good wind flow, limited mosquitoes and a very enjoyable hike.

First, know this is a true moderate hike. The first mile is pretty tame and as you get closer to the summit, be prepared to use hands to climb as well. Take a picnic or a snack to munch on while you enjoy the view.

I hiked this area during the winter. The parking area was plowed. There's a map displayed at the beginning and markers along the trail so I didn't have to be concerned about getting lost. The view from the top is spectacular!

Easy hike for the view. Took our crew of athletes a little under 30 minutes to top. Well marked, multiple views from the top. Well worth it! Don't be afraid to hit a few rock walls and climb to the top!

Of the four peaks this is my favorite. The view is breathtaking from the top.

Absolutely beautiful winter hike

Difficult hike Appx-3.4 mile loop but excellent view at the top!!